y101talks 011315main

Get Rid of Homophobia

The upholding of the section 377 by the Supreme Court of India was met with widespread protests from various humanitarian organisations. This article, which criminalises “unnatural intercourse” is seen as a direct violation of the basic rights of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) community. But in reality, anyone who participates in anything other than the traditional intercourse is culpable under this section. But since traditional intercourse is not possible in the LGBT, the Article is stereotyped to be against them.

Taking advantage of the situation, there were several well-known personalities who made public statements directed at the LG BT which ranged anywhere from inviting them to “cure their condition” to threatening them with death if they don’t “stop being Homosexual”. These people gave various reasons to justify their stand on the issue. They were mostly in the line of “It is not natural”; “it is against our culture”; “why do they need to display their sexuality”, et cetera.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, these people who feel uncomfortable to be around or to talk about Homosexuals and their issues, these people were sometimes show open hatred towards fellow humans in the name of their “different sexual preference” are broadly termed as Homophobes.

Contrary to what is the common public opinion, it is not homosexuality that is creating the social problems that are usually associated with them. Rather, it is a problem of Homophobia that should be tackled.

Being a topic that is associated with social stigma, anything regarding the LGBT do not get any platform for any public discussion. Hidden in the corner, these groups of fellow humans cry out for their basic rights which fall into deaf ears. As a result, they have been shrouded with Myths and Stigmatised Opinions. These Myths are the chief hurdles in understanding Homosexuality. As long as these Myths remain, these people will be continued to be persecuted.

Read more about the issue here: http://www.y101fm.com/y101-blogs/entry/paint-the-rainbow

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Sudipta Dipak Baruah
Jorhat, Assam
India.
(Medical graduate practicing in India. A science enthusiast, part time musician. Profile Link - https://www.facebook.com/sudipta.dipak )