Posted On: 2022-05-24 16:54:40
There was a time when homosexuality was considered a criminal activity in India, according to section 377 Indian Penal Code. In 2018, after decades of grassroots activism, the application of section 377 was ruled unconstitutional by India's Supreme Court, effectively decriminalizing homosexual activity.
This means consensual homosexuality is not illegal in India anymore. In most countries of the world, the LGBTQ community has not had any restrictions on judicial grounds since many years. Despite the fact that Section 377 was removed in 2018, the LGBTQ community continues to confront numerous challenges.
The challenge of coming out
Some people may take time to realise that they have different gender preferences than others. Coming out as they are could be challenging for them, especially in a place where such thoughts are considered sinful. They are abused, bullied, harassed and have to go through many other unfortunate circumstances which are absolutely unfair to them.
The LGBTQ community needs to be supported and provided with a safe & equal environment. Because it is the society and orthodox people that are not allowing them to choose for themselves and live the way they are when the society stands in no place to do so.
Supporting the LGBTQ community
It's time for people to be 'loud and proud' and show that this world loves every member of the community and wishes them to be happy and content with their identity.
This cannot be done if we, as individuals, do not take small steps every day. Here are a few, simple ways to support the LGBTQ community:
1. Being their allies
There are people who don’t identify as LGBTQ but who are strong supporters. They stand up for the equal rights of the LGBTQ community. They are called allies.
Being an ally simply begins by understanding them better. Understanding LGBT-related topics, including fundamental concepts, can help in providing support to LGBT-identified individuals. Treat them as you want to be treated- with dignity and respect.
Do not make any assumptions about your friends' sexual preferences or count them as heterosexual (which is when men fall in love with women and women fall in love with men). They may be having identity issues and simply need someone to confide in. Hence, be a good listener to them.
2. Keep yourself updated
If you're not sure what the difference between sex and gender is, or what the latest LGBT news and issues are, educate yourself. Ask questions, conduct studies, and do not be ashamed to admit that you do not know certain things.
Times and attitudes towards the community have changed and the language used to discuss gender identities. Earlier it was known as the LGBT community- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. The queer community got more terms later like LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex (people), Asexual/Aromantic/Agender and the other genders.
The other terms include pansexual, nonbinary, demisexual, graysexual and others. Learning these terms is a good way to start knowing more about the community.
3. Support Equality
They too deserve the rights and benefits like any other person and no one can or should deprive them of them. Respecting them, their choices and opinions is a good way to show your support. Do not treat them indifferently.
Support policies that protect LGBT individuals from discrimination at school, work, and other places. Even minor difficulties can have a significant impact on people's lives.
4. Actions at the Local Level
More than half of LGBTQ youth say they are now more motivated than ever to help others. Let’s make sure that they feel empowered to do so. Consider your neighbourhood and some of the venues where LGBTQ adolescents hang out. Are they safe? What can you do to make an impact? For example, consider contacting your local school board and encouraging members to adopt inclusive policies. Prepare to provide resources to young people who have been harassed.
5. Other ways
Some other simple ways to support them include:
Speak up: It can hurt someone when someone says "that's so gay" Speak up at these times when someone passes such comments.
Defend your LGBTQ friends and family if people are being mean to them.
Attend local events such as Pride parades which take place in the Pride month- June. Wearing a pink triangle or carrying a rainbow flag can express your support!
Invite your LGBTQ friends and family to spend time with your non-LGBTQ family and friends. Make them feel welcome.
If you feel you are unable to help them directly, share the contacts and addresses of various NGOs and communities that help and fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community. Here are a few of the NGOs that work for the queer community in India:
1. Nazaria- Founded in 2014, Nazaria is a queer feminist support group, which works for lesbian bisexual women and trans people who are assigned female at birth.
Contact: +91-9818151707
nazariya.qfrg@gmail.com
2. Naz Foundation- Naz is one of the leading NGOs working for the causes related to HIV/AIDS and stigma against people of the LGBTQAI+ community.
Contact: +91 11 41325042 / +91 11 40793157/58
info@nazindia.org
3. The Humsafar Trust- The trust says 'your identity is a reason for pride, not a reason to hide' and started its operations in 1994.
They run workshops for legislators, politicians, and media - among others - to sensitise them on issues related to the queer community.
Contact: +91-22-26673800
info@humsafar.org
4. Sangama- Sangma is an organisation, which has dedicated itself to linking 'sexuality, sexual preference and gender identity into the realm of public discourse'.
Based out of Bengaluru, it has held various campaigns to raise awareness and talk about sexual minority rights, article 377, and sex workers' rights among others.
Contact: +91 9972903460
sangama@sangama.org
The LGBTQ community thrives despite all the challenges. Now, it is our duty to help them and make them feel safe and comfortable. We can help them in not one but many ways. They might want to get a gender affirmation surgery that helps them transition to their self-identified gender. But the costs are high. The least we can do is to help them with funds. Filaantro pushes all the stigmas away and stands proud to help the LGBTQ community. You can raise funds for any and every cause that is close to your heart. Come forward to help them and remember that love is love- When two grown-ups love each other, it's never a bad thing.
Author: Anjali Patel
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