The [him] moderator is delighted that two readers has found [him]'s comment on the APNSW article to be "odd" and "interesting". [him] celebrates diversity, including diversity of opinion, and it is good to see that others do too.

The [him] moderator now learns that Ricky was speaking on behalf of all Asia's tens of millions of sex workers. This was not clear from Ricky's words or from the original posting. It was unclear who Ricky was speaking for. The moderator's question still stands - whether the carrying of condoms is used as evidence against female, male, and transgender sex workers in Myanmar - but [him] may have been looking for an answer in the wrong place.

Andrew notes there were slides. What slides? The APNSW website hasn't posted any slides. If Andrew sends them to [him] he will post them. Then we can all see the context of Ricky's words.

The [him] moderator applauds Ricky's bravery. And his speech sounds like he is an HIV professional. Well done.

[him] moderator

++++++++++++++++++

Ricky is a sex worker and an advocate for sex workers in Myanmar. One of the most consistent complaints from Burmese sex workers is being arrested for carrying condoms and the police claiming that carrying a condom is evidence that the woman carrying them is a sex worker.

Ricky's speech is not just about Myanmar- the slides to go with it made it clear that compulsory testing was an issue in some of the 100% condom use programs and that is well documented but rarely addressed.

Interesting you haven't said anything positive about a male sex worker from Myanmar actually coming out and being brave enough to give a speech as a sex worker, on behalf of other Asian sex workers to a meeting such as the UNAIDS PCB.

Andrew Hunter
APNSW

What odd remarks from the administrator. Of course sex workers get arrested all the time and of course cops grab their condoms and say they prove the person is a sex worker. Ricky was 'asserting' what he knows to be true because every single sex worker says the exact same thing. How often they are actually used as evidence in a court case I dont know. I have never heard of anyone going to a court in Myanmar, to plead not guilty.

Comments about 100% CUP were not Myanmar specific. It does include mandatory testing in several countries in the region.

Cheryl Overs