Besides the two sexes: male and female that you all are aware of, there exists many more. One amongst the many is “homosexuality”.

Attraction to the members of the same gender or sex romantically is referred to as homosexuality. Lesbians for females and gay for males are the most common names for people who are homosexual. The exact cause is still not known for such sexual traits. People still consider it as unnatural. Earlier homosexuality was banned and even punished sometimes. It was even considered to be mental illness.

IDENTITY AND SEXUALITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL

The need of love, attachment and intimacy is fulfilled through sexual orientation. Expressing of gestures with another person leads to the distinction of ones sexuality as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Throughout a person’s life sexual identity can be changed. Homosexuals express their sexuality in a variety of ways, some of them being: having relationships with the people of same sex or that of opposite sex (bisexuality).

A person should come out and accept his sexuality.

At first they must have inner realization of his identity.

 Secondly, they should open up and talk about their sexuality with friends, family etc.

Thirdly, they must live openly as an LGBT person.

ANTI GAY MYTHS PREVAILING IN SOCIETY

– Gay men molest children at far higher rates than heterosexuals.

– Same-sex parents harm children.

– People become homosexual because they were sexually abused as children or   there was a deficiency in sex-role modeling by their parents.

– LGBT people don’t live nearly as long as heterosexuals.

– Gay men controlled the Nazi Party and helped to orchestrate the Holocaust.

– Gay people are more prone to be mentally ill and to abuse drugs and alcohol.

– No one is born gay.

– Gay people can choose to leave homosexuality.

HOMOSEXUAL YOUTH

Families even today are not ready to accept their sexuality other than male and female. They face rejection from their family, isolation, hostile environment, verbal and physical abuse, sexual abuse, discrimination etc. They become victims of such ill practices. As a result of victimization they run away from their homes or even commit suicide.

HOMOSEXUALITY- A CHOICE

A person’s sexuality is not their choice. Sexuality is biologically determined. It is an unalterable aspect of a person’s life and thus a person should not be discriminated on the basis of their sexuality. Sexual preference is also influenced by the structure of brain.

As long as a person’s actions are not harming others they must have the right to engage themselves in sexual acts as per their preferences.

INDIA AND HOMOSEXUALITY

Homosexuality was earlier considered as sin and crime in India. It is now considered as a human sexuality. Such issues and concerns are still sensitive here. A positive and a non-judgmental attitude will go a long way in relieving distress. There is still a need to raise awareness, transfer knowledge, and provide opportunities on these issues amongst everyone. Education needs to be imparted on human rights and abuses. Attitude of the people must change to develop a better society for homosexuals.

SECTION 377 OF IPC

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code states- “Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.” On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the application of section 377 to consensual homosexual sex between adults was unconstitutional. This section was violating article 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The abolition of this section lead to- recognition of  the identity of individuals belonging to the LGBT community and also confers upon  global acceptance by the society.

We need to focus on people’s humanity rather than on their sexual orientation.