LGBTQIA- The Term Explained, Issues And The Role Society Can Play

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LGBTQIA is the acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/agender. This acronym is often used intentionally. But there are several variations to this like LGBT, LGBTQ, etc. The various terms associated with the acronym are used to describe a person's identity based on gender expression, gender identity, assigned sex at birth, and sexual and romantic orientation. Sometimes a '+' is added at the end of the acronym to denote that there can be several more terms related to a person's identity.

Below provided is a definition of the above-mentioned terms.

Lesbian- It is used to refer to a female who is physically, emotionally, and romantically attached to other women.

Gay- This term describes a person who is emotionally and sexually interested in people of the same sex.

Bisexual- This term refers to a person who can form romantic or emotional relations with people of the same sex or the opposite sex. They have no specific sexual preferences.

Transgender- This term describes people whose gender identity is different from what is assigned at birth. They often describe themselves using a variety of terms.

Queer- These are people whose sexual preference is not exclusively heterosexual. This includes those who have non-binary, gender-fluid, or gender-non-conforming identities.

Questioning- The Q in the acronym also refers to questioning. It describes a person who still questions their sexual identity.

Intersex- This term refers to people with one or more sexual characteristics, including genitals, reproductive organs, abnormal chromosomal numbers, etc. However, the term should not be confused with transgender.

Asexual- This term describes a person who experiences no sexual attraction.

The LGBTQIA+ community in India

After several years of struggle through various movements and reforms, homosexuals and intersexual have been given equal citizen right. They are now officially recognized as people but with abnormal hormonal balance. The law now promises social, political, and economic justice to them. In 2018, Section 377, which recognized gay acts as offensive and criminal steps was ruled out by the Supreme Court of India.

But even after these law amendments, the LGBTQIA+ community is criticized by the public. They still have to face discrimination. In other words, they are seen as monsters or aliens roaming with civilized society.

Why is this community hated?

Due to their abnormal chromosomal number, they look different from normal human beings. Their behavior and appearance are what discriminate them from other people. They are often regarded as bad acts of God which brings bad luck to people who stay with these abnormal people. As India is not enough broad-minded, so the sexual orientation of these people is also a factor that makes them hated. People normally think that there should be only heterosexuality because they are unaware of the imbalances that might happen in one's body. Furthermore, parents also disown their children if they show any divergence from normal behavior and appearance.

How to ensure healthcare?

LGBTQIA+ community faces challenges because they had some complications during development inside the womb. Pregnant women often overlook the precautions to be taken during pregnancy nowadays. This reflects in her child. But as science and medicine are advancing each day, there are cures for these abnormalities, if they are diagnosed at the right times. Hormone administrations, counseling, medicinal cures, etc are used widely. But people fear taking these medications. They need to be made aware of the good effects and positive things they will have on their body. This can be done through campaigns, movies, sex education, and public talks.

Good sex education

The core reason that this community has to struggle is the lack of sex education among the public. Sex education should be taught in every school, must be taught at home and there should be public speaking on the topic. This will ensure that the new generation is well aware of the hormonal imbalances and the difficulties faced by people having this imbalance. The older generations should be taught to interact with such people with open minds and not see them as a figure of misfortune.

Awareness of their sexual health in general communities

People nowadays are neglecting their sexual health too much. This results in an abnormality in their offspring. The consequences of this have to be burdened by the child as well as the parents. So sexual health must be taken care of during the youth period when hormones are at a surge. Government should take the initiative to create this awareness. Also, the education system must take a step forward to educate adolescents about the importance of sexual health.

Why inclusive healthcare is in everyone's best interest?

Inclusive healthcare means that health facilities should be available to every person regardless of their age, sex, caste, color, religion, or beliefs. This ensures that there is no practice of discrimination in the treatment. This greatly helps the people of the LGBTQIA+ community because they will be able to get their abnormality treated. As a result of which they would be able to interact with normal people. This will generate a sense of unity among everyone.

How parents should not base healthcare and sexual awareness only from a heterosexual point of view?

Heterosexuality is what we are taught from childhood. But we as well as parents need to understand that sexuality cannot be limited to attraction to the opposite sex. Parents should see sexuality as a spectrum where not every child fits in the same range. When they learn the hard-to-digest truth about their child it becomes a lump in their throat to swallow. They become blank and often end up rejecting their child. However, they must think it through well, do some online research about this thing and support the child to survive in society. The internet serves as the best source to gather any information. Parents should listen to various public talks available online and read articles related to different aspects of sexuality. This will broaden their thinking and the child will be able to get much-needed support from their parents.

By: Ankita Dasgupta

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