An evening by the azure blue waters and a spot of candy-munching is what families frequent Chennai’s oldest commercial beach for. Commercial because it was the first to capitalise on its locale and establish recreation on the sands. But commercial has assumed an all new meaning today! As we walked the swimming pool stretch, boys as young as 15 made overt gestures to stare, seduce and absorb an unassuming jogger. This occurrence has been reported in the vernacular press but this time our findings were disturbing.
From 8pm onwards as many as thirty young men aged 15-30 years line the pavements of the beach. One of them approaches us, “Where are you from?” he asks animatedly with fingers tugging his lower lip. He shares, “I come from far away and what do you want tonight? Do you want oral sex or more?” Although startled we ask “How much?” This time another voice interrupts “Rs 50 or 100, depending on what you want.” We are introduced to Raj* who is the “manager”. Raj is a stout dishevelled man who says, “Sir, whatever you want I shall supply you. The rates are reasonable. But if you choose boys we have already organised rooms in a lodge.” And when we asked for girls he frowned, “Sir, why you want HIV? It is safer with boys and if you want more sexy guys pay Rs 400.”
As we digested all what was said and walked a few metres ahead, we met a rather effeminate man with glowing skin who ate Kulfi rather suggestively. He cat-walked a miniscule patch and when we passed by he gestured to another. And by the time we reached this man, he said, “Do you want that boy?” It was as if, only this man could conduct business. While the boy examined prospects, it was the pimp who was doing the negotiating. This pimp spoke of “health benefits” of sleeping with boys. He also shared, “It is mostly married men who frequent this place. They say they are bored of their wives and even ask for children!” Children? “Yes these men want young boys and they pick them up in their cars and take them for a drive.” Where do you get children? “Sir, you want I shall get?” is the answer. That evening we saw many a car. Windows down, many hands extended to shake hands, some offering money and loud giggles and conversation at some spots. Honda’s and Pajero’s too, but despite such blatant sleaze the cops say, “If we catch them doing something red-handed we can do something. It could very well be two college friends talking to each other.” What about these boys’ families? “Our families are back in our hometown,” shares a young gent of 25 who promises, “never to return home, because of the abuse and discrimination he faces for being effeminate.” And some share stories of fright and years of abuse. Despite recent induction of 18 body guards and cops on duty the sleazy trade is still on.
