Connecting people overcomes prejudice

A knowledge fair in Chennai, a coming together of people from culturally diverse groups: rural and urban women in sex work; sexual minorities; people living with HIV; rural families affected by HIV and those accompanying many of these groups.Day one saw people from the same community clustering together, comfortable with each other, but sceptical of what the others could possibly offer them. This discomfort with others led to jokes about them and scornful comments. In the evening, people sat in mixed groups and shared the most significant moment in their life.

Suddenly, like a shower bursting in, the barriers were washed away. People started to look at each other with respect. On the second and the third day, as they shared their dreams, hopes and concerns, new understanding dawned. People started to sit together at meals and they appreciated each other.

On the last day, and urban transgender youth went to an elderly rural farmer, who had shared about how he had cared for his son-in-law who died of HIV, when he was rejected by his own parents. He said, "You have made us understand the meaning of care. We have been rejected by our families and in turn have rejected them. Your story of care is so inspiring. You have made us realise that we can care for others and also that we need to reconnect with our families. Thank you."

Over lunch, on the same day, a teacher living with HIV from a traditional rural family asked another member of the sexual minority community, "Will you come to my village and share your experiences with my students? They would learn so much from you about life."

Here is the lesson that I have learned. Connecting people, connecting communities is what breaks down stigma and prejudice, not "programs" or interventions. Fears and prejudice have been overcome here and respect for the strengths of others has emerged. Learning from each other already moves us into the next level of transfer.