Youth sex conference breaks taboos in Nepal

Dec 4, 2011, 17:28 GMT

Kathmandu- A youth conference in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu broke taboos Sunday by openly discussing sex and HIV - topics normally off limits in the country.

The gathering was organized by two youth groups to raise awareness on HIV-AIDS, and to encourage young people to discuss sex as a physical need, instead of an unmentionable topic.

'Although sex is a taboo in our society, our religious practices and culture is rife with sexual innuendos,' said sexologist Dr. Rajendra Bhadra.

'Sexuality is the essence of youth, emotions, expressions,' said Sagar Budathoki, a short film maker. 'Infatuations, crushes are more common when you are young.'

'We want to encourage young people to talk about sex to address these and important messages about protecting themselves against HIV-AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.'

'I would never dare discuss sex with my parents,' said Rojita Tamrakar, a restaurant owner. 'But such programs are necessary as we need to talk about these issues so that we can understand ourselves better.'

The participants at the program discussed the sexual connotations in the Hinduism and Buddhism practiced by Nepalis. Hindu Nepalis worship the Shiva Linga, which represents the state of union between man and woman.

According to figures released by the government on Friday, the number of people infected by HIV/AIDS in Nepal has decreased by 14,000 in the past four years.

The government said the use of contraceptives and awareness programs had played a role in bringing down the number of the infected.