Many people in India say that being gay is a “Western conspiracy”, an “imported disease” and “against Indian culture”, one of the major arguments against overturning Section 377, which would decriminalise homosexuality. But is it really? Listen on to find out.
(Also, Happy Pride Month!)
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Vocabulary
LGBTQIA+: An acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexuality. The plus signifies the several more sexual and gender identities that exist. To find out more about it click here and here. Here is an extensive LGBTQIA glossary center.
Pride (Gay Pride)/ Pride Month: Promotion of self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of people part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. June is considered Pride Month
Homosexuality: Refers to same-sex attraction
Heterosexuality: Refers to opposite-sex attraction
Queer/queerness: An overall umbrella term that is used to describe experiences and identities part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Transgender: an umbrella term to describe people whose gender identity/expression (masculine, feminine, other) does not match their biological sex (male, female). To find out more, click here, here and here. Find out more about Hijra and trans people in India here and here
Cisgender: term to refer to someone who is not trans (ie. gender and biological sex match).
Heteronormativity: idea that heterosexuality and being cisgender is natural and default – anything other than it is considered wrong and unnatural. It creates social hierarchy based on sexual orientation – as well reinforces gender roles. To find out more, click here, here and here
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Sources
Prejudice against LGBTQ: here
Great source of information: Hinduism, homosexuality and colonialism: here
Brief History of LGBTQ+ in India: here
Documentary of being queer in India: here
Statues in Khajuraho (photography): here
Shakuntala Devi and “The World of Homosexuals”: here
Stigma against gay people: here