LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Is being different from the rest a sin?

Having sexual attraction to the opposite sex is biological; sex is one of the basic needs of an individual. A man being in love with a woman is considered normal and vice versa. Whereas, a man being attracted to a man, a woman being attracted to a woman is abnormal. What is this criteria based on? Why is a man, who has different biological hormones considered abnormal?

Men with high levels of testosterone may be more attracted to women with more feminine features. Humans release pheromones, which are chemical substances that can trigger sexual attraction.

Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Sexually being attracted to the same sex being attracted to both sexes or not being attracted to any sex, asexual, can have biological, social or even developmental roots. Men who portray feminine characteristics are considered weak whereas women are told to drop masculine traits, due to this, individuals are unable to express their real self, which is a great loss of honour. In such a scenario, what is that makes people see the LGBTQ community in a degrading way? Why do people use words like "gay", and "trans" in an insulating way? All this finds its roots in not receiving proper sex education.

Particularly in India, studies show that 10% of the total population of India consists of LGBTQ people.

Multinational research firm Ipsos released a report on the LGBT+ Pride 2021 Global Survey conducted between 23 April and 7 May 2022. The survey was conducted as a 620 market survey conducted by Ipsos on its global advisor platform through interviews with a sample of almost 50000 individuals in India. The report shows that 17% of the Indian population identify as homosexual (Including gay and lesbian), 9% identify as bisexual, 1% identify as pansexual, and 2% identify as asexual. 69% identified as heterosexual (excluding 'do not know', and 'prefer not to answer')

People belonging to the said community are afraid to accept their sexuality fearing the consequences of shame, slur, harassment, and mental and physical abuse, which leaves us with inaccurate information.

Mention of LGBTQ in Indian ancient texts:

Many examples of homosexuality have been present in the ancient texts of Hindu scriptures, such as,

• The Nāradasmṛti and Pali Cannon are early medical journals and moral legal codes that make neutral or positive references to homosexuality and transsexuality. The Kama Sutra mentions homosexuality as a type of sexual pleasure, and the Rigveda contains the phrase Vikriti Evam Prakriti, which means "what seems unnatural is also natural".
• Hindu mythology features deities and heroes with attributes or behaviour that can be interpreted as LGBTQ. For example, the Mahabharata features Shikhandini, a feminine or transgender warrior who was raised as a prince.
• A large number of erotic artwork depicting homosexuality can be found in numerous temples throughout India, including Khajuraho temple sculptures built in the 700s, and the Sun temple in Konark built in the 1200s.
• Ardhanarishvara is created by the merging of the god Shiva and his consort Parvati whose half-right body is male while the left half is female. The name Ardhanarishvara means "The Lord whose half is a woman.

Has India become conservative over the years in the name of "log kya kahenge"? Whereas tracing back to the culture, all you see is acceptance... though most were still against it.

People do not accept other people's opinions and judge them cruelly, all this can lead to harassment, abuse, and bullying which can destroy a person's mental and physical health. Some choose their sexuality, some are born into it; why are they so harrassed that they start hating their own self? Intended or unintentional, no other individual has the right to harm or abuse (physically or mentally) another individual, which comes under the fundamental rights of a person.

In the midst of all this, we also see people opening up or supporting the LGBTQ community, though this number is much smaller, it is still a start of a better society and an even better lifestyle for the said people.

With the increasing popularity of BL and GL shows (Boy Love and Girl Love) particularly Thai, ranging from teenage girls and boys to elderly people, homosexuality (at least in the form of entertainment) is being accepted and entertained.

Conservative ideologies do not justify same-sex marriages but laws have been amended and space is given to exercise their freedom of love and life. It is our duty as a citizen of society to treat each and every individual with respect and love, and to make them comfortable in their own skin. Trends over the years have shown a little more compassion for the LGBTQ community, which is a stepping stone towards creating a better world for them.

Recognition by the Government of India:

• Same-sex relations: Same-sex relations are legal in India, but the country does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. In 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously voted against legalizing same-sex marriage.
• Gender recognition: The National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) ruled in 2014 that everyone has the right to identify their own gender and that hijras and kinnar (transgender people) are a "third gender".
• LGBTQIA+ organizations: LGBTQIA+ organizations can be registered.
• Welfare services: In 2021, the Madras High Court directed the state to provide comprehensive welfare services to the LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Adoption and surrogacy: Same-sex couples are not allowed to adopt or use surrogacy services.

"I never looked at your persona, I only eloped your heart. As I say 'I love you', my heart finds your heart, not caring whether you are a man or a woman. All that mattered to me was that your heart was interviewed with mine, as I take my breath and hand it over to you, it didn't matter to me if I was a man or a woman" 

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