Bias Against The LGBTQ+ Community: Gen Z May Be The Generation That Finally Ends It

One of the most marginalised sections of Indian society is the LGBTQ+ community. The acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer, and the plus at the end signifies the infinite sexual and gender identities that remain nameless.

Under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) imposed in 1861 by the British, same-sex relationships were considered a criminal act. After immense protests, the revolutionary decriminalisation of Section 377 was announced on September 6, 2018, by the Supreme Court of India. Under this new amendment, adult Indian LGBTQ+ couples can legally be in a consensual relationship and live together. Despite the achievement of this touchstone, India has yet to grant legal marriage rights to LGBTQ+ couples.

In light of the ongoing Pride Month which is celebrated in June every year, let us understand how despite immense advocacy and rising acceptance, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face differences and discrimination. We will also delve deeper into how Gen Zs may bring a significant change with their quick adaptation and open expression.

LGBTQ+ Community Challenges

A report by Hunch reveals that almost half of the respondents, i.e. 46.9%, have encountered or undergone discrimination against people of the LGBTQ+ community in educational institutions and professional setups. This highlights the dire need to incorporate a queer-friendly environment by promoting safety and shattering bigotry towards the community.

Nearly 52.8% suggest increased acceptance amongst Indians while almost a shocking portion of 26.8% oppose the thought. This calls for laws to be made for the protection and security of the LGBTQ+ community along with social acceptance.

About 58.1% of the respondents believe they have attained equality to a certain extent and the jarring 25.5% contradict it. The report suggests that criminalising LGBTQ+ marriages is a significant reason behind the inclusivity and countering opinion. Over 57.3% advocate for same-sex marriage to feel more accepted and recognised.

Are Gen Z More Accepting?

The Hunch report highlights how Gen Z is more aware and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. Over 66.8% of individuals, a significant escalation from the past, gave a thumbs up when asked if they were aware of Pride Month. About 52% believed in India’s rising acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, 51.1% accepted having queer friends, and 22.6% expressed their openness to having them in their friend circles. The optimistic numbers show potential for rising inclusivity and acceptance towards the community in the upcoming years.

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Voicing The LGBTQ+ Community Needs

About two-thirds of respondents, i.e. 65%, accept that Pride Parades play an essential role in sensitising the masses to the oppression faced by the community and about 20% acknowledge it. “These vibrant celebrations create a platform for LGBTQ+ people to be seen, heard, and understood, fostering a more accepting environment,” says the report.

Media is another unsung hero in the struggle to free sexualities and gender identities from rigid bounds. Nearly 57.3% reckon that movies represent LGBTQ+ characters and communities with positivity. From the 1996 movie ‘Fire’ portraying a lesbian relationship to the 2008 rom-com ‘Dostana’ hinting at a gay relationship, Bollywood movies have comfortingly crafted LGBTQ+ tales. However, shockingly, over 30% expressed the bothersome inaccuracy of the representation.

Simultaneously, the movie ‘Aligarh’ presents a trans woman’s journey and ‘A Suitable Boy’ exhibits a gay relationship which is close to authentic. This translates to the need for more LGBTQ+ storylines in mainstream cinema and their transparent portrayals to avoid misleading the masses.

Furthermore, Indian LGBTQ+ celebrities including Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Lilly Singh, Onir, Dutee Chand, Keshav Suri, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and Vikram Seth are amplifying the voices of the community with their influential status. This can contribute significantly towards empowering LGBTQ+ individuals and raising awareness among non-members.

India is brimming with queer activists like Akassh K Aggarwal, a celebrity Accessory Designer and a TEDXSPEAKER to uplift the oppressed LGBTQ+ community. During a chat with him, he expressed, “With the coming generation being more inclusive and the young queers coming out on living the identity openly it's been a positive change in India. With the change in attitude by friends and families, the support system has grown immensely. With corporates, schools and other institutions actively involved in queer inclusion, the environment has been changing positively.”

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Despite major shifts and increased acceptance of the LGBTQ+, India has a long way ahead. While citizens expect laws for the upliftment of the oppressed community, citizens of the country must dutifully support LGBTQ+ individuals. Acceptance and unison are what take a society ahead.

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