Discourse on homosexual identity: Focus group exploration of a group of men who have sex with men in Calcutta

Individuals having sex with same sex has long been considered as mentally d isordered till 1973 when it was excluded from clinical category by the Amer ican Psychiatric Association. Homosexuality is increasingly being recognise d as a construction despite the search for a biological basis. This study a ims to explore through long narratives of men who have sex with men in a sm all group of four, the process of identity information with one's sexual pr eference. Two focus group interviews of ninety minutes each were held. All the participants were young, middle class and unmarried. These narratives r eflect the process of such identity formation which show a relationship wit h parental attitude. It also tells us that what is needed from the mental h ealth are : parental counselling, awareness on the issue and support for de criminalisation of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code.