Pink community sees red over ’disease’ comment

Gay rights activists, LGBT members outraged over Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's remark calling homosexuality a 'disease' and 'unnatural'

Pink community sees red over 'disease' comment

Gay rights activists, LGBT members outraged over Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's remark calling homosexuality a 'disease' and 'unnatural'

"Men having sex with men (MSM) is not only a 'disease' but is also 'unnatural'," uttered by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has ruffled the feathers of many gay activists and members from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community.

Gay rights activists claim Ghulam Nabi Azad's comment was prehistoric

During the national convention of Zila Parishad chairpersons and mayors on HIV/AIDS, Azad said, "The disease of MSM is unnatural and not good for India. We are not able to identify where it is happening as cases of it being reported are very few."
u00a0
However, these words have angered the LGBT community causing many to question Azad's knowledge on homosexuality. Ma Faiza, a famous lesbian found it utterly outrageous for a health minister to make such a comment.

She said, "When the country is growing economically, then why can't it grow spiritually and culturally? Why does such a mindset still exist?" Faiza asked, adding "Azad's comments are prehistoric. Homosexuality has existed in society for many centuries and it's sad that a man at such a high position has made this comment."

Vikram Phukan, former editor of Bombay Dost said, "All I can say to Azad is get well soon and get some education. Instead of trying to garner brownie points, he should display more empathy for the sexual minorities."

Phukan added that the remark made by Azad would undo all the good Dr Ramadoss, the previous health minister had made, adding that such comments were taking the country back to the dark ages.

There were few who debated the veracity of the comment stating that the comment in itself was wrong. Apphia K, a gay activist said, "The act is completely natural and healthy if done with protection. Any kind of sex without protection is unhealthy."

Prince Manvendra Gohil said, "A person at his post now needs to get back to the basics and study science. Art depicting homosexuality is present in our temples. The diagnostic statistic manual of USA states that it is not a disorder mentally or physically and is natural."