Homosexual means sexually attracted to people of the same sex. Homosexual people are the same as straight people (heterosexuals) except for sexual preferences. Homosexuality is not a choice that can be changed over time. It is not a mental disorder. It is the result of genetics, hormones and environment. Both nature and nurture are necessary. No one has control over their sexual orientation. They are born like this and it’s okay to be Homosexual.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Homosexual is something relating to or characterized by a sexual or romantic attraction to people of one’s same sex.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, Homosexual means sexually attracted to men if you are a man and women if you are a woman.
Many homosexual people are committed to relationships. These couples have similar relationships that heterosexual couples have in psychological respects. Homosexuals refer to themselves as the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other terms). It is difficult for the people of this community to adopt children.
Sexual identity is based on sex chromosomes, but what a person thinks about himself in his mind is called his Gender identity. Gender identity is so strong even in children. Gender identity is psychological.
Sexual orientation
Mainly three types are found-
Heterosexual – People of the opposite sex attract each other i.e. girls like boys and boys like girls.
Homosexual– same-sex people attract each other i.e. girls like other girls (Lesbian) and boys like other boys (gay).
Bisexual – Both boys and girls like other boys and girls equally.
Clinically all these three types are absolutely normal.
Concerns with Homosexuals
Due to social fear, many people are not able to talk openly about their homosexuality. Males and females both are equal in terms of rights but biologically they are different. Discrimination keeps people away from acceptance of their homosexuality. There are some cases all over the world that gay people have to face abuse, violence and harassment. The constant pressure of societies against homosexuality is affecting the psychology of homosexuals in a wrong way.
Homosexuality is not wrong. It doesn’t harm anyone. It is not unnatural affection. In some cultures, homosexuality is banned and punished but in some, it is encouraged and approved. Even the practices of homosexuality differ from culture to culture.
Read – Gayism and Child Adoption and fostering
Gay rights movements have played an important role in bringing gay people into the mainstream. Still, the acceptance of homosexuality varies from region to region and culture to culture. They need social support to counter all the mental harassment they face but they don’t get even one.
Homosexuals want some level of support and recognition similar to that of heterosexual couples, i.e. the legal rights and responsibilities associated with marriage. Helping people to understand their sexual orientation in this world is essential for their prosperous life.
Nowadays people are coming out and accepting their homosexuality. Self-awareness about homosexual attractions is an important step towards one’s psychological peace and well-being. Participation in the gay community helps them deal with societal pressures.
As of 2023, Homosexuality is decriminalized in 133 countries but same-sex marriage is legally recognized only in 33 countries.
Status in India
The rights of the LGBTQ+ community are evolving in India. But still, they face social discrimination and legal difficulties. Based on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, transgender citizens have the right to identify and register themselves under a third gender.
According to the 2011 census, there are 488,000 transgenders in India. People in big cities are accepting same-sex relationships.
There are many Hindu texts that talk about homosexuality such as the Mahabharata, Naradasmriti, Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita and Kamasutra. Khajuraho temples have many depictions of homosexuality in their cultures. On the other hand, Manusmriti prescribes various punishments for homosexuality.
Although same-sex relationships are legal and decriminalized (previously homosexuality has been declared a crime under section 377), same-sex marriage is still illegal in India and not yet recognized. The couple does not enjoy legal marriage rights as heterosexual couples. There is no discrimination on the basis of sexual preferences, but still allowing same-sex marriage is a long way off.
In India, the right to marriage comes under the fundamental right (supreme court judgement). Marriages in India are governed under the relevant personal laws which are-
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Muslims Marriage Act, 1954
Special Marriage Act, 1954
When people marry outside their religion, such marriages are governed under the Special Marriage Act. Same-sex marriage will come under the special marriage act. Homosexuals are also citizens of India. They have the same rights to the same protection as other heterosexual married couples. They are also respectable citizens regardless of their sexual orientation.
According to the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), homosexuality is not a mental illness or disease, nor it is unnatural. Despite this, many conversion treatments are still performed in India. The National Medical Commission has banned conversion therapy (changing sexual orientation). Such treatment causes more harm than good like depression, sexual dysfunction etc. It is a matter of ethics.
Way forward
People should have the freedom to decide about their life partner. LGBTQ+ citizens should also have the right to marry the person of their choice. It is important to know that there is nothing wrong with loving people of the same sex. It is totally up to you whether you want to tell your loved ones about your sexual preferences or not. And remember that no one can change or verify your identity.
We as a society need to change our opinion and our views on it. Homosexuals have the same right to enjoy life as other heterosexual people. Everyone has an equal right to live as per their wish. We should be sensitive to race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, age, religion, economic status, language, and more. We need to eliminate our biases based on these factors.
There needs to research on more issues faced by gay people. There should be teaching about sexuality in the medical profession. Clinical services should be made available for them. Their concerns should be taken care of holistically. A positive and non-judgmental attitude is important to free them from any kind of pressure. Spreading awareness is important. Not only education but also a change in attitude should be given priority.
People’s humanity is more important than sexual orientation. Recently public opinion has been changing in favour of homosexuality. But there is still a long way to go.
References
Homosexuality in India- Wikipedia
Homosexuality in ancient India: 10 instances
Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality
