Organised by Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS), a special screening of “Reflection” -- a documentary on MSM (men having sex with men) and transgender individuals exposed to the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS -- was held at the German Cultural Centre on March 17. Directed by Anisul Islam Hero, Chairperson of BSWS and also a noted dancer, the documentary has been produced with the support of UNAIDS Bangladesh. Socially stigmatised and isolated from the mainstream, these two communities are among the most marginalised ones -- extremely vulnerable to several sexually transmitted diseases.

Fritz Meijnder, deputy head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was the chief guest. Noted cultural personality Sara Zaker, director, Asiatic Centre and Tapan Saha from UNAIDS Bangladesh were special guests. Saleh Ahmed, CEO of BSWS, welcomed the audience. Anisur Rahman Hero briefly informed the audience about his film prior to the screening.

“Through my involvement with BSWS, an organisation which have been working since 1996 to improve the lives and health of the male sex workers and transgender community, I had an opportunity to get an insight into their lifestyle. Because of their lifestyle, they are at extreme risk of contracting various STDs, especially HIV/AIDS.

What is more alarming is that most people of the MSM and transgender communities do not have minimum access to sexual healthcare. The documentary addresses these issues to ensure basic human rights for these people living on the fringes of society,” noted Hero.

Tapan Saha said, “In a socio-cultural context where it is difficult to talk about sexuality in general, it is quite natural that we tend to ignore the very existence of the MSM community. But denying their existence will only worsen the situation. If we are to prevent further HIV infections, we should work together to break this silence.”

As a dance artiste, Hero uses the medium to communicate to people on the issue. Along with his fellow dancers and students, Hero performs for the MSM and transgender communities to generate awareness. The documentary features glimpses of the lives, struggles and discrimination faced by these socially stigmatised people as well as BSWS's activities in this field.

Mustafiz Shahin is the creative director of this 25-minute documentary. Bappa Majumdar has done the music for the film.

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