LGBTQI : Definitions and How to Advance to an Inclusive India

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other related identities. It is an inclusive term used to refer to the diverse range of gender identities and sexual orientations within society.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have faced oppression and marginalization throughout history. Despite the progress made in recent years, there is still a long way to go in achieving full equality and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights. This blog aims to shed some light on the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights, and the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the community is treated with respect and dignity. 

The LGBTQIA+ community is made up of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender and sexual non-conforming identities. This community has faced discrimination and marginalization for generations, and it is only recently that their rights have begun to be recognized and protected.

Historical Trauma in LGBTQI in our Nation:

(Trigger warning: this paragraph may contain sensitive information) People of the LGBTQIA+ group have experienced trauma due to a variety of factors, including discrimination, stigma, and violence. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals face rejection and ostracism from their families and communities, which can cause significant psychological distress. They may also face discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare, leading to economic and social disadvantage. This can contribute to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Additionally, a lesser known fact, LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual violence, both from individuals and from state actors. This trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual's health, and it is essential that LGBTQIA+ individuals have access to appropriate support and resources to help them heal and thrive.

In many countries, people who identify as a part of LGBTQIA+ group, still lack basic human rights, including the right to marry, adoption, and access to medical care. Bringing legal reforms to this is necessary. However, it is also important to create a cultural shift towards acceptance. This may require to various efforts on our part, like educating people about the issues faced and providing resources to help those individuals navigate daily challenges they may face. It also means creating safe spaces for the community to come together, such as LGBTQIA+ centers, and providing mental and physical health care for them. It is up to all of us to ensure that the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community are respected and that they can live their lives in a safe and welcoming environment. 

How far have we come?

Okay, that was vague, let's become more specific: In India, the social and legal context for LGBTQIA+ individuals is tough. While the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality in 2018, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Members of this community are still not allowed to marry, adopt any children, and there is very little acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals in society. There have been some attempts to provide legal protection for the community, such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, which was passed in 2019. However, there are still many issues that need to be addressed, such as the lack of legal rights, employment discrimination, and the lack of access to medical care. It is important to keep fighting for legal protections and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights. 

Let's set high standards: Do better!

Note that we belong to a country which prides on respecting diversity, the LGBTQIA+ community deserves nothing less than that. Let's make it easier for our bhai-bandhu.

Here are some ways we can help the LGBTQIA+ community: 

1. Educate yourself: We must be willing to learn about the various gender identities and sexual orientations that exist in the LGBTQIA+ community and the issues they face. Make sure to read up on the subject (like you are right now) and do your research (on high quality content) before engaging in any conversations about it. 
2. Speak up: If you see someone in the LGBTQIA+ community being discriminated against or harassed, speak up and stand up for them. Let them know they are not alone and that they have allies who are willing to fight for them. 
3. Support LGBTQIA+ organizations: Consider supporting organizations that provide support and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Financial contributions and/or volunteering can help ensure that these organizations can continue their important work. 
4. Participate in Pride events: Participating in Pride events is a great way to show your support for the cause. Show the government and society your strength! 
5. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights: Get involved in advocacy efforts to push for policy changes that will ensure equal rights and protections for the LGBTQIA+ community.
6. Question and debunk myths: Question other people when they say, "Yeh sab kuch nahi hota." Share your knowledge with them so they can stop to question themselves next time they speak on the topic.
7. Use gender inclusive language: 
   • Use gender-neutral terms like "they" or "them" instead of "he" or "she"
   • Use "partner" instead of "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" to be inclusive of all gender identities
   • Avoid using gendered language when it's unnecessary, like "fireman" or "stewardess"
   • Use gender-inclusive terms like "chairperson" instead of "chairman"
   • Use "parent" instead of "mother" or "father" to be inclusive of non-binary parents or those in same-sex relationships
   • Avoid making assumptions about someone's gender identity or sexual orientation

Let's kick some myth-ass

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community that need to be debunked. These myths are often perpetuated by those who are uninformed or who are trying to spread hatred and bigotry. Here are some of the most common ones about the LGBTQIA+ community and the truth behind them. 

Myth 1: Sexual orientation and gender identity are choices. 

Fact: Sexual orientation and gender identity are not choices. They are, by definition - a person's identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are sexually attracted to- inherent and cannot be changed. Refer to the end of this page of how gender identity is linked to our body's mechanisms.

Myth 2: Homosexuality is a mental disorder.

Fact: Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and is not listed as such in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In addition, all of the major medical organizations, including The American Psychiatric Association, The American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that homosexuality is not an illness or disorder, but a form of sexual expression and sexuality.

Myth 3: Trans individuals are just trying to be “trendy”.

Fact: Trans individuals are not trying to be “trendy” or make a statement. They are simply trying to live their lives with authenticity.

Myth 4: LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to commit crimes.

Fact: Studies have shown that LGBTQIA individuals are no more likely to commit crimes than anyone else.

Myth 5: LGBTQIA+ individuals are all promiscuous.

Fact: Like anyone else, the behavior of LGBTQIA individuals varies. There is no evidence to suggest that they are any more likely to engage in promiscuous behavior than anyone else.

By debunking these myths and educating ourselves on the issues faced by the LGBTQIA community, we can ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity.

Gender Identity: Thodi Biology bhi padh lein?

Human bodies are made for gender fluidity. How, you might ask? (meme) :) Let me tell you how. 

Hormones!

Hormones play a crucial role in the development and expression of gender identity, and they can also be a factor in gender fluidity. Testosterone and estrogen are the primary hormones that influence physical sex characteristics and other gender-related traits. Hormone therapy, which involves the administration of testosterone or estrogen, is often used to help transgender individuals transition to the gender with which they identify. In some cases, hormone therapy can also be used to help individuals who identify as gender fluid to shift between genders. For example, a person who identifies as gender fluid may use hormone therapy to adjust their hormone levels, which can alter their physical appearance and help them feel more aligned with their gender identity at that time. However, it is important to note that hormone therapy is not a requirement for identifying as gender fluid, and many gender fluid individuals do not pursue medical interventions. The relationship between hormones and gender identity is complex, and research on this topic is ongoing.

Young People's Story:

I will end this blog today with a beautiful interaction my friend shared with me, who works with disabled children:

My male (determined at birth) 5-year-old client and I were engaging in role play and were picking costumes to change into.

Being the ignorant and single-minded woman I was earlier, I offered them two options, "Do you want to be Iron Man or Super Man?" 

They replied shouting, "No!!"

I gasped slightly and asked, "What happened? We can look through more superheroes. What do you want to wear?"

They responded, "My mum dresses me up like a boy all the time. Sometimes, I don't like it." 

While attempting to hide my guilt of not even offering a girl's costume, I asked, "That's okay. I can help you. What do you want to dress up as?"

They responded, "I want to be Elsa," and put on her dress. Then, they asked, "make a tiara?" I said, "sure!"

After a few minutes of role-play, they said to me, "Sometimes I feel like being a girl. But other times, I want to be a boy." 

I replied, "that's alright, it can be confusing. You can figure it out later." 

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How meaningful are these early interactions with young people? :)

Accepting such comments and questions with open-arms- whether they come from a young child, from an adult, from your friend, from your partner or even from your parent is key to becoming an inclusive individual. 

We need to do better.