Homosexuality in India

“Homosexuality”- a term that makes most Indians uncomfortable, a term that makes many angry, a term that brings shame to many families; actually is a term with a very simple meaning not very difficult to understand. Even if you don’t, that doesn’t mean it does not exist. Not everyone understand Quantum physics, but it very well does exist right?

Homosexuality is very normal thing, and I reassure you that. For all those many people who think it is a western concept, might be distraught to learn, that it was well prevalent in India before the British raj. It was after the colonization that hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community became strong. Even in Khajuraho , we can see erotic sculptures depicting homosexuality. The famous Babri Masjid was built by the King Babar named after his partner Babri, who was a man. It was nowhere hated by any of the literates back then. Even though it wasn’t mainstream, the homosexuals weren’t disrespected in any way or out casted in the pre-British India. Even though unusual, they weren’t hated upon like the way they are now. So, we can confidently say that homosexuality is ‘NOT’ against Indian culture, but was against the western culture, because they were apparently against Christian principles.

Having said that, we are seeing that many of the Christians are way more accepting than the others, and believe in the phrase "Love is love". It is so ironic, that we Indians aren’t ready to budge, even though our many religions and spiritual principles accept it. Even the brutally ill-treated transgender were respected, and were also Gods and Goddesses. Many Indians also go on to say that it is unnatural, which is utterly wrong. Homosexuality is prevalent in more than 1000 species as of now, and have been documented in over 450 species. So now tell me, who is being natural and who isn’t? Homosexuals, or queers do not demand special treatment, they want unbiased treatment. Judging people and their abilities just based on their sexual preferences is nothing but shameful.

Prejudices have been prevalent since time immemorial. But it is high time we crush them as we are now in the 21st century, the century of ‘modernization’ and modern mindsets. Being modern does not mean being able to speak English and wear western clothes. We Indians are known for dwelling in hypocrisy. As soon as issues like these arise, they blame it on the western culture, but on the other hand, it is totally fine for them to wear and embed themselves with western fashion. Before we jump to conclusions, it is important we do our own research rather than speaking with half-knowledge and making a fool of ourselves. If you cannot spread love, do not spread hate.. Removing the ban against Consensual Gay sex in India is just a tiny step. We yet have a long way to go, and our country can progress only if our minds do. Live and let live.