Gays in India share fear of blackmail, unhappy marriages

[Shana A]

Gays in India share fear of blackmail, unhappy marriages
By Emily Wax The Washington Post

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081116/NEWS03/311169928/-1/XML15

BANGALORE, India – Even with the white horse rented, his gold-speckled turban fitted and the wedding hall lined up, Mahesh did not feel ready to get married, at least not to a woman.

The shy computer engineer is gay.

But Mahesh went ahead with the elaborate ceremony in May because someone he had befriended online blackmailed him – threatening to tell his parents unless he paid $5,500.

Severely depressed and suffering from insomnia, Mahesh recently swallowed a dozen painkillers. He survived. But his blackmailer heard he was in the hospital and demanded more cash to keep his secret.