“I have worked in Mumbai for a very long time. My job pays well; my parents in Mathura don’t know what I do here and are happy with the money I send. But I am scared I will catch an infection; I want to leave this job,” says Omprakash, a school dropout, who along with his colleagues had assembled in Byculla for an induction lecture on the training they will soon participate in.

“They have informed us about a mobile repair course. I am aware it will not earn me enough. But it will surely be a better life. I want to earn my self-respect back,” he said.

Omprakash’s tone was echoed by the 50-odd male sex workers who had gathered to learn of several courses that will soon be started for the group. Samabhavana, which works on the issues of gay rights, began its work with thousands of Mumbai’s “masseurs” in early 2000. “Most of these men came in search of jobs and landed in the sex trade, but back home no one knows. Over 9,000 sex workers are registered in Mumbai. We are trying to help them earn a better living,” said convener Jasmir Thakur.

Aged between 17 and 40, they will get training in mobile repair, electronics, appliance repair and plumbing.

According to a study conducted by the organisation, 17 per cent of the masseurs have tested HIV positive. “It’s alarming to see boys as young as 14-15 get dragged into the sex trade. Boys indulge in sexual activities with both men and women and are not aware of the need of contraceptives. We realised that even if we counsel these boys out of the profession, they need an alternative. They are illiterate,” said Jasmir.

Although this is a pilot project, Samabhavana in the past had managed to help a lot of boys who came to them seeking help. One of them is today working with a famous city-based make-up artist. “I was just 14 when my friend got me to Mumbai. In a year I wanted to leave this work, approached Samabhavana and soon took up training under a make-up artist. Today I am earning 10,000 and am able to send some money to my family in Agra. I also plan to marry my childhood sweet heart soon,” says 23- year old Lucky (name changed).