Homosexuality in India has been a subject of discussion from ancient times to modern times. Hindu texts have taken positions regarding homosexual characters and themes. The ancient Indian text Kamasutra dedicates a complete chapter on erotic homosexual behavior. On 6 September 2018, a 5-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of India invalidated part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, making homosexuality legal in India. While striking down the old law that made gay sex punishable, one of a judge even comented “pave the way for a better future.
Despite all this, Homophobia is prevalent in Indian society. Public discussion of homosexuality in India has been inhibited as it is still considered taboo. In recent years, however, attitude towards homosexuality has shifted slightly, majorly in an urban setup. There have been more depictions and discussions of homosexuality in the Indian pop culture. Several organizations are supporting homosexuality in India and pushing for tolerance and social equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, and others with marginalized identities traditional to India. The change has been great but mental, physical, emotional, and economic violence against the LGBT community in India is still prevalent. They lack support from family, society, or police, as a result, many gay rape victims do not report the crimes.
The time has come that e should change the mental attitude of the society in India towards the LGBTQ community. As mandated by the supreme court judgment, the government should advertise this judgment more and more through media so that more awareness is caused. Gender sensitization is also a need of hours and should be included in the school curriculum. The police should also be made more sensitive towards them, then only they would be able to use their rights properly. It is a time that our society should take a giant leap towards equality.