Through the Lenses of Sexual Minorities in the Indian LGBTQ + Community: Perception of Social Equality and Community Support

Abstract

Whether in the form of same-sex attraction or love, the history of same-sex relationships has been well documented in every culture across the globe. In India, evidence of the same can be found on the monolithic sculptures of the Vishvanath Temple in Khajuraho and texts like Mahabharata and Sushrata Samahita. The acceptance and openness enjoyed by the non-hetero-normative and non-cis-gender individuals in ancient India, changed after the nation’s colonization. In current times, mainstream society holds heterosexual intercourse as the norm while considering same-sex relationships as deviations. Same sex relationships are a highly stigmatized and garner objections from several religious and political sects. This social stigma and erasure becomes harsher when directed toward individuals with polysexual or asexual orientations. The lack of awareness and representations garners bisexuals, pansexuals and asexuals the status of sexual minorities within the LGBTQ + community. This study makes use of three focus group discussions to explore the perception of each sexual minority regarding social equality within the Indian LGBTQ + community and outside it, alongside trying to understand the community support received by the sexual minorities in the Indian LGBTQ + community. The study uses inductive thematic analysis to draw out themes. The results indicate a predominant feeling of being misunderstood, exploited, fetishized and alienated even within the LGBTQ + community while finding solace in their own sub-communities and the online community. The results also reveal feelings expectations held by individuals from each sexual minority in terms of their desired place in society.