Remember these three questions on communities?

1. How do you define the word 'community'?
2. Do communities of men who have sex with men, transgendered people, or sex workers really exist in Myanmar?
3. Do people who are men who have sex with men, transgendered, or sex workers desire to be linked to such communities and receive services this way, or do they prefer to access general health services?

Here are a couple of anonymous responses.

Jamie

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In response to (2), I would say unequivocally YES; however they are often ignored or over-ridden by INGOs that seek to establish their ‘own’ networks or groups, failing to first look and see what exists.

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I think that 'community' is a self-reflexive, fluid concept, dependent on whether or not the person feels 'membership' to that group and what they believe constitutes that group, membership to that group, and what 'form' the members take.

This can change over time too. Members can come and go according to their adapting lifestyle.

Many gay men do not identify with the identity models found in the 'community', therefore do not feel the need to align with any particular group. Some believe that to be gay is to be part of the 'community'- a necessity. Being part of the 'community' is a very expression of their 'gay-ness'.

Many sex workers, especially indirect sex workers, do not and will never define themselves as 'sex workers'. Some sex workers although they have finished sex work many years ago, will still view themselves as sex workers.

Some 'communities' develop because of sexuality models (eg lesbian) or identity models (eg transgender).

I know of no 'men who have sex with men' community, but the LGBTQ community is strong!

Many MSM do not view themselves as being "gay".

Many male sex workers view themselves as MSM first, then as sex workers. Often they will not view themselves as sex workers as well.