Marriage! Let's talk about marriage. Does it seem a very normal thing? Ok then, let's talk about raising kids, too far? Ok then, shall we talk about a joint bank account? Where are you trying to get to? you might ask, well here it is. How would you feel if I said that these seemingly normal, regular things are not so normal for everyone? For the majority of the people (that even bothered to stop and have a look at this post :-P), these things just "happen" as part of life. However, there are few others who are threatened with life, ostracized by family, society and religion alike, ridiculed and considered to have a "disease" and suggested "cures". If you have not guessed it by now, yes, I am talking about homosexuality. These "normal" things for the majority of the people are in fact privileges for homosexual persons. These are just a minute fraction of a long list of things that are out of reach for them for no good reason at all.
Imagine a life where expressing your affection towards your partner could evoke violent and fatal reactions, where accepting yourself for what you are would get to shunned by your family and community, where marrying the person you love is a crime in the eyes of the law, raising your kids without letting them feel that your family is abnormal, constantly living with the fear of being harassed, ridiculed and almost every day having to hide and lie about yourself. Sounds awful ? Yes! because it is. But let me tell you this is the sad reality of a most of the homosexual people across the world even in this day and age, where every country has lofty ideals of equality and egalitarianism. Though a lot has been done in the latter half of this decade in order to recognize, respect and legalize the basic rights of homosexual people, these are nothing but ripples compared to the giant waves of social stigma, rejection, destitution that they still face.
Homophobia, Transphobia (or any other fancy name that one wishes to call it) is very much a real issue that needs to be addressed in the earnest. Just like any other societal mechanism/institution that was used to oppress and discriminate a section of people, this non-acceptance of homosexuality finds its roots in religion and/or politics, wherein religious or political leaders alienated and outcast homosexuality just to gain popular support and gain some kind of a "moral highstand". They played on the simple fact that people are scared of what they don't know and understand. This has gone so far that people don't even realize that the other person is as human as they are and it is just a matter of difference in perception. The saddest part is that now the basic words like gay, lesbian etc., which are used to describe the sexuality/sexual identity of a person are seen and used as derogatory comments and abuses. This is soo deep-rooted in our society that even today many live in fear of facing the wrath of such a rigid society which does not tolerate or accommodate any non-conformity to its accepted definition of "normal". There are many who still cannot confide with their family or friends about themselves or their sexual orientation. At the same time, there are even more who are not ready to accept that people can be different and just "straight" or "normal". Homosexual people suffer from high mental stress and depression, especially when they can't come out openly about themselves and before long they are married off to someone with whom they are not attached mentally physically or emotionally. This is why educating people (especially kids) about sexuality and giving proper sex education becomes important - if not for anything at least for having a tolerant and accepting society.
This was my two cents on the issue.
PS: Same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized in India for all practical purposes. If my article could provoke some thought in the reader(you). I request you to just read up about the scrapping of section 377 and why would legalizing still be a challenge.
#inclusivity #acceptance #iimtrichy #PRISM_IIMT
