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Discrimination against AIDS is unacceptable: Preity Zinta

India has the third largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS.

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Known as ‘underbelly of Mumbai’, the HIV-infected minority groups of transgenders, sex workers, men having sex with men (MSM) and intravenous (IV) drug users from the Humsafar Trust got a platform to openly interact and share their sorrow with the newly-appointed goodwill ambassador of United Nations AIDS (UN AIDS) organisation, actress Preity Zinta, on the World AIDS Day on Wednesday.

“I am still searching for my identity. On my ration card, my sex is noted as female but I have no proof as a transgender, I am identity-less,” points out Urmi, who is working as a counsellor with the trust for the last 10 years.

Pertinent issues like social acceptability, getting a ration or election card, pension schemes for HIV positives, provisions for condom-vending machines and fresh syringes, funding, psychiatry help, availability of medicines, shelter homes and employability to such vulnerable groups were the major issues of discussion.

As Preity listened to each patiently and noted down points for redressal, she said, “We will all work as a unit and ensure that you get the rights you deserve. It is high time that we stand up and say that discrimination against AIDS is unacceptable.”

Vivek Anand, CEO of the Humsafar Trust while speaking to DNA, said since there is a lot of stigma attached to the minority groups carrying HIV, homosexuals marry to gain acceptance. But in this attempt they spread the virus to their partners and risk two lives. We want to extend our umbrella and reach out by spreading maximum awareness. He further added that with Preity joining the cause, we have got motivation and support that will help us strengthen the plan by taking it up with the higher authorities.

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