This body of work represents one chapter of Forgotten Faces of AIDS, and is the result of a rare opportunity I had to document a MSM (men who have sex with men) support group in North India. Under penal code, Section 377 (British 1810), MSM is illegal in India, subject to $10,000 fine and 10 years imprisonment. The Naz Foundation (India) has not only challenged this law before the Supreme Court, but also provides a safe space for MSM to meet for support, socializing and HIV education. Intrigued by this information, I requested and was given permission to visit and photograph one of the MSM groups. Since this particular group is composed of men who feel they should be women, they are not sexually interested in each other, but gather simply to be and to freely express themselves. Their agenda includes singing, dancing, refreshments and group discussion of HIV and/or sex related Issues. I photographed this MSM group over a 3 month period which culminated with an invitation to their celebration of Diwali, the annual Hindu Festival of Light. These images reflect the support these MSM share, celebrate their joy and honor their courage to be who they are...at least once a week.

 ~DMG