DECRIMINALIZING LOVE
The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse group of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others. Throughout history, same-sex relationships have been documented in many cultures, including ancient Greece, Rome, and, Indian and among indigenous peoples around the world. However, the LGBTQ+ community began to emerge as a distinct identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when individuals began to form social and political organizations to advocate for their rights.
In the West, the early years of the LGBTQ+ rights movement were marked by discrimination, violence, and persecution. In many regions, homosexuality was criminalized and same-sex relationships were considered taboo. LGBTQ+ individuals faced discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and education, and were often subject to violence and harassment.
The LGBTQ+ community in India has faced significant challenges and discrimination but has also made progress toward greater acceptance and visibility. For many years, homosexuality was criminalized in India under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. However, in 2018, the Indian Supreme Court struck down Section 377, decriminalizing homosexuality and marking a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community in India has become more visible and vocal, with organizations and events advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. In addition, several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, have held pride parades and other events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, there have been some positive developments in recent years.
I believe there is still much work to be done, the LGBTQ+ community in India has made significant progress toward greater acceptance. Decriminalizing same-sex marriage is still a major issue in India. On April 18, 2023, the Supreme Court of India agreed to hear a plea seeking recognition of the right of a same-sex couple to marry. With continued advocacy and support, I hope that the community will continue to make strides toward greater equality and acceptance.
Moreover, over time, the LGBTQ+ community began to make progress toward greater acceptance and equality. Despite this progress, however, discrimination and stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals continue to be a problem in India. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face harassment, violence, and discrimination in employment, healthcare, and education.
Social acceptance is equally important as legal recognition. Decriminalizing loving someone will progress only if people are accepted by their families and the society they live in. Accepting someone despite their sexual preference or whom they love is still a major issue. A person working in an office should only be judged on their professionalism rather than on their sexual preferences. My love for someone is totally different than my working life. So, judging my professionalism on the basis of whom I love, should be changed. Discrimination on the way someone dresses up, the color they like, or the partner they choose should be dismantled.
Change begins at home. Teaching our kids to respect everyone, glorify humanity, to accept everyone the way they are, is the first step that we can take in order to establish equality on a social basis. I understand that teaching these things to the elder generation (In Asia especially) is quite difficult, as they have never been outspoken about sexuality before. Changes take time but they will happen for good.
