Be Proud, Be You: My Pride Matters
History of LGBTQ+ community in India

History of LGBTQ+ community in India

It’s been a rocky and challenging road for the LGBTQ+ community throughout history to get the acceptance today! The Pride community has experienced a remarkable journey of resilience as the cultural, social, and legal landscapes have changed, especially in the last few years. Let’s explore the history of LGBTQ+ in India, following its origins from prehistoric times through colonial oppression to the present-day fight for acceptance and rights.

The Inclusive Cultural Heritage of Ancient India

In context with the LGBTQ India history, it appears from the old Indian texts and mythology that there was a time when different sexual identities were not only accepted but also cherished. Hindu mythology contains tales of same-sex unions and gender-neutral identities.

For instance, the god Ardhanarishvara, a cross between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, represents the merger of masculine and feminine powers. In the epic Mahabharata, Shikhandi—who was first believed to be a woman but was later identified as a man—also had a major role in the Kurukshetra fight.

The Colonial Era: A Turning Point Towards Repression

During the British colonial era, the LGBTQ+ community's struggle in India took a darker turn. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was introduced by the British in 1861, making "unnatural offences" illegal. With its emphasis on Victorian morality, this law singled out homosexual behaviour and declared it "against the order of nature."

  • The strict moral code imposed by the colonial legal system was incompatible with the long-standing acceptance of sexual diversity and history of LGBTQ in India.
  • In addition to making homosexual activity illegal, Section 377 had far-reaching social repercussions. Non-heteronormative identities were stigmatised, and homophobia and transphobia were institutionalised.

The LGBTQ+ community was marginalised for more than a century due to the oppressive atmosphere that the colonial mindset created against same-sex family sociology and orientation.

India After Independence: A Slight Change

The LGBTQ+ community remained mostly hidden after India attained independence in 1947 since Section 377 was still in effect. Social views were still predominantly conservative, and homosexuality was seen as forbidden. Queer identities were frequently marginalised in society, and the LGBTQ+ community experienced pervasive discrimination. The underground community, on the other hand, kept expanding and provided networks of support for people unable to publicly declare who they were.

LGBTQ+ representation continued to exist in Indian literature, art, and film, even in the face of social restrictions. Social standards around same-sex partnerships were challenged by films such as Fire (1996) and My Brother Nikhil (2005). Despite their smallness, these cultural changes prepared the stage for later activity.

The Battle for Equality: Court Cases and Social Campaigns

The growth of homosexual rights activism in the 1990s marked a turning point for the LGBTQ India history. Many organisations started promoting LGBTQ+ rights, concentrating on topics like social justice, health, and decriminalising homosexuality. One such organisation is the Humsafar Trust in Mumbai.

  • Pride marches with pride quotes and slogans began in 1999 in Kolkata and progressively extended to other major cities, indicating the expansion of the movement towards equality and visibility.
  • When the non-governmental organisation Naz Foundation filed a petition in the early 2000s contesting Section 377, the legal fight for LGBTQ+ rights gained impetus. The Delhi High Court rendered a landmark decision in 2009, decriminalising consensual gay conduct between adults, following years of legal battles.
  • The ruling marked a turning point in the history of homosexuality in India and gave them optimism for increased acceptance and legal protection.

This triumph, though, was fleeting. The Indian Supreme Court upheld Section 377 in 2013, declaring that the legislature, not the courts, was in charge of changing the legislation. Although the verdict represented a major setback for the LGBTQ India history, it also inspired supporters and campaigners to further up their campaigns for equality.

The 2018 Historic Judgement: Decriminalisation of Gay Marriage

On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled in a momentous decision to abolish Section 377, decriminalising homosexuality. The LGBTQ+ community's liberty, privacy, and dignity were upheld by the five-judge bench's decision to end the criminalisation of consenting same-sex relationships. As Chief Justice Dipak Misra pronounced the verdict, he added, "History owes an apology to the LGBTQ community for the delay in ensuring their rights."

  • This historic ruling for LGBT marriage law in India was hailed as a triumph for human rights both in India and around the world.
  • The ruling acknowledged that love—homosexual or heterosexual—must be the issue of private decision-making and cannot be influenced by the government.
  • Additionally, it cleared the path for more conversations about LGBTQ+ rights in the history of homosexuality in India, such as rights to adoption, same-sex marriage, and protection from discrimination.

The Social Struggle Goes On: Acceptance Difficulties

Even though the 2018 decision represented a major legal win, the LGBTQ+ community and challenges faced by LGBTQ youth still are by and large. Persistent deep-seated biases are still present, especially in conservative and rural areas of society. It is still common for there to be homophobia and transphobia, and LGBTQ+ people frequently face discrimination in the workplace, in housing, in the medical community, and in schools. Adoption rights and same-sex marriages are still not legally recognised, which is recognized a serious problem in the present and history of pride in India.

  • LGBTQ+ people frequently experience familial rejection in Indian culture, which is firmly rooted in conventional family structures. Higher incidence of mental health conditions, such as depression and suicide, are caused by this social isolation within the society.
  •  But as LGBTQ+ people become more visible in politics, the media, and popular culture, attitudes in society are steadily shifting towards history of pride. For example, Bollywood has started to show LGBTQ+ characters with more nuance and complexity, dispelling myths, letting people know about the issues of LGBT community in India and fostering understanding.

Support to The Community with My Pride Matters:

Throughout the history of LGBTQ in India, community itself and allies have persevered Pride community through many hardships and made great progress towards acceptance and inclusion.

My Pride Matters is dedicated to commemorating India's rich history and current fight for equality as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to commemorating this journey by offering unique Pride apparels and pride gifts that represents acceptance, diversity, and love.

Show your support for the community by taking important acts and wearing our eye-catching Pride Wear unisex tops to show off your solidarity. Let's continue to strive for a society that is inclusive, loving, and equitable by working together to promote awareness.

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