LGBTQ

Probably one of the most controversial topics (and one that shouldn’t be controversial, just like most of them), LGBTQ, also known as LGBT or GLBT, is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. LGBT has been used as an acronym since the 1990s. Homosexuality, which is a part of LGBTQ has been criminalized or at least one form of it. Russia, China, and many more countries have made homosexuality illegal. However, India has still taken some positive steps toward LGBTQ. On 6’th September 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Navtej Singh Johar and abolished Section 377 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code).

Section 377, which was introduced in 1861 (during the British Raj), states that 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 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

Well, these were the good things that have been done in recent times for LGBTQ. Let’s now look at one of the cruelest and oppressive actions taken against LGBT.

‘Conversion Therapy’, also known as ‘Reparative Therapy’, is a range of dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Even though these kinds of practices have been rejected by mainstream medical and mental health organizations, this is still practiced due to continuing discrimination and societal bias against LGBTQ people. ​According to a recent report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, an estimated 20,000 LGBTQ minors in the USA without protections will be subjected to conversion therapy by a licensed healthcare professional if state officials fail to act.

Ok, so we’ve seen what all has happened to LGBTQ, as a community, over a brief period. And I think we all have got a good idea of what the LGBTQ is and why it’s an important part of society and the likes. Let’s now look at individual viewpoints. Honestly, I think LGBTQ shouldn’t even have a separate name, to be honest. I mean, what if a guy likes a guy, a girl likes a girl, or if a guy likes a girl and a guy? What can you possibly do about it? I was watching this TV serial a few days and in that, there was this one episode where a child (female) is gay (essentially lesbian). The parents were planning to send the child to a ‘spiritual camp’ (Conversion Therapy). They believed it was a spiritual war and the officers didn’t understand anything about it. The head officer, though, was so adamant (being an ex-Navy SEAL), that he kept the parents locked in his office until they didn’t sign the emancipation papers for the child. I think this was my first encounter (or experience) where I understood how oppressed these people are. I would then go on to research this and try to understand more about it.

After this, I think the most enriching lesson, experience, encounter (whatever you would like to call it), would be when I met a member of this community. So basically, I had gone to my friend’s house, and her friends also came over. We were just joking around, talking, and then X (a member of LGBTQ) tells me that they are a part of the Community. I was honestly just mind blown, not because X was part of LGBTQ, but because of the ease X said it with. I would then go on to have a 1-1-1 conversation with X, about LGBTQ. And there was this one instance I would like to share with you all. I asked X, “How do you feel about being part of the LGBTQ?”, and X replied, “Bro, it’s the coolest thing ever!”.

Honestly, that was mind-blowing. I think everyone should be inspired by X over here and learn that LGBTQ is just a community. What are you fussing about? They have the same bodies, same internal organs, same blood, and the same, basically everything. They won’t bite you if you talk to them. We must normalize it, because as I like to say, “At the end of the day, everyone likes a whole circle rather than one that is divided."