The phrase “Men who have Sex with Men” (MSM) refers to those men who engage in sex relationship exclusively with other men (Homosexuality) or who engage in sex relations with either men or women (Bisexuality). In the global program on AIDS conference in Geneva (1992-93) governments accepted the behavioral phrase “men who have sex with men” as a depoliticized euphemism. The phrase “men who have sex with men” is a collective social identity for all men who have sex with men irrespective of how they might identify themselves.

Men who have sex with other men in India are diverse in their sexual identities. Some identify with modern “gay” or “bisexual” identity while others with indigenous sexual identities like “Koti” – feminized male, usually a sexually passive partner; or “Ghadiya” – masculine male and usually a sexually active partner. “Double – Decker” refers to those who penetrate their partners and are penetrated by their partners. “Ghadiya” and “DD” are labels and usually not “identity”.