Aspirations and Challenges of LGBTQIA+ Community in India

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Aspirations and Challenges of LGBTQIA+ Community in India

Benjamin Conduah and Emmanuel Obed Acquah
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh¹, Ms. Anju Rakesh², Ms. Nisha Chandran³, Dr. Divya Kumar^4
1 Founder & President, AVTAR Group
² Assistant Vice President – Research & Solutions, Avtar
³ Assistant Vice President – Consulting & Solutions, Avtar
⁴ Associate Manager – Research, Avtar

Abstract: Historically, the social acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community has been very low across the globe. In India the scenario was no different though the landscape began shifting post the progressive judgement rendered by the Supreme Court of India, in 2018, decriminalizing homosexuality. The introduction of the third gender as a part of recognised gender spectrum in 2014 and the right to change legal gender in 2019 were other progressive measures in this direction. Despite the mandate the societal awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community continues to be a challenge in the Indian socio cultural milieu. Against this backdrop, a research study was undertaken to understand the aspirations of, and challenges faced by members of the community in India, today. A qualitative survey questionnaire with questions including when they developed self-awareness of their identity, how their experience of acceptance and inclusion was and how they embarked on their pursuit of aspirations, was used. The research sample consisted of 31 respondents who identified themselves as part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. From a self-awareness standpoint, 70% respondents said they accepted their own identity only after the age of 20. 48% of respondents reported facing mental health challenges because of a lack of acceptance. The paper also includes a discussion on the measures that individuals, organizations and institutions can undertake to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Keywords: aspirations, acceptance, awareness, LGBTQIA+ community and inclusion

I. INTRODUCTION

India, a country that consists of 29 states, 7 union territories, and over 22 official languages is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Though India is fortunate to have a rich diverse society, inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ Community is a concept that requires more constructive conversations. LGBTQIA+ community is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to the community including – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Asexual. Despite several historical mentions that the community has in India, the knowledge that people have about this community leaves room for much to be done. The lack of understanding that people have about this community has resulted in several challenges for them, such as workplace discrimination, violence, poverty, and exclusion across different spheres of life. This affects several aspects of their physical and mental well-being, preventing them from fulfilling their aspirations and rising to the fullest of their potential.

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