Transvestites spreading HIV/AIDS in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 18 : The increased social activity of transvestites in Mizoram, where tradition-bound people normally disapprove of them, has led to the spread of HIV/AIDS in the State which has a sizable percentage of young people affected by the disease.

Social workers say that the transvestites, locally known as Tuai or Pherh lately, more often engage in homosexual acts. According to a recent study conducted by a vernacular weekly magazine ‘Zogam’, up to 38.46 per cent of them have had sex with men.

The study, conducted among 50 transvestites, also reveals that more than 70 per cent of them prefer men as sex partners while only 19 per cent prefer girls.

Dr Lalthansani, a psychologist, said that despite disapproval by Mizo society, transvestitism has become more visible.

“They have become more fashionable and are dressing not only like girls, but more elegantly. They take part in social functions like picnics and music concerts,” Sangzuala Hmar, a local journalist, said.

PTI

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