The Struggle of LGBTQ Before Decriminalization of Section 377

                      The Struggle of LGBTQ Before Decriminalization of Section 377

 

Sexuality could be a very fluid concept. Homosexual behavior has existed for a long time. It had existed from the time when people at large began to walk on earth. In India, the existence of homosexuality is traced back to precedent days. within the temples of Khajuraho, there are images of girls portrayed as embracing other women, which indicate that individuals were engaged in homosexual activities since then. Again, in Mahabharata, Shikhandini was the transgender warrior of that point. There was reasonably a divine intrusion that bestowed Shikhandini together with her manhood, and she or he lived the remainder of her life as a hermaphrodite.

Homosexuality had been treated as against the law and a disease by society over the years. It’s considered a forbidden act. The LGBTQ individuals weren't even permitted to step into religious places because they were considered as an abomination. The LGBTQ students are consistently experiencing physical and emotional harassment by their peers at college thanks to their sexual orientation. Such an environment possibly prevailed in schools because of the non-intervention of the teachers. The teachers rarely intervene when the scholars make such objectionable and discriminatory remarks against the LGBTQ students. Within the workplace, there's a very discriminatory environment towards LGBTQ people. It’s been asserted that they weren't hired and promoted thanks to their individuality, and inequality regarding pay persists. Homophobia has consumed most of the people, and homosexuals have always been considered and projected because the ‘Other’ in our society.

Life after Section 377

The landmark judgment on Section 377 is a shot to remedy the LGBTQ community’s wrongs inflicted over the years. As an LGBTQ individual who has suffered from this social stigma, it's impractical to endure that taboo overnight. to make sure the implementation of this judgment, it's necessary to start out from the grass-roots. it's essential to sensitize public institutions just like the police, bureaucracy, law firms, colleges, hospitals, etc. they have to simply accept LGBTQ individuals. Efforts are taken to make safe spaces and a healthy environment in schools to form the LGBTQ individuals comfortable with other students. many faculties have opted for the inclusion of sex education within the curriculum to spread awareness among the scholars and sensitize them accordingly. Pride walks and Gender-sensitized workshops are organized in various parts of the country to spread awareness. On the one hand, it may be seen that 1 / 4 section of the population accepts the LGBTQ individuals, but on the opposite hand, their battle for identity still prevails.

End of a struggle or the start of one?

Today after the historic judgment on Section 377, it's been observed that almost all urban India has become gender-sensitized and is trying to simply accept LGBTQ individuals as part of the society. But in rural India, the image is entirely different where people are still embedded with ancient traditions, and superstitions and individuals struggle to say their identity yet now. Even after the decriminalization of homosexuality, the fight for equality has just begun. The decriminalization of homosexuality has rendered the LGBTQ community the liberty to avoid prosecution and gave them the proper to possess sex. this could be used because the start for achieving further civil rights for them.

Written by: Heeral Devpura