Alternative Sexual Identities Expression

Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture
Vol (5), Issue (1), June 2019

ISSN : 2581-575X
Alternative Sexual Identities, Expressions & Lives

- A Global Dialogue
Indian Institute of Sexology

Bhubaneswar
International Editorial Advisory Board Members
Prof. Rainer Schulze Dr. Senthourn Sunil Raj Prof. Surya B. Parajuli
Professor Emeritus Lecturer in Law Prof. & Head
University of Essex, UK Co-Director, MA in Human Rights, Department of Community
E Mail- rainer@essex.ac.uk Globalization and Justice Research & Development Program
Keele University, UK Birat Medical College & Teaching
E Mail- s.raj@keele.ac.uk Hospital, Nepal
E Mail- drsathii@yahoo.com
National Editorial Advisory Board Members

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra Dr. Adarsh Tripathi Prof. Nov Rattan Sharma
Senior O & G Specialist Associate Professor Professor
Sanjita Maternity Care & Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, King Department of Psychology
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India George's Medical University, Maharshi Dayanand University,
E Mail- drskmishra@rediffmail.com Lucknow, UP, India Rohtak, Haryana, India
E Mail- dradarshtripathi@gmail.com E Mail-sharmanr5@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Deputy Editor-in-Chief &

Dr. Sujit Kumar Kar Dr. Saumya Ranjan Mishra Special Issue Editor
Associate Professor Indian Institute of Sexology, Sanjita
Dr. Maheswar Satpathy
Department of Psychiatry, King Maternity Care & Hospital
Research Scientist
George's Medical University, Plot No-1, Ekamra Marg, Unit-6,
University College London, UK
Lucknow, UP, India Bhubaneswar-751001 E Mail-maheswarsatpathy@gmail.com
E mail- drsujita@gmail.com E Mail- sexualityinfo@gmail.com
Editorial Board Members

Prof. Ambalika Sinha Dr. Manju Agarwal Dr. Apurva Pandya
Professor Prof. & Dean Scientist-D
Motilal Nehru National Institute of Amity University, Lucknow Campus, Indian Institute of Public Health,
Technology, Allahabad, UP, India UP, India Gandhinagar, Gujrat, India
E Mail- ambalika_sinha@mnnit.ac.in E mail- manju.agrawal@gmail.com E Mail- drapurvakumar@gmail.com
Dr. S.M. Yashir Arafat Dr. Aditya Somani Dr. Rajnikant Swain
Assistant Professor (Psychiatry) Deputy Medical Superintendent Assistant Professor, Department of
CARE Medical College, Dhaka, Institute of Mental Health, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Bangladesh Chandigarh, India SCB Medical College, Cuttack,
E Mail- arafatdmc62@gmail.com E Mail- dr.adityasomani@gmail.com Odisha, India
E Mail- rajanikanta.swain09@gmail.com
Dr. Rati Ranjan Sethy Miss. Meha Jain
Associate Professor Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry (Clinical Psychology)
IMS & SUM Hospital All India Institute of Medical
Bhubaneswar, Odisha,India Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
E Mail- ratisethy@gmail.com E Mail- jainmeh@gmail.com
If you have any comments or suggestions,

Please share with us.
Write a mail to
sexualityifo@gmail.com
or drop a letter to
Sanjita Maternity Care & Hospital
Plot No.-1, Unit-6, Ekamra Marg
Bhubaneswar-751001, Odisha, India
The contents and views reflected in the articles are of respective author’s. IISB is not responsible for any
controversy or any intellectual property right infringement.
i June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (5), Issue (1)
Editorial.........
The Struggle is not over! Beyond 'Situating the Invisibles'-
Acceptance is the Key
As we immerse ourselves in materially rich and lofty aspirations in mid-
2019,what I would attribute to a superfine summer in London and while we
envision 2020, our engagements in Queer Lives have certainly got quite
diverse. We are engaged with the50th-year Celebration of Stonewall raids,
and 50th-year Celebration of decriminalisation in the United Kingdom. In the
past two months, we witnessed a range of activities and significant
corporate interest and displayed commitment. It was indeed
unprecedented, and certainly gives us a lot of hope in the dark times we
continue to live, although our lives are floundered with the economic
slowdown, policy paralysis, and a complete breakdown of a moral fabric
which was known to have dominated our social lives over past 50 years! As
we witness 50 years of PRIDE being published, publicised and glorified, it
offers us opportunities to take a pause, look back, and see where did we
start, and how far have we come with our effort at creating societies which
value co-existence, amity and true cosmopolitan principles of equality in
true sense of the term.
LGBT Marches have sure turned into Pride parades, and Homosexuals have
certainly been dubbed as 'queers', but, lives of Gender-diverse and Sexual
Minorities [GDSM] remain stuck in the same murky sphere of uncertainties.
There are substantial observation and alarming evidence which suggests to
the preposterous Criminalization of Behaviors, Character, Desires,
Expressions and Identities, which riddles the realisation of lives in different
contexts. And, wherever criminalisation does not exist in a formalised
structure, a presence of shame, guilt and lack of social approbation makes
it acutely clear that it's getting suffocatingly difficult for the queer lives to
survive, and thrive in regimes which not only have denied, but have
systematically deprived human rights in the name of budget-cuts alluding it
to austerity, cost-effective analysis and winning public faith with rhetorics
such as 'Nation first' and 'Nation great'.
I feel the problem of putting an abstract notion of the Nation First [mythical
nationalism] has indeed obscured the focus of the Governments and have
distracted them from finer nuances rendered to social policy based on
individualities. Unfortunately, this often comes at the cost of compromising
the social ideals of 'leaving no one behind', although euphemistically
alluded to UN-SDG Agenda 2030. This effort at neglecting the inherent
nature of various social sections are reflected in a pattern of invisibilization
[deliberate or indeliberate], what we call a 'Compounded Invisibility'. Its a
socio-structurally-induced form of invisibility consciously and
unconsciously imposed/inflicted upon a group and section of the Society
ii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
due to their inherent nature and characteristics by the social institutions,

and people in Power, which escalates their chances of being invisible, and
compounds their marginalising experiences through this invisibilization.
Queer Sites and Geographies

As we imagine of 2020, a critical year in the history of Humankind especially
with so many shifting geopolitical realities such as dark-spells of Post-
Brexit and ascendance of larger fascist regimes around the world including
in the USA, an examination of Queer Sites and geographies is pertinent. It's
particularly interesting that historically relevant queer sites are dissolving
into thin air, while they are being replaced by what we witness as gay-
friendly spaces. This has indeed corroded away memories and significant
memorabilia. This aspect of reality as depicted in Queer Urban geography
seem to contrast with lived yet unregistered social memories in socially
conservative societies which are slowly waking up to accept 'queer lives' as
existent realities, only with a reluctance which they would happily
compromise with.
Media and Queer Lives

In different parts of the World, Media has tried to portray queer lives in a
different light, some quite pathetic, and some others in a somewhat positive
tone, overshadowing the undercurrents. Some media houses in countries
like India have been very strategic in getting TV shows dedicated to queer
lives while trying to woe the public sympathies, and thereby gain
substantial TRPs, and business while few others have been able to use
queer lives as a sign of their social commitment. This media outcry and
euphoria both were quite exorbitantly high following September 2018 in
which Stills of Section-377 appeared on Sony Max - a mainstream TV
Channel. Increasingly, new forms of Media based in cyberspace, e.g.
Amazon Prime have tried to capture gay experiences surreptitiously while
attempting to depict the hypocrisy in our social lives, and still, only make a
compromised effort at portraying how despicable queer lives are.
Continued Atrocities on the Queers

Being 'gay' may be fallaciously interpreted as a happy state of affairs
especially given the fact that so much information and effort at visualisation
has got escalated over past few years, data and observations indicate that
queer lives seem to be affected by atrocities at the hands of guileful
mainstream society. It is represented in diverse forms of Discrimination [at
the workplace and everyday life] and non-acceptance and in extreme cases
religion/social sanctions, censorship, ridicule, bullying, and hate crimes
including death punishments in many countries, e.g. Chechnya Purging
situation in Russia to Capital punishments in the middle-east region. For
example, as per the most recent HRW Report, gay men in Chechnya have
been illegally detained, beaten and humiliated by police in a renewed anti-
gay crackdown, according to a new report.
iii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

The recent listing of countries which award a death punishment merely

based on one's sexual orientation and gender identity are Afghanistan,
Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,
UAE and Yemen. Also, several others criminalize and punish as per their
laws [often critiqued as colonial remain]. Also, countries like Russia have
used its 2013 federal law prohibiting 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual
relationships' to split a male same-sex couple from their legally adopted 12-
and 14-year-old sons. A similar trend to deprive Transgender people of their
rights have been observed in the far east. In January 2019, the supreme
court of Japan has upheld a law which forces transgender people to get
sterilised before they can legally change their gender, reeking an elitist
attitude to systemically deprive certain sections of their basic rights.
Also, recent observations have revealed a painful increase in hate crimes

against the queer community and consequent suicidal attempts and
ideation around the world. Mental Health and Well being of the Queer
Community sadly remain a largely neglected affair, and not much advance
has been made apart from bio-medically focused public health action plans
which don't recognize concepts such as 'minority stress'. This may be sadly
attributed to what 'straight' folks perceive as a problem of 'heightened
visibility', making this analogy painstakingly challenging to understand
what the mainstream wishes to do with queer lives. This narrative aligns
well with 'blame the victim', and 'victim being the source of the criminality of
perpetrator', and makes it clear on why social cognitive errors loudly
premediate and thereby predominate criminalising tendencies.
All these [and the persecutory fear] have resulted in a spiralling trend of
inferiorizing of queer lives, their identities, their desires although a socially
desirable effort at 'love is love' has been publicised in the recent discourses
in some parts of the world. There are several charities that help LGBTQ
people living in countries with discriminatory laws, including All Out,
Amnesty International, Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Watch,
Rainbow Riots and Stonewall.
What merits our attention particularly is the fact that how duplicitous the
efforts have been in terms of restoring dignity, and sanctity of the very
values which stand to uphold the right of life, health and what I would dub
'right to love'. It's no secret that these rights have been violated in broad
daylight on the streets of ours be it in London, New York, or in Chennai, let
alone small towns or rural areas [which were believed not to have gays!]. It is
surprising that although Governments around the world earn a significant
degree of social desirability score by praising LGBT Rights in different
speeches, their efforts at ensuring and protecting rights of queer
communities have fallen short, and show very little actual commitment.
This lack of a political will has got stronger under some intolerant
conservative regimes, which very much remain apathetic to the realities of
iv June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

lives, and certainly, do not lay enough emphasis on human rights and
ideologies of social justice.
What will it take to be accepted?

There is no denial that acceptance is the key and it's no rocket science. But,
why have we remained remotely closer to this objective in spite of several
strides being made to achieve social equality? Why could not societies and
its members accept queer lives fully yet?
"There is no secret to acceptance, tolerance, or happiness. You just have to

find the right partner to take the step with. Let the truth of your love speak
for itself. Love, Amit & Adi”, say the recently married Hindu gay couple in the
USA who have earned a lot of limelight. This has indeed made many eyes
dreamy, and teary, while shattering and battering many lives and their
aspirations as they continue to be exasperated by harder realities. In
September 2018, Indian Supreme Court read down [to be interpreted not
the same as decriminalised gay sex],i.e. made amendments in the law which
now allows two consenting adults to pursue their passion, desire and
pleasure in a private space. Although this has created a lot of glorified
version of what we know as Queer liberation in the Indian context, the
reality suggests that Indian society as many other parts of the world would
suffer from problems of unacceptance of the queer lives by the family,
friends and the community.
Recent efforts at solidifying values of social equality has been well reflected
in a euphoric West which celebrates Queer Lives and their existence and
puts on record their contributions to society, e.g. a flamboyant Canadian
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits a gay bar, and Queen Elizabeth II
welcomes Commonwealth Queer Activists to celebrate their lives and
contributions to making the world a bit fairer, and just, if I may say. But, the
same has been rejected by other societies which have chosen to act
regressive, and they have been matched well by other conservative societies
in various countries in Asia and Africa.
In this context, several questions pop up in our minds as to what are we

proud of? Do we truly believe in social equality, and allowing [enabling]
persons of all sections of the society to achieve their true best? And, what
will take us to make a more socially accepting society?
Few of these questions are answered in this issue. Our Journal is indeed
well-positioned to ignite and illuminate the space for a sensitive and
evidence-informed discourse in SRHR, Identity and Emotions Research
focused around Genders and Sexualities in the world in general and South
Asia in particular. This thematic issue reflective of our Journal's strong
commitment to gender equality, an ideal which we had humbly tried to
shape with our very first issue on Homosexuality in 2017. The previous
issue had focused on the health and Human Rights of the LGBT
v June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
Community, whereas in this issue we have made significant advances in

both the nature of discourses as well as the degree of engagements we have
created with policymakers, academics, and civil society alongside the
community members and activists. This issue titled 'Alternative Sexual
Identities, Expressions & Lives- A Global Dialogue started with a stated
objective of curating an issue which acts as a strong and dominant voice on
the concurrent Gender and Sexuality Discourses in the world. We aimed at
collecting excellent pieces highlighting advances in scientific research, and
updates and experiences and opinions on LGBTQIA Lives in India in
particular, and from all over the world.
This issue truly comes as a beacon of voice to many lives, and collectively
echoes sentiments, lived realities and experiences of gender-diverse
communities around the world, and thereby promises to be a strong
document posing significant policy implications.
In this issue, we have received excellent submissions from 4 different

continents, experts, scholars and professionals ranging from Johns
Hopkins to UNAIDS, UBC to UCL to Utkal, Queer Fictionist to Hollywood,
Americas to Asia, Young Scholars aged 22 to Stalwarts up to age 80, Young
Students with fresh UGs to people having multiple degrees and accolades.
Each story and each piece is appealing in its own unique and highly original
way. In addition, every effort is made to ensure the highest quality standard
as can be expected in a truly global and multi and trans-disciplinary
scientific Journal. We sincerely hope that this issue adds some meaning
and value to the current literature on the Gender Diverse Sexual Minority
Population and their Lives, and not only visibilizes their concerns, but also
sensitises the mainstream society, and thereby creates a pressing need for
policy and practice changes around the world.
We also expect that this issue will act as an excellent repository of

knowledge for readers of any stage of their life interested in Queer Lives. We
humbly believe that it has made concrete efforts at synthesising concurrent
realities as exposited in few of the excellent opinion/experiential pieces and
expert commentaries, cutting-edge science and advances in evidence and
thereby promise that this knowledge is not only relevant but also
informative for policy formulations at different levels.
Sincerely Yours
Maheswar Satpathy
Deputy Editor-in-Chief &
Special Issue Editor
University College London
30th June 2019
vi June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Contents
Sl. No. Subject Page
Editorial ii-vi
1. Invited Expert Commentary
Queer Depictions in American Cinema: Assumed Identities 01
The Second Golden Age of Queer Speculative Fiction 10

Happiness in LGBTI people as a key milestone for the Global 14
HIV Response
4. Original Research Article
18
Evolutionary Social Contract of Homosexuals in India
A Phenomenological Analysis of a Consumer's Lived Experience 27
of Pornography and Homoeroticism
Portrayals of Transgender in University Textbooks at the 37
beginning of the Millennium
7. Case Series
Anti-Indian Bias and Homophobia: A Psychotherapy Case 45
Study
8. Perspectives
53
Depiction of Homosexuality in Ayurveda
9. Review Article
Homosexuality and Mythology 56
10. Review Article
Homosexuality among Males 65
11. Review Article
Homosexuality among Females: Evolution to Revolution 73
12. Review Article
Nosological Status of Homosexuality
81
13. Review Article

88
Mental Health Perspectives of Homosexuality
14. Review Article
Health needs of Homosexuals 96
vii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Sl. No. Subject Page
15. Voices from the Field

LGBTQI Activism and Human Rights in Pakistan, its History 103
and Progress
Celebrating Successes while Continuing Our Fight for Rights U 110
=U Campaign and more
Identity Politics, Educational Participation and Transgender in 116
India (Featured Profile: Dhananjay Chauhan, Chandigarh)
18. Policy Brief
Affirmative Counselling and Psychotherapy for Lesbian, Gay, 128
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population: Priorities for
Policy, Practice and Research in India
19. Global Dialogue Series
Whose Land of the Free? Latina Transgender Immigrants in the 135
United States
20. Global Dialogue Series -Letter to the Editor
LGBTQI Lives in Cameroon: Law, Human Rights and Health 148
and Wellbeing
21. Global Dialogue Series- Letters to the Editor
Relooking into Queer Lives and Community Perceptions in 21st 150
Century Germany
My Life and Sexuality: Role of Coming Out in Ghanian Africa 152
Trading the Slippery Ground: Blurring lines of Gender 153
Identities in Devdutt Pattanaik's 'The Pregnant King'.
Authors ix-xv
How to cite Articles

xvi-xviii
viii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Invited Expert Commentary

Queer Depictions in American Cinema: Assumed
Identities
Martin B. Beaudet
FauxMeme Productions, Damascus, OR, USA
Abstract
Like most aspects of homosexuality, depictions of gay ‘lifestyles’ and
identities were rare in any public forum in the United States, including
cinema, prior to the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969. The subject
was treated in most social and academic circles as too vulgar for
discussion, let alone depiction, and there was a genuine fear that the very
discussion of homosexual behavior would encourage it among those who
had never before considered it. In this environment, those who sensed in
themselves an attraction to members of the same sex, or any other
anomalous gender identity leanings, had only rumor and scandal to
inform their sense of identity. For many queer individuals the derogatory
descriptions and condemnation that such stories perpetrated resulted in
them assuming negatives identities, often leading to self-hatred and
sometimes-attempted suicide. This essay will look at the effect of

emergent queer cinema and depictions of non-heterosexuals in
mainstream cinema on the self-image and psychological well-being of
those who identify as queer.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Queer, USA, American Cinema, Assumed

Identities
Date Received: 30th April 2019
Date Accepted: 29th May 2019
Correspondence should be made to:
Martin B. Beaudet
FauxMeme Productions
13825 SE 180th Avenue, Damascus, OR 97089 USA
Email- marty.beaudet@gmail.com
Prevailing Views on Queer result of the ensuing liberalization

Identities in America of American attitudes toward their
There can be no doubt that a queer compatriots has been the
turning point in American attitudes assimilation of the latter into
toward homosexuality (and related mainstream culture. There is no
gender identity issues) was reached better place to observe large-scale
when, as a U.S. presidential social change than in television and
candidate in 1992, Bill Clinton cinema, two realms where creative
voiced support for LGBT rights.[1]A minds strive diligently to reflect
predictable, though often ignored, back to us the lives we are living.
01 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
There is however, ongoing debate identities of many real-life queer

within the American queer individuals.
community as to whether such
assimilation is a positive[2] or negative[3] Allusive Depictions
development for queer culture. For The years following World War II
those individuals who do not saw many films in which cross
knowingly have any queer friends or dressing men played drag for
family, the media[4] is often the only comedy. Cary Grant in ‘I Was A Male
source of information on what it War Bride’ (1949),[9] Tony Curtis and
means to be queer. Cinema in Jack Lemon in ‘Some Like It Hot’
particular can have a profound (1959),[10] and a slew of Jerry Lewis
effect on society's shifting attitudes, films from 1950-1956 are the most
[5]
for better or worse. notable examples.[11]
Cinema Before Stonewall Non-Comedic Queer Characters.

In the years prior to the Stonewall Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most
Uprising, a night upon which gay respected and prolific directors of
men-many in drag-resisted what his time, hinted at a gay male
had become habitual police relationship[12] in the psychological
harassment of patrons at a thriller ‘Rope’ (1948)[13] is a dramatic
neighborhood pub in New York's imagining of the murder of a 14-
Greenwich Village,[6] queer year-old boy by real-life roommates
individuals had rarely, if ever, seen Nathan Leopold and Richard
people like themselves on television. Loeb. [ 1 4 ] While a homosexual
Likewise, any depiction on the Silver relationship is never specified, the
Screen until that point, had been sub text is clearly there, the
allusive at best, never spoken or message overwhelmingly negative
named, and almost without to those who found it: gay men are
exception negative.[7] Gay men dangerous psychopaths preying on
dominated these depictions, one innocent boys.
assumes, perhaps because such
were seen as more salacious and This stereotype is teased out to its
threatening to the almost most gruesome conclusion in
exclusively male writers, directors, Suddenly, ‘Last Summer’ (1959),[15]
and producers of the day. Lesbians- wherein Sebastian (portrayed by the
or what heterosexual men thought bisexual-but-closeted Montgomery
of as lesbians-if they were shown at Clift)[16] uses his beautiful cousin
all, were often merely sex objects Catherine to lure young boys for sex
and fantasies of straight men. They during an island holiday. The plot
were rarely seen as existing apart centers on Catherine's recovery
from the men who desired them, from the trauma she experiences
and the relationship was often after witnessing the boys mob, kill,
inferred.[8] The loneliness, and eat Sebastian. The unmistakable
desperation, and unlikability of message: the homosexual got what
such characters also informed the he deserved.

Sympathetic Depictions In 1970, just a year after Stonewall,

Sympathetic depictions of gay men The Boys in the Band[21] became the
prior to Stonewall were rare and, first Hollywood film to address gay
again, mostly allusive.[17] The most (men's) lives head on. It remains a
notable film that avoids judgement watershed moment for the queer
of male-male love is ‘Lawrence of community.[22][23] While it was, by
Arabia’ (1962). [ 1 8 ] Lawrence, of today's standards, rife with
course, is a classic: the dramatic re- stereotypes and bitchy, miserable
enactment of T. E. Lawrence's gay characters, it opened the door to
involvement in the 1916 Arab Revolt film makers who wished to depict
on behalf of the British Crown. Co- non-heterosexual lives without sub
written by Lawrence himself, the text and inuendo. Queer people no
film avoids any explicit homosexual longer had to be pathetic, villainous,
engagement (just as Lawrence or ridiculous; they could be seen as
himself denied any such activity in average, flawed individuals, like
his own life), but the film makers anyone else.
didn't shy away from male-male
intimacy and love between Unveiled But Unsympathetic
Lawrence and his beloved friend Capitalizing on the nascent ‘gay
Sherif Ali. In fact, Director David liberation’ movement that arose
Lean later said, “Throughout, from Stonewall, film makers in the
Lawrence was very, if not entirely, 1970s no longer felt the need to hide
homosexual. We thought we were the queer identities of their
being very daring at the time….”[19] characters. But homosexuality was
still illegal in many states
Cinema After Stonewall throughout the decade. As a result,
The news depictions that emerged film makers felt the need to tread
from the Stonewall Inn of drag carefully in their depictions of queer
queens resisting uniformed police characters so as not to offend
officers and subsequently being industry censors or, more importantly,
manhandled into waiting paddy the paying mainstream movie goer.
wagons, electrified a largely closeted While queer Americans were finally
American gay population. For many seeing themselves on the big screen,
in the audience, particularly teens the characters they saw were often
and adolescents, it was the first not fully realized and still not
acknowledgement that there were allowed happy endings.
others like themselves in the world,
actually gathering together in Twisted and Tragic
public places to socialize. It was also Transgender visibility hit cinema in
the first time anyone in America had a big way in 1970 with the release of
seen queer-identified individuals The Christine Jorgensen Story,[24] a
fight back against an authority that dramatized biography of a male-to-
demonized them.[20] It gave LGBTQ female woman, documenting the
Americans a new paradigm and led transition from her point of view.
to the adoption of new proactive While the film was profoundly
identities.
educational and ground breaking in laundry, raise kids, and work nine-
its honesty, producers felt it to-five office jobs. Queers were still
necessary to titillate mainstream anomalies and outsiders.
audiences with tabloid-headline-
emulating promotional art that Cinema Verité: HIV/AIDS
screamed “Did the surgeon's knife As tragic as it was, the HIV/AIDS
make me a woman or a freak?”.[25] pandemic was a watershed moment
for queer cinema.[31]It also marked a
Transgender issues were also turning point, albeit a gradual one,
played for comedy in 1971's Myra in the depiction of gay men in
Breckinridge.[26] One could argue mainstream cinema. Hollywood was
that the saving grace of this film was still portraying gay men as victims,
that it was panned as “one of the often pathetic, and-where AIDS was
worst films ever made”[27] and, as concerned-implied that their
such, didn't gain a wide audience. suffering was a natural result of
their own choices. The difference
‘Cruising’ (1980),[28] starring Al however, in films such as the made-
Pacino, marked a low point in for-TV An Early Frost (1985),[32] was
depictions of gay men, featuring a the empathy that depictions of
serial killer in the leather bedridden, dying men elicited in
community. Gay men were again straight audiences. Even if you
seen as victims, getting what they believed that gay sex was sinful, it
deserved at the hands of one of their was hard not to shed a few tears as a
own, simply for having the audacity sympathetic gay character slipped
to engage in sex. away. Straight people could relate to
the loss, and the queer community
I remember celebrating when, just began to feel their empathy.
two years later, ‘Making Love’[29]
became the first mainstream film to Queer film makers seized upon the
portray two men in love (rather than AIDS crisis to tell their side of the
just lust or infatuation),[30] and story, often with more nuance and
actually showed them in bed honesty than was allowed in
together. Scenes were post-coital, of mainstream cinema. Just a year
course, as sex between men was still after An Early Frost, the queer-
too much for straight audiences to made Parting Glances[33]painted a
contemplate. But even in this film, much more realistic picture of
the focus was on the betrayed wife urban gay life, including a character
and the selfish behavior of her with AIDS who faced his own death
cheating husband. without the suburban-family love
offered in Frost. It failed to gain
By the end of the 80s, a queer much of a mainstream audience
identity was still not seen as however.
mainstream or normal: LGBTQ
people, according to Hollywood Hollywood wasted no time in
depictions, did not shop, do capitalizing on mainstream empathy-a

fulldecadeintotheAIDS pandemic -with individual as just another character

the release of Longtime Companion in the story.
(1989),[34] a cinematic diary of the
demise of a man with AIDS, from The Lost Language of Cranes
diagnosis to death. With numerous (1991),[38] a British family drama, is
household names among the cast, it one of the only queer films-before or
finally laid bare for queer and since-to deal with cross-generational
mainstream audiences alike, with queer identities in one household: a
unflinching honesty, the tragic bisexual father and a gay son, both
nature of the disease. struggling with the challenges of
their identities and their relationship
Post-AIDS Cinema to each other.
Once AZT and other drug “cocktails”
began to transform AIDS into a The documentary ‘Paris is Burning’
manageable disease rather than a (1991)[39]chronicled for the first time
death sentence,[35] depictions of on film the “ball culture” of actual
queer life in cinema began to change drag queens (as opposed to
as well. The newly found voices of Hollywood caricatures) and, more
queer film makers that the AIDS importantly, revealed to both queer
pandemic brought to the fore during and straight audiences, the
the 80s led to the depiction of other diversity of queer culture. The film
facets of queer life-predominantly featured numerous Black, Latino,
that of gay men-during the early and transgender individuals. In
90s. Many early queer stories were 2016, the film was selected for
coming-of-age dramas about preservation in the United States
coming out. But the subject matter National Film Registry by the
soon became much more diverse. Library of Congress as being
“culturally, historically, or
New Queer Cinema aesthetically significant.”[40]Queer
As queer film makers broadened the identities were here revealed in all
scope of their stories and the quality their diversity.
of their film making entered the
professional realm, the term New Post-Pandemic Hollywood
Queer Cinema[36] was used to Hollywood, always ready to
describe the phenomenon. capitalize on social trends, was
quick to jump on the bandwagon
One of the first in this new category with its own films about queer lives.
was Todd Haynes's Poison (1991),[37] Still cautious, aware of the
a sci-fi horror anthology loosely sensibilities of straight audiences,
based on the novels of Jean Genet. film makers started offering gay
Here, the stories departed from the characters and subplots that were
heretofore chronicling of gay no longer accusatory or incendiary.
experiences, telling larger tales into Queer observers were finally to see
which gay characters were themselves in a broader range of
seamlessly woven. It marked the more ordinary identities.
“normalization” of the queer
Modern Depictions be gay were shaped not by

In the 25 years since New Queer experience (for we were too young to
Cinema broadened the range of have much) but by what we saw on
queer characters depicted in the Silver Screen. (Television
American cinema, they have evolved censorship prevented that medium
from Hollywood's anomalous freaks from contributing queer images for
and quirky sidekicks to fully consideration). And what we saw
realized individuals appearing in all was not positive. As Sky Gilbert,
facets of life. American cinema, Professor of English and Theatre
whether mainstream, in die, or Studies at the University of Guelph,
queer, now offers us a wide diversity Ontario, tells us, “It is in media
of stories featuring queer protagonists representations of gay men
and supporting roles. that…'stealth homophobia' most
clearly shows its face.” [44]
Just two years ago, Moonlight,[41] a
coming of age story about a gay Yet, as stereotypes have given way
Black man, won the Oscar for Best to more diverse and more accurate
Picture, as well as two others. This portrayals of queer lives in
would have been unthinkable just American cinema, it has altered not
20 years earlier. Indeed, it was only the attitudes of main stream
stunning even in 2017. A year later, audiences, it has also changed the
Call Me By Your Name,[42] a story way we see ourselves in the queer
about a gay adult-teen summer community. As McClaren says,“film
romance, won the Oscar for Best [has a] dual role as reflector and
Adapted Screenplay. In previous influencer of society.” [43]
decades such a story would have
been called obscene and would Art imitates life, life imitates art. It's
never have made it into theaters, let hard to tell in which direction this
alone receive Hollywood's highest maxim is most evident. In the case
honor. of queer identities, both happen
simultaneously. A film maker,
Conclusion queer or straight, depicts the queer
In a 2016 essay,[43] political scholar experience onscreen. Thousands of
Catherine McClaren points out, LGBTQ individuals perceive this
“Stereotypical images have a depiction as representative of
particularly powerful effect on themselves, internalizing either
adolescents who seek representation permissive or prohibitive mores,
of themselves in media and develop aligning their behaviors and
their own personalities based on the identities with those depicted. With
expectations they see on the each succeeding generation, these
screen.” depictions, and the mores they
engender, become more diverse and
As a queer youth in the 1960s, my inclusive. There is no longer a single
perceptions-like those of many in queer identity in film and television.
my generation—of what it meant to Of course, there never was in real

life. Moviegoers are finally able to talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/

see that. 04/how-movies-can-change-our-
minds/ (Accessed on: 27 May
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36. Wikipedia, New Queer Cinema Simon' [Online]. Retrieved from:
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37. Poison (1991) Directed by Todd

Haynes [Film]. New York: Zeitgeist
Films.


The Second Golden Age of Queer Speculative
Fiction
J. Scott Coatsworth, Arizona, USA
Abstract
I've been a part of the queer writing fiction community for more than
thirty years, starting with a queer writing group on AOL that I took over in
the early nineties and continuing up to the present. I founded and ran the
Queer Sci-Fi site and Facebook Group, and have had the chance to see
the growth of Queer speculative fiction first-hand.The roots of queer
speculative fiction reach way back. Samuel Delaney, Joanna Russ, and
Elizabeth A. Lynn, among others, were all writing it in the sixties and
seventies, and writers like Anne McCaffrey flirted with it (see Dragons,
Green) as well. But, we're unquestioningly in a golden age of queer
speculative fiction, as readers clamour for characters in which they can
recognise themselves, and writers push the existing boundaries of the
market place.
Date Received: 01st June 2019

Date Accepted: 20th June 2019
Correspondence should be directed to:

J. Scott Coatsworth,
Queer Fictionist, Arizona, USA
Email- scott@queerscifi.com
Prelude had so many emotions and stories

There are a few past trends and that needed telling, and we often
tropes to be aware of that brought told them through the lens of fiction
us to where we are today: and speculative fiction.
The Gay Best Friend: Look back Coming Out: One thing that the
ways, and you'll see some of the AIDS crisis forced us into was
early inclusion of queer characters coming out. Gay men were outed by
in fiction (esp. mass market fiction the disease, and many in the
like TV shows and movies) was the lesbian community stepped up to
gay best friend. Usually cute, help them in their time of need.
sexless, never in a visible Slowly over the next two decades,
relationship, the GBF was a safe the bi community and the trans
alternative for the mass market. community would also step out of
the shadows. For a few years,
AIDS/HIV: For a while in the coming out stories were rampant.
eighties and nineties, queer fiction And while they will always have a
became consumed by the virus – we place in the community, they are
now much rarer than they once The First Queer Spec Fic Golden
were, as we have gained visibility. Age
I've contended for a few years that
There's a Gay!: Shortly after the we're in the midst of a golden age of
Coming Out phase, we began to see queer speculative fiction. I came to it
limited gay inclusion in more through the back door – although I
mainstream shows, usually had been an avid reader of sci-fi and
announced with a lot of fanfare fantasy my entire life (I read the Lord
about how progressive the show was of the Rings in third grade), I had my
to include one of us. While first publication at a gay romance
welcomed at the time, this has worn publisher called Dreamspinner
a bit thin over time, especially with Press.
some franchises (Marvel Films,
we're looking at you) that still have It made sense at the time – my
not managed to include a major gay husband Mark was an avid reader of
character, much less anyone from MM (male-male) romance, and he
the rest of the rainbow spectrum. was well connected into the
community, so when I decided to
Kill Your Gays: Later expanded to take the leap and submit my first
Kill Your Queers, this meme came story, it was to an MM publisher.
from the fact that many TV shows
and films, after finally getting a I started the Queer Sci-Fi (QSF)
queer character, would kill them off, group at about the same time, and
usually in some dark or brutal quickly found that many of the
manner. A community already writers of queer romance were also
devastated by the twin scourges of big speculative fiction fans, and that
homophobia and AIDS did not look a lot of the “romance” fiction around
kindly on this trend. me was also pretty well-written
speculative fiction which thrust gay
Marriage Equality: The fight for characters into the heart of an epic
marriage equality was deeply fantasy arc or a space opera plot.
divisive, even within the queer
community. Many people felt that it A lot of this energy came from fan
wasn't possible, not without fiction – folks “shipping (putting into
decades of work. Others felt it an imaginary relationship)
distracted from the other fights we characters from existing shows and
faced – health care issues, financial films. Instead of Luke and Leia, we
security, and the like – and catered had Luke and Lee, and instead of
too much to the rights of the L and G Frodo and Sam… well, let's just say
parts of our community, and not their relationship got a little more
enough to the B, T, and A. In the intense.
end, the fight was joined, and won in
only seven years from the passage of Many of these fan fiction writers
Prop 8 in California. It legitimised started creating worlds of their own,
the community in the eyes of the and the renaissance began. But for
general public and set the stage for years, the lion's share of queer
where we are now.
speculative fiction in this arena was community. We have taken a few

gay cis men, with a smaller (but steps back, particularly the trans
fierce) following for lesbian fiction. community, as their most recent
rights gains have been rolled back
In the last few years, that's started
one by one.
to change. Readers who demanded
representation for their communities
And yet… things still progress.
– asexual, intersex, bi, transgender,
We're seeing more and more queer
non-binary, gender fluid, and more
inclusion in popular culture-
– took it into their own hands to
especially in film and TV. Supergirl
start writing their stories. And
features a trans superhero; Black
others followed, writing characters
Lightning and the upcoming
for the whole LGBTQ+ rainbow.
Batwoman both feature lesbians.
Sometimes these attempts were
We're moving beyond the “There's a
flawed, but even so, they moved the
Gay!” phase, and seeing other parts
needle forward.
of our community enter the
Not to say, there aren't still road- limelight. Even Marvel plans to
bumps to inclusion. A couple of introduce a major gay character to
years back, a group of mostly white, their film universe soon. They're a
straight men called the Sad Puppies few years behind, but at least
mounted an insurrection and there's progress.
managed to crowd out many more
diverse works of speculative fiction The Second Golden Age
form the Hugo Awards. The reaction So here's where I think we are going
was swift, and the Sci-Fi Writer's next.
Association took action to prevent a
repeat the next year. They also A couple of years ago, I ran across
worked hard to bring more diversity the word “liminal” in church. It
into World Con, the semi-annual means to be at the edge of
sci-fi gathering. something, and I think it perfectly
Incidences of racism have also suits this moment for speculative
sprouted up here and there, fiction and the queer community.
including one in the queer romance We are on the edge of a vast
community last year that nearly expansion of our presence in the
shut down a prominent publisher. specific world, an expansion that
will see both a continued
Still, the road to progress seemed normalisation of queer characters
secure, until Brexit and the US and some true breakthroughs that
2016 election (along with the rise of will change the way the world looks
the populist movement across the at us.
world) made some fear it would all
come to a screeching halt. We as a society and as a world are in
a moment of particular longing for
normality after two-and-a-half
The Trump Years
years of anything but, and the queer
The current US administration has
community is no exception. Time
been no friend to the queer
and time again, I hear a longing for tales my peers and I never dreamed
queer characters who are just of.
people. Who wears their queer
identity the same way they wear I am also seeing several writers
their hair colour and favourite pair move out of queer romance to focus
of shoes. We've moved beyond the more on the speculative fiction side
coming out narrative, beyond the of their works, writing stories that
whole idea that our queer identity are radically inclusive of our
has to be our only one, and as community.
society catches up, the portrayals of
us have moved beyond it too to show And the world never stops moving.
us as people just like everyone else. For every bright light – equal rights,
integration, acceptance – there is a
But we also have an opportunity for darkness. Authoritarianism creeps
greatness. up our steps, climate change
already begins to wreak havoc on
In the United States, for the first the world, and migrations are only
time, a gay man has a realistic shot likely to increase in the coming
at becoming president. Gay people years.
are finding success as athletes,
preachers, singers and actors. In All of which is fodder for our fiction,
some ways, it feels like we've moved which is why I genuinely think we
thirty years in the last ten. And even are entering a second Golden Age for
though the inevitable backlash, queer speculative fiction.
queer rights are gaining ground.
Just this year, Taiwan – Taiwan!!! – I often think of that old Chinese
accepted marriage equality. curse – “May you live in interesting
times.” It certainly applies today,
What does this mean for speculative and all of these trends will shape the
fiction? speculative fiction of the future.
It means our canvass is bigger than I fear for what the world will become,
ever before. We can project this but I also relish the chance to try to
moment forward – as good sci-fi inform it, in some small way, with
does – or reflect it with fantasy, my words.
paranormal or horror. Writers will
soon come of age who have only In the end, we have been given a
known marriage equality, have chance – we queer writers – to shape
never been closeted and will tell that future. And I believe we're
ready to take it.


Happiness in LGBTI People as a Key Milestone for
the Global HIV Response
Sean Howell1,2,3, Erik Lamontagne4,5, Alex Garner2, Anna Yakusik4
1
LGBT Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2
Hornet, San Francisco, USA
3
Centre for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public
Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
4
UNAIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
5
Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, AMSE,
France
Key words LGBTI, Stigma, Discrimination, HIV, Community, Cross-
sectional, Behavioural surveillance, Socioecological, Behavioural
economics, Internet, Survey
Date Received: 15th June 2019


Sean Howell,
LGBT Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Email- sean@foundation.lgbt
Introduction
Worldwide, lesbian, gay, bisexual, Punitive laws and socio-structural
transgender and intersex (LGBTI) factors can contribute to the
people contend with exceptionally higher transmission of HIV and
high risks for HIV infection, stigma other infections in sexual
and discrimination, and exclusion minorities, dissuade them from
from HIV and other health services seeking treatment, and fuel the
(1, 2). The global prevalence of HIV epidemic of mental health issues
among gay men and other men, and suicide (8). Stigma towards
who have sex with men (MSM), is persons of different sexual
19 times higher than in general orientations and gender identities
population, and prevalence among operates at multiple levels,
transgender (TG) is 48 times including institutional, social, and
higher (3-5). MSM and TG are at intrapersonal (9). Homophobic
high risk because HIV transmission events and enacted sexual stigma
is five times more likely to occur were found associated with
during unprotected anal increased odds of engaging in UAI
intercourse (UAI) than during (10, 11), lower HIV testing rates
vaginal sex (6). UNAIDS estimates (12), and lower adherence to
suggest that globally, the risk of antiretroviral treatment (13, 14).
acquiring HIV is 27 times higher Sexual minorities, who live in
among MSM, and 13 times higher communities with high levels of
for TG women (7).
anti-gay prejudice experience a generalised. Again, pervasive

higher hazard of mortality than stigma and criminalisation of same-
those living in low-prejudice sex practices have made such data
communities, with a shorter life collection challenging or absent.
expectancy of approximately 12 (22).
years for sexual minorities living in
high-prejudice communities (15). Intervention
Sexual minorities in India report the To evaluate happiness, sex and
need for support and acceptance quality of life for LGBTI people, the
with the constant pressure to hide Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) and the
one's sexual orientation, which
LGBT+ Foundation launched an
creates stress. This excessive stress
online survey developed in
and distress make sexual minorities
collaboration with researchers at
in India susceptible to various
Aix-Marseille University, and the
mental health consequences and
University of Minnesota (23).
hamper well-being and happiness
(16, 17). It has economic
The survey is a Multi-Lingual cross-
consequences, with an estimated
sectional assessment. To probe
cost of homophobia in India,
respondents' mental wellness, the
accounting for USD 5.2 [2.6 – 7.9] survey canvasses variables including
billion a year (18). 'outness', family support, sexual
satisfaction, physical health,
While European and American happiness, self-esteem, and the
cultures define happiness as a internalisation of homophobia. The
personal achievement, Asian survey aims to explore a likely
culture defines happiness as “a relationship between happiness
realisation of social harmony” (19). and safe behaviour in the greater
In India, happiness has a particular context of health. Assessing these
and profound meaning, as constructs often simultaneously
suggested in the Hitopadseša, an helps researchers test and find links
ancient Indian manuscript, which between wellbeing and related
Wiese denoted as “teaching of variables (24).
happiness”(20). Longitudinal
studies indicate that people who are An internet sampling method is
happier tend to live longer, used to conduct this survey
providing support for happiness as globally, recruiting consenting adult
a stand-alone indicator of well- LGBTI participants, including
being that should be used more participants in India. This approach
widely in social science and health is responsive to increasing research
research (21). Such studies in interest in technology-enhanced
LGBTI people across countries methods for research in hard-to-
remain scarce. reach populations, that may
In low- and middle-income enhance engagement of potential
countries, LGBT data collection has participants living in marginalised
been limited where the HIV contexts. Importantly, the diversity
epidemics are deemed to be more of literacy, technology use, and
overall socio-economic situations 5. Beyrer C, Baral SD, van Griensven
highlights the need to leverage F, Goodreau SM, Chariyalertsak S,
technology to permit flexible, Wirtz AL, et al. Global epidemiology
adaptive methodology (25). of HIV infection in men who have
sex with men. Lancet (London,
We strongly encourage country- England). 2012;380(9839):367-77.
specific promotion by concerned 6. Varghese B, Maher JE, Peterman
national HIV and LGBTI NGOs and TA, Branson BM, Steketee RW.
partners sharing a unique URL to Reducing the risk of sexual HIV
transmission: quantifying the per-
the survey's landing page at
act risk for HIV on the basis
suitable country-specific websites ofchoice of partner, sex act, and
and networks (https://www. condom use. Sexually transmitted
research.net/r/LGBTHappinessRe diseases. 2002;29(1):38-43.
search). The survey is open for 7. UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS
participation until 31 July 2019 and Statistics: 2018 Fact Sheet:
takes on average 12 minutes to UNAIDS; 2019 [cited 2019 21
complete. June]. Available from:
https://www.unaids.org/en/reso
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Original Research Article

Evolutionary Social Contract of Homosexuals in
India
Vipin Vijay Nair
Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P Jindal Global University,
Sonepat, India
Abstract
Homosexuality is predominantly prevalent since the ancient era and
has continued to prevail until now. The study of an evolutionary social
contract of homosexuals focuses on the vicious circle of atrocities,
roadblocks and interpersonal relationships between the community
member and the other institutions in society. It tries to analyse the
acceptability and adaptability of the public toward sminuscule
minorities of homosexuals with the changing legal scenario. This study
provides a comparative analysis of the public, ranging in the age
structures of 35+ years and less than 35 years over the concept of
homosexuality and verifies the evolving social contract.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Homosexuals, Social Contract, Section 377,

Supreme Court Judgement, India
Date Received : 09th April 2019

Correspondence should be addressed to:

Vipin Vijay Nair, Research Associate,
Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences
O.P Jindal Global University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
Email- vvnair@jgu.edu.in
Introduction However, numerous individuals

A human being is a sexual being, participate in different types of
and the sexual existence of people sexual conduct, for example,
has numerous features. From the suggestive appreciation for an
day of birth onwards, a child is individual from the same sex.
available to a wide range of social Such people who routinely
boost, regardless of whether experience solid sentiments of this
lifeless or vitality, and as an sort are often referred to as
individual develops, different homosexuals (Devi. S, 1997).
occasions and natural elements
affect that person. On our planet Developmentally speaking,
today, heterosexual intercourse is Individuals are conceived with no
simply the favoured mode of mark or generalisations. It is with
intercourse for most adults. the beginning of a development
that an individual begins to responses from individuals that
investigate its actual personality have a positive or negative outlook
and as an individual develops; on the concept of homosexuality.
different occasions and ecological
elements affect the person in Review of Literature
question. The term 'gay' is gotten Homosexuality has existed ever
from the Greek word ‘homo’, since written history began. The
signifying ‘the equivalent’ as ancient Indian moral code may
opposed to from the Latin root seem, by all accounts, to be
‘homo’, meaning the ‘man’ and it unpleasant to current sexologists
has different equivalents, both as the old Indian Penal Code was
vernacular and specialised. The extremely severe on ‘unreasonable’
prospect of close physical contact sexual conduct. Still, human
with an individual with one's very instinct being what it is,
own sex appals the vast majority. homosexuality and lesbian
Significant findings uncover that
conduct were not by any stretch of
extraordinarily a considerable
the imagination missing in
number men have a gay
antiquated India. Indeed, even
involvement with some point or
today, Indian citizens think that it
other in their lifetime. An
is hard to imagine the general
individual can have a gay
thought of homosexuality.
encounter without being
Although homosexuality is the
dominatingly gay, and such an
encounter may go from an idea or subject of widely well-known
a fantasy to real sexual contact. folklore, amazingly little is thought
These encounters, in any case, about it logically or truthfully. In
might be or may not be identified history, genuine investigations on
with an individual's general sexual homosexuality have, in general,
inclinations (Varma P., 1979). ignored, for the most part, to
Homosexuality till 2018 was a shield youngsters from too develop
criminal offence under Section soon a consciousness of what is
377 of the Indian Penal Code, but viewed as the most 'undesirable
to the average individual in India, side of life' (Altman, 1971).
homosexuality is ‘unnatural’, an
unyielding bad habit and 'moral The Indian Penal Code, 1860
corruption'. portrays segment 377-Unnatural
Offenses-"whoever willfully has
Problem Statement fleshly intercourse against the
The study makes a minuscule request of nature with any man,
effort at highlighting the ladies or creature, will be rebuffed
vulnerability of the minorities of with detainment forever, or with
Homosexuals within society. It detainment of either depiction for
tries to analyse the parameters for a term which may reach out to ten
‘Homosexuals being a Repressed years, and will likewise be at risk
Subculture’ throughout history. It to fine" (Bhatia P.,1992). The above
collects accounts in the form of area was tested with various claims
documented over decriminalisation,
testing the article 14, 15 and 21 of expressing, "in so far as [Section 377
the Indian Constitution. Naz of the Indian Penal Code] was forced
Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of upon Indian culture because of
Delhi (WP(C) No. 7455/2001) was good perspectives on British
a milestone Indian case chosen by rulers”. On December 11, 2013,
the two-judge seat of the Delhi the Supreme Court's two-part seat
High Court, which held that toppled the choice of High court. It
treating consensual gay sex is said that the 2009 request of the
between grown-ups as wrong doing high court is "naturally unsustainable
is an infringement of fundamental as only Parliament can change a
law, not courts. The most recent
rights secured by Indian
Supreme Court judgment in 2018 has
Constitution. The decision brought
decriminalised consensual
about the decriminalisation of gay
homosexuals' intimacy, with an
acts including consenting 'grown- amendment in the section, and is
ups', in the locale of the Delhi High therefore treated as one of the
court. This was later tested in the landmark judgments in LGBT
Supreme Court of India. Segment rights.
377 of the Indian Penal Code,
presented amid British guideline Theoretical Frameworks
of India, condemns ‘lewd
intercourse against the request of 1. Social Contract
nature’. This expression was As shown by the earlier studies,
deciphered to mean all structures individuals at first lived in a
of sexual movement other than 'trademark' condition with no
hetero penile-vaginal intercourse.
managerial rules and laws. In the
Indian Supreme Court state of nature, individuals were
Judgments [2013-2018] faultlessly typical and free. These
The court expressed that the ordinary individuals simply had
judgment would hold until customary characteristics,
Parliament changes the law. Some characteristics are given to them
uncommon leave petitions were basically, and these regular
documented in the Supreme Court
mentioning a between time remain of qualities, by then, must be the
the judgment, pending an intrigue. reason of making a prudent
Be that as it may, the Supreme Court government (Akers, & Sellers,
dismissed those solicitations. A 2004). As demonstrated by the
group of offers were recorded with modern-day social contract,
Supreme Court, testing the Delhi individuals in the state of nature
High Court judgment. On 27 March
2012, the Supreme Court saved are reasonable, independent and
decision on these. After restricting self-fascinated. They are ordinary
the judgment, the Attorney General in wording that they can
G.E Vahanvati chose not to appreciate their unique reality and
document any intrigue against the control their destiny. They need
Delhi High Court's decision
not waste time with the obedience The convergence of Theories

and convenience of certainty. They The association of criminological
are autonomous, as they have no theories concerning the theme of
typical social commitments the 'evolutionary social contract' of
homosexuality can be well
(Siegal, 2000). They are typically
understood when we put some
free, as sensible individuals to do light over the criminality
whatever they wish to do, with no associated with the homosexuals
hallowed, traditional responsibilities. in the Indian context. The
A human as an individual devises theories, as mentioned above,
their behaviour, which with explain the isolation, suppression,
subsequent interactions are and exclusion of a minority that is
segregated from society. The
associated with various groups,
theories emphasise the issues and
institutions, belief, etc. It led to the obstacles faced by a section of
origin of continuous 'evolutionary individuals due to the non-
social contract' over time. conference of the moral rules and
regulations as set by the various
2. Social Control agencies. The evolving legal
Social control involves managing scenario also puts doubt in the
systems with norms about how minds of the homosexuals in
people should and should not deriving the true social contract.
continue and a game plan of formal
and easy-going instruments used Method
to control deviation from, and to
raise acclimation to, these Aim
standards. Formal means of social The objective of the study is to
control fuses law and the criminal analyse the factors that tend to
value structure, in which the rules reflect homosexuals as a repressed
are definitively proclaimed and subculture considering the
executed by and truly endorsed evolutionary social contract over
experts. Easy-going social control the various legal course of action.
exists in the family, partnership
get-togethers, and spots of love, Instruments
neighbourhoods, and other Questionnaires were designed in
distinctive get-togethers in the both print and online mode to
system. Social control depends on interview the LGBT community
a broad measure on the and to interview the public,
socialisation, which is the path respectively. The LGBT
toward teaching and learning questionnaire was designed to
regards, principles and customs address the issues of realisation,
through a point of reference and openness, support, adaptability,
the use of positive and negative resistance and legal recourse in
social consents. Whereas no easy- context with the public. The
going or formal social control survey questionnaire constituted
depends totally on inside control of 24-items relating to and
(Ried, 2006).
matching the criteria as The sample size of the survey

mentioned above; and, the general concerning the community
public 16-item questionnaire was members were 100 individuals
aimed at understanding the
varying in their Sexual Orientation
adaptability and acceptability of
homosexuals in the society. [SO] from Gay (20), Lesbian (5),
Bisexual (25). Also, for studying
Sample 'Gender Identity' [GI], we recruited
A sample of 300 research Transgender (50) respectively. The
participants involved 100 from the below mentioned Table 1 and
LGBT community, 100 were from Table 2 would depict the various
the general public under 35 years, responses for the parameters
and 100 were general public over described in the methodology.
35 years in the year 2017-18.
Table 1
The responses of the individual orientations are taken in two extremes,
i.e. positive and negative; the neutral responses are excluded for now.
Factors\Orient Gay Lesbian Transgender Bisexual

ation
Responses* Positi Negati Positi Negati Positi Negati Positi Negati
ve ve ve ve ve ve ve ve
Realization 60 30 55 25 80 10 30 60
Openness 30 60 25 55 55 15 30 45
Support 28 62 18 74 62 24 32 58
Adaptability 42 38 32 48 22 62 52 26
Resistance 58 21 60 25 56 24 72 24
Legal Recourse 64 14 78 12 48 34 68 22
*figures in percentage
Table 2
The responses given through the questionnaire of the LGBT community
are highlighted under six categories over three extremes, i.e. positive,
negative and neutral responses.
Factors\Parameters* Positive Neutral Negative
Realization 56.25 12.5 31.25
Openness 35 21.25 43.75
Support 35 10.5 54.5
Adaptability 37 19.5 43.5
Resistance 61.5 15 23.5
Legal Recourse 64.5 15 20.5

Table 3
The responses given through the questionnaire of the public are
highlighted under six categories over three extremes, i.e. positive,
negative and neutral responses. The below-mentioned table depicts the
response of individuals ‘Below 35 years’ with a 55:45 ratio of the Male &
Female.
Awareness 76 21 3
Openness 42 45 13
Response 82 15 3
Acceptability 62 34 4
Legal Course 58 32 10
Table 4
The responses given through the questionnaire of the public are
highlighted under six categories over three extremes, i.e. positive,
negative and neutral responses. The below-mentioned table depicts the
response of individuals ‘Above 35 years’ with a 70:30 ratio of the Male &
Female.
Awareness 32 28 40
Openness 24 32 44
Response 18 32 50
Acceptability 12 23 65
Legal Course 24 37 39
Result and Discussion to conclude the subject as a

The study is focused on analysing repressed subculture within the
the factors that suggest society.
‘Homosexuals as the Repressed
Sub-Culture’. The factors were Analysis
envisioned from the responses The responses were judged by
gathered through the cluster of various parameters that analysed
individual's a d m i s s i o n s a s their attitude towards the topic of
responses. The ‘Positive’ or homosexuality. The analysis of the
‘Negative’ response towards the data gathered can be explained
parameter described in the with the help of Table 1.
methodology depicts the tendency

A. Factors depicted by the LGBT 'general public' in day to day

community as highlighted routine over their orientation, and
through their responses an approximately same percentage
Concerning the realization of the of community members have
orientation and Identity by the encountered a cordial response
community members, Transgender from the criminal justice system
and Gays accumulate the most over their sexual orientation over
positive responses ranging from issues related to it.
60 to 80 percent, respectively. The
parameter of openness is relatively This provides an overview of the
low in eachorientation, but it perspective towards the LGBT
accounts for more than 50% community that needs a varied
within Transgender. The criteria of outlook concerning the evolutionary
support from the family and culture of various age groups.
friends can be witnessed the
highest within the Gender Identity B. Comparison to responses
of Transgender accounting to from Individual below and above
more than 60%. The adaptability 35 years
quotient stays highest with the
Bisexual orientation accumulating The cumulative analysis of the
in 52 %. The factors relating to responses from the general public
resistance from the society and the ranging from individuals above 35
legal recourse from the criminal years of age and individuals below
justice system inclines on a 35 years of age accounts
positive note towards Bisexual concerning the parameters as
with close to 70% in both the 3/4th of the individual below 35
heads, respectively. years are well aware of the topic of
homosexuality as compared to
The cumulative analysis of the 1/3 of the individuals above 35
LGBT community accounts for the years. 43% of the members below
parameters as 56.25 % of the 35 years have shown a positive
community members was aware of response towards being open
their orientation during an early about homosexuality within the
age and was realised by family and friends as compared to
themselves. Also, 43.75% of the 24% of the later age category. More
members have shown a negative than 80% of the individual below
response towards being public 35 years show support over the
about their orientation, and 54.5% orientation as compared to only
of the members lacked public 18% with the later age category.
support over their sexual The Adaptability clause with the
orientation. The Adaptability community members from the
clause within the community 'general public' above 35 years has
members from the 'general public' shown a negative trend
has shown a negative trend accounting to close to 65% as
accounting to close to 44%. Close compared to 80% positive trend
to around 65% of community with the age bracket less than 35
members feel resistance from the years. Also, 65% of the individuals
less than 35 years have years of age and members of the
acknowledged a cordial response LGBT community shows a
of criminal justice system towards negative relationship over the
the LGBT community as compared parameters. It shows that the rest
to a 70% of negative rating are reluctant to acknowledge the
including no response by the issue. 24% of the members above-
individuals above 35 years. 35 years have shown a positive
response towards being open
C. Comparison to responses about homosexuality within the
from Individual below 35 years family and friends. Close to 18% of
and the LGBT community the individual below- 35 years
show support over the orientation
The cumulative analysis of the of an individual. The Adaptability
responses from the 'general public' clause with the community
ranging from individuals below 35 members from the 'general public'
years of age and members of the above-35 years has shown a
LGBT community shows a positive negative trend accounting to close
relationship over the parameters. to 65%. The individual above-35
It indicates that 3/4th of the years has acknowledged a neutral
individual below 35 years are aware response of the criminal justice
of the concept of homosexuality. 43% system towards the LGBT
of the members below 35 years community.
have shown a positive response
towards being open about Discussion
homosexuality within the family The above analysis shows the
and friends as compared. More various parameters and their
than 80% of the individual below subsequent response by the
35 years show support to an members of both the community
individual's orientation. The and the 'general public'. The trend
adaptability clause with the shows that even if the community
community members from the members have realised their
general public less than 35 years sexual orientation and gender
has shown 80% positive trend. identity, but a minority proportion
Similarly, 65% of the individual is open and is being supported by
less than 35 years have the 'general public'. The acceptability
acknowledged a cordial response and resistance factor are not on a
of the criminal justice system positive note for the community
towards the orientation of the members due to the widespread
LGBT community. moral norms. It reflects an
exclusion from the society of the
D. Comparison to responses community members from the
from the LGBT community and desired social contract.
individual above 35 years
Concerning the comparative study
The cumulative analysis of the of the 'general public' above 35
responses from the 'general public' years and below, it can be
ranging from individuals below 35 highlighted that the response from

the individuals below the age of 35 perceptions towards the LGBT

years has accounted on a positive community.
note as compared to the individual
above 35 years. The conservative References
or stereotypical ideology holds
Devi S.(1977), The World of
itself as a major setback to the
individuals above 35 years to Homosexuals, New Delhi, Available at
portray a negative image of The Library of Congress, New York,
homosexuality. The individual USA.
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referred to as youth have Varma P.(1979), Sex Offences in India
accessibility to the latest technology and Abroad: A Sociological Survey:
and are aware of the current affair Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation.
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the recent Supreme Court
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New Delhi
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the LGBT community as a umentbank/case%20note.pdf,
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retrieved dated 25 March, 2019.
social contract with individuals
below 35 years of age and above, Akers. R. L.& Sellers. C. S.(2004),
respectively. The evolving legal Criminological Theories: Introduction,
course of action by criminal justice Evaluation and Application, Roxbury
machinery through various Pub. Co.Los Angeles, CA
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diverse subcultures of the society Criminology, Mc Graw Hill, New York
with their social contract

A Phenomenological Analysis of a Consumer's

Lived Experience of Pornography and
Homoeroticism
Ajay R Maherchandani
School of Law, Rights and Constitutional Governance, Tata Institute of

Social Sciences [TISS], Mumbai, India
Abstract
A is- what is not A. A is – what is not-not A. In not being is, all that is. The
being is not aware that it is, is. So, how will it know that whatever it is all
that, it is or it also what it is not? This paper aims to interpret the gaze of a
consumer of pornography and arrive at the phenomena, the essence of it.
Alternatively, to investigate whether there is any essence behind the gaze
of consumption, and if there is, then how is it made into it? Why is it
there? The methodology used is hermeneutic phenomenology about
about about about-about the method of a minor ethnographic study of a
video parlour airing pornography. I have interlinked the technique and

the research and investigated both of them carefully. I have first
formulated phenomenological questions, without any assumptions
around the context of my research. Then I have identified and collected
experiential material and lastly, reflected on the totality of the meanings
in all its relations. The ethnographic research was conducted between
January 2016 to May 2016. The conclusion will leave the reader with
questions on assumptions and perceptions about the ship – meanings
lived experiences and the visual gaze. It is purely a phenomenological
account of everyday lived experience.
Keywords: perception, hermeneutics, phenomenology, visual gaze,

homo-eroticism, ethnography
Date Received: 25th March 2019


Ajay R Maherchandani
School of Law, Rights and Constitutional Governance
Tata Institute of Social Sciences [TISS], Mumbai, INDIA
Email- amaherchandani92@gmail.com

Prologue seemed a good deal to my friend.

I. The moment I say 'I', I become And so, I tagged along. To quench
aware of the questions that start my thirst for something new,
formulating about the perception of something that I could observe and
my location as a person and certain for something that my mind could
assumptions related to it. That it is contemplate on. Walking through
'a set of infinite tasks' (Moran, D. alleyways, we reached at the end of
2000: 2) in identifying the essence of it only to be welcomed by another
these inter-sectional locations that person who was standing at the
the I assumes or perceives itself in, entrance. We were ushered into the
is similar as pointed out by Husserl hall after climbing a steep flight of
in his account of phenomenology stairs. I wasn't prepared for the
and finding its connections. I scene that lay ahead of me. A group
started attending the social of men huddled together in front of 5
research methodology and visual Television screens showing porn.
culture classes at the University When I signed up for the visual
with no aim in sight. My gaze was culture course, the six-year-old
structured to learn whatever I memories came back to me.
could. Numberless walks and
hanging-out on tapri joints, sitting I had always been intrigued by the
down on foot-paths and roads, Men that came there, those who
wherever I could, alone and consumed the films shown. The
contemplative, I observed. I used to different layers that their actions
look at people performing roles, take were involved in, had to be analyzed.
With the social research methodology
in the sight and smell of areas I
course, I started asking questions
lingered into. I always wanted to go about the method that I was
deeper into the underlying reasons employed to study the video parlour
for social relationships. To see how space. Wasn't it value-laden?
they were formed and where did Wasn't I bringing my assumptions
they originate. To become the to the research? My rationale
observer and also observed from a
subject-object point of view Edmund Husserl pioneered the
(Krishnamurti, J. 1978). The point beginning of phenomenology in the
was, how? The stint at the Sociology introduction of Logical Investigations
Department is proving to be one of (1900-1901) where he discussed the
the ways through which I can find need of a wide-ranging theory of
answers to these questions. knowledge.
value-laden? Wasn't I bringing my

I was 17 when I first stumbled into a assumptions to the research? My
video parlour airing pornography rationale behind choosing to do this
videos. We were two friends, lured study was to arrive at the totality of
into an alleyway by an old man meanings about the meanings that
selling tickets. “do ghante ka blue the consumers of porn attach, to the
filam” he said. For 15rupees, that
films and space and also very initiated discussions through

importantly, to each other. I wanted conversations. I couldn't tape-
to investigate and elucidate the lived record or click any pictures due to
experience and reveal meanings the risk factor involved. Mobile
through hermeneutics. phones or cameras were requested
to be switched off while inside the
Introduction hall. I was particularly interested in
This study is a minor ethnographic raising to phenomenological
study of a video parlour located in questions by entering into a
Tilak Nagar, an eastern suburb of dialogue of sorts and thus revealing
Mumbai. It is densely populated, meanings through interpretation.
with old buildings being bull-dozed Therefore, the hermeneutic
for new upcoming 'towers' in its phenomenological methodology was
place. The site where this study is adopted while conducting the
located is struggling to accept the study.
re-development changes taking
place. It lies adjacent to the Eastern I was able to interact with four
Express highway with its local persons who identified themselves
hotels, bars and restaurants with a heterosexual orientation, but
running full-house. The video 3 of them indulged in homo-erotic
parlour is located within a maze of activities ranging from mutual
alleyways, and it takes around 5 masturbation to oral sex in the
minutes actually to reach the parlour itself. This study also
parlour centre. It is a densely identifies the ideas or meanings as-
populated chawl area, with a relatable to homo-eroticism by the
famous Ayyappa temple located viewers who either indulged in it or
nearby. The parlour is run by a themselves wanted to watch bi-
group of men, often related to curious pornography. The act of
familial relations to each other. All dialogue (Gadamer, H. 2006) made
of them identify themselves as the process more open-ended for
Tamil-speaking persons. I conducted the responding viewer. I was trying
ten rounds of visits to the parlour at to touch the root, between the
different times, mapping both day relation of what the viewer saw and
and night time-zones. I was what the viewer already knew
interested in studying the meanings (Berger, J. 1973) by using the
that the consumers give to their metaphors of understanding
surroundings, to the people and to (Gadamer, H. 2006). The viewer
the films that they watch. The became aware that he was a part of
interviews were semi-structured the visible world (Berger, J. 1973)
mostly. There was a one-on-one since soon after he saw, he became
interaction with the viewer, often aware that he was also seen. Thus,
while watching the pornography did his social relations and actions
itself. I was non-directive with my change in that scenario? And how
questions and asked questions and did he adjust and relate to it? This
was also a part of the process of this The parlour works like a small
investigation. The persons coming theatre. It starts business at 11am
to the parlour were mostly workers which goes on till one at night.
from nearby areas. Working in the People usually start coming in the
small-unit manufacturing plants, afternoon around 2pm. There are 2-
restaurants, rickshaw-drivers and hour slots for each customer which
vegetable vendors. can be bought after paying 30
rupees. If a viewer wants to watch
As a rule, Men who were clad with more, he needs to go back to the
'elite' kind of clothes were not small table kept at the entrance of
the alley and buy the ticket. The
allowed to come. They were refused
ticket is printed and the amount
tickets at the table itself. I was
paid is written by hand. There are
denied a ticket too, but Sri (altered two tables kept for the ticket
name), my informer saved me the distribution. One at the entrance of
trip back home. I had met Sri some the main alleyway to the video
six years earlier as a teenager when I parlour, and the other at the
used to frequent the place. He opening of the parlour itself. A small
recognised me instantly when I went parlour is located in the area
back for this study after a gap of 5 opposite to the main road which airs
years. He agreed to divulge with C-grade Tollywood and Bollywood
information about the inner- movies apart from airing
happenings of the parlour on pornography. Inside a maze of
goodwill. He stated that he alleyways, I took a flight of stairs to
remembered me because I was not the first floor where the rooms were
the 'pervert' kind. These parlours located — two rooms with small
windows which were blocked. The
are spaces where homo-erotic
roof was covered with tin-sheets.
actions are quite common. Since I
The first room was large enough to
do identify myself as gay, these were accommodate approximately 60
an added encouragement for me to persons. The second room was more
visit the parlour in my teens. I never modest and could accommodate
indulged in openly doing anything around 25 men. A little spot at the
sexual inside the parlour, and corner was reserved for the Laxmi
maybe this is what led Sri to label and Ganpati idols. Nobody is
me as a non-pervert. The video allowed to sit near the space. The
parlour owner is his uncle, and Sri sacred is distinctly made visible and
has been working or looking after controlled from the rest of the
the hall-room since he turned 13. occupied area, which is believed to
My friendship with Sri couldn't cut
through the informality between us. My respondents worked in these
I was still a stranger to his social places and were of the view that
most men also worked in similar
interactions except that I was
working spaces.
allowed to take a peek and to know
about some happenings inside the made visible and controlled from the
parlour.
rest of the occupied area, which is sadly, fails in uncovering the social
believed to be non-sacred. The realities involved. These parlours
rooms were looked up for couples in are illegal spaces, standing in the
a residential area by a group of line between the inter-sectionalized
youngsters who are related to the version of public morality, class and
owner. They work in nearby hotels homo-erotic desires.
and sleep in the bedrooms available
late at night. Most of them come Turning to the Indian legal framework,
from the same village as the owner. sec.67 of the Information Technology
Act makes cyber pornography a
The gender roles performed between
crime. Under its ambit, it includes
men were taken-for granted as cis-
material like DVDs, mobile phones,
gendered performances. These
video files, audio files etc. which
spaces were only inhabited and
may consist of any image
accessible to the men. Women are
considered to be 'obscene' under the
not allowed at all though kothis are
act. The transmission can happen
allowed in. It is not surprising since
in any form. In our case study, it is
space is a patriarchal organisation
through spaces where the owners
where male-to-male sex is quite
hoard DVDs of porn clips and share
common at the back end of the
or 'transmit' it to others.
room. The families that live in and
around the parlour know what goes
inside. The existence, as understood It should be noted that viewing
by the men in these spaces, more cyber pornography is legal. Also,
like the experience of being-in-the- downloading or storing pornography
world or Dasein (Heidegger, M. for personal viewing is not illegal
1996), is already taken for granted too. However, the transmission of it
by them. The unravelling of this is illegal and punishable. This law
disadvantages and creates a rift
'taken-for granted-ness' came
between who gets to 'store'
through the dialogues I had with
pornography and personally view it
them. and who 'doesn't'. The persons
There is a small escape route in the coming to the video parlour in Tilak
second room to enable the viewers Nagar form the chunk of viewers
to escape in the situation of raids.
A man identifies himself as a kothi
Raids have been conducted a year
when he takes female gender role
back in a video parlour located in in same sex relationships, often with
Kurla (P. (Ed.) Times of India. 2015). a desire to be the penetrated member
Not far from the Tilak Nagar parlour. in sexual intercourse. It is a
Sri still remembers the repercussions commonly used term within the
of the raid on his parlour. They had Queer circles in India. They differ
to keep the parlor shut for a week from hijras in the sense that they
and go into hiding. The legality of don't live together as a community
such spaces confront the masses
that frequent these spaces but
who cannot afford a space or means is the assumed part? The essences
to download pornography and view of sharing the same space and
it. Contrasting this situation to the watching porn together will be
one in the USA, there are adult film analysed and confronted. The
arcades which show pornographic phenomenon that is most normatively
films and hire out spaces to people perceived and experienced is
who are interested in indulging in questioned and deliberated to reveal
sexual activity. Though our the underlying essence that unifies
parlours cannot be aligned to theirs, the entire perception or the
the consumption of pornographic assumption of the viewers.
material happens at both the
places, with similar sexual activities Consuming desire
in tow. Sri could not believe that The idea of approaching the visual
such spaces exist where it is (Berger, J. 1973) mediates itself
'normal' to masturbate or perform through various power relations
sexual activity while watching porn. between the visual and the person
He thought the people who do it in perceiving it. I conducted informal
his video parlour are big hue dialogue sessions with the viewers
(corrupt). watching, or applying Berger's term,
gazing at the pornography films.
'Paise banane hain, baaki jo bhi The assumption here was that they
piche chalta hai, chalne deta hu. were aware that they were becoming
Yahan par bigde hue log aate hain jo a part of something that was
hilla ke (masturbation) chale jaate 'hidden'. Some of them did not know
hain'. (I want to make money, other that it was illegal to be an audience
than that, I allow the things to there. All of them affirmed to desire,
happen at the back. Corrupt people is the motivating force that led them
come here who masturbate and to be there. Desire in visualising or
leave). perceiving sexual activities and
These are his parting words as I desire to vent out sexual energies
leave the parlor while he hurriedly too. The group of viewers also could
sets out on his duty to watch the control what they wanted to see and
entrance. what was given to them. There were 5
LCD T.V. screens in the first room
Phenomenological questions while the second room had 4 Samsung
The viewing of pornography in a T.V. screens. The viewers desire to
video parlour can be taken as a watch a kind of pornography was
social phenomenon for the customers almost always met with fulfilment. The
and the people who live in and most popular genre was European or
around the site. The question that is American porn. White-bodied porn
raised here is the shared perceptions actors performing while the viewers
of the viewers of pornography and consume the whiteness and the
the owner of the parlour. What is the roughness of the act. The most
structure of this perception? What favoured porn was heterosexual
porn. A slight deviation from the in pornography. Upon seeing me, he

norm was allowed for lesbian thought I could give him a hand-job.
pornography, but the same was not It was too early for anyone to come
given to male-to-male pornography. in at this time.
Only one T.V. screen aired
indigenously produced Indian He said, “Koi is Waqt Nahi aata. 2
pornography which was not very baje tak khaali rahegi jagah.
sought after by the viewers. Their Hillaoge kya?” ( Nobody comes here
consumption lingered into the at this time. The place will be empty
'otherness' that met their gaze. till 2pm. Will you masturbate?)
White-bodied performers epitomised
the sexual adventures that they I said, “Nahi. Sirf dekhunga.” (No. I
imagined themselves to enjoy. The will just watch).
brown-skinned or black-skinned
pornography was not relevant to My gaze here was a mix of lust and
them, nor were they interested in interest.
consuming any other kind of racial “Yeh ganda kaam hai. gandi aadat
performer's body. Also, the pad chuki hai. yahan pe achhi jagah
emphasis was more on the milti hai. Subah aata hu kyunki log
intercourse rather than the other nahi rehte.” (This is bad work. It's a
parts to sexual activity. It brings us bad habit. I get a good place here. I
to the subjective points of departure come in the mornings because
and contact, as perceived by the nobody is around)
viewer. The viewer cuts himself off
from the location and the language Ranbeer acknowledges that privacy
of the images; thus transmitted was something he lacked and the
becomes an illusion (Berger, J. parlor fulfilled the space crunch
1973). It only transforms the that denied him the act of
memory of the white-bodied porn masturbation. Uncovering the gaze
performer into something that is important. A daily wage-earner
should be desirable but also mediates spaces to come to a
something that should be– particular location and perform
expected. certain activities while becoming a
Ranbeer is a 25-year-old, daily wage consumer to things that he
earner. He earns his living through assumes to be 'bad'. Another viewer
selling vegetable as and when he assumed the same 'bad' element in
can get a dayjob. I met him on my the mutual masturbation activity
trip to the smaller video parlour that being performed while a group of
is technically a competitor to the men were busy watching porn on 4
bigger video parlour I am studying. T.V. screens simultaneously.
Upon finding him alone at 11am, I
went and sat beside him. He was Azeem is 45 and bald. He works at
masturbating and deeply engrossed the nearby manufacturing unit and

comes to the video parlor at night. 'I don't like the way they dress up or
He says, “raat ko waqt achha hota carry themselves. But my fantasies
hai. Maza bhi aata hai.” (The time is come true here'.
nice at night. There is enjoyment
He states his location as 'upper
too)
middle class'. He owns an android
“Gori ladkiya achhi lagti hain. Aajkal mobile phone and comes here not
nayi filmein nahi laga raha hai. Wahi for the porn but sex. The legal
purana roz dekhna padta hai.” (I like provisions concerning pornography
white girls. These days the owner rip off and starkly reminds us of the
does not put new films. Have to distance between the people who
make do with the old ones) have access to porn and those who
don't. Chintan has access but
Azeem comes here every day after chooses to come here because of his
work. His favorite time is after inter-sectional identity of a gay male
10pm. He does get mutually does not give him many choices to
masturbated at times but terms it look for and have sex in the hetero-
'bad' and a taboo and tries hiding it. normatively structured society. The
Our perception here is moving in a lived experience of Chintan is
circle of detail and the whole unique to him and yet is a key to
(Gadamer, H. 2006). The hermeneutic understand and interpret the whole
understanding moves from Azeem's through its part.
opinion of pornography films as Babul, 30-year-old daily wage
desirable, which show white-bodied earning worker remains unperturbed
actors and his homo-erotic activity at the thought of what goes on at the
as bad. The interpretative knowledge back of the video parlour room. He
achieved here is that he trades the sits in the front rows. Says, “aage ki
desirability of gazing at an image seats achhi hoti hain. Koi pareshaan
with the homo-erotic activity that he Nahi Karta yahan. Jisko haath
indulges in but again, gazes at it in a lagwana hota hai, who piche baithta
socially normative way, which is of hai”. (The front seats are good.
repulsion. Nobody troubles me here. Whoever
wants to be touched, goes and sits
Chintan at 18 took the phenomena at the back).
to a different level. He wants to
identify himself as gay someday but On further prodding, he asserts that
is scared to come out. He primarily he does not like being touched.
comes here to indulge in homo- Says, “aage baithne se film bhi sahi
erotic activities ranging from dikhti hai”. (I can watch the films
foreplay to oral sex. He says, 'I come clearly if I sit ahead). On the topic of
here to have fun. There are so many his favourite films, he says “Hindi
easily available men here'. 'I am not mai maza nahi aata. Goro mai aata
attracted so much to the porn, as hai.” (There is no fun in Hindi. There
much as I am to the men here'. is fun in watching the whites).
Sartre identifies that there is no

essence in the object but rather in What struck me was the coming
the meaning of the essence of an together of desire and accessibility
object (Sartre, J. 1956: 45). The to a certain kind of 'desirable' homo-
principle of meanings that it holds erotic sexual experience coupled
takes the object-essence making it with the consuming gaze for
into the part of the totality of the pornographic material.
whole (Sartre, J. 1956). For Babul,
the meaning he derives in choosing The questions keep rolling, and
to sit at the front, about the further investigation can commence
activities that happen at the back is on the beingness of the consumer
the essence of the object. He itself. Can the consumer of
perceives white-bodies as the pornography in a collective space, is
meaning to the essence of the only a consumer or does it become
pornographic film that it is acting in into something else?
or embodies itself with.
A is - what is not A. The viewer is
Illumination whatever is not the viewer.
The meanings of what my
respondents expressed can be A is – what is not-not A. The viewer
gauged by their lived experiences. is – whatever is not-not the viewer.
The experiences of all them led us to
a shared essence of the acceptance References
of and tolerance to the homo-erotic
activities taking place inside the Berger, J. (1973). Ways of seeing.
video parlour. Also, the essence of London: British Broadcasting.
being a male and thus availing the
space to watch pornography is also Gadamer, H., & Weinsheimer, J.
not lost to the viewer. The (2006). Truth and method. London:
perception of pornographic material Continuum.
as appeared and surveyed by the
male gaze also introduces us to the Heidegger, M. (1996). (J. Stambaugh,
consuming culture of pornography Trans.). Being and Time. Albany: State
(Berger, J. 1973). The language of University of New York.
the image creates assumptions and
perceptions of and for the desire, Information Technology Act, 2000,
which is repeatable, and the viewer Government of India, Available at:
keeps coming back for more. The https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/
visual imagery of pornography laws/en/in/in024en.pdf, retrieved
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performers feeds on the real
perception and makes the viewer Krishnamurti, J. (1978). The
into an expectant gazer in his day- Wholeness of Life. Krishnamurti
to-day interactions. Foundation India: Madras.
Moran, D. (2000). Introduction to umbai-cops-crackdown-on-bars-
phenomenology. London: Routledge. gambling-and-video-
PTI. (Ed.). (2015, January 5). Mumbai parlours/articleshow/45750848.cms
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timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/M New York: Philosophical Library.


Portrayals of Transgender in University Textbooks
at the Beginning of the Millennium
BJ Rye1, Amanda Chalmers2,3, Sarah Tsiang3 and Glenn J Meaney1
1
Departments of Psychology and Sexuality, Marriage, and Family
Studies, St. Jerome's University at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada
2
Sweet Birch Counselling and Wellness, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
3
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Abstract
The authors present a discourse analysis of textbooks in the fields of
gender studies and human sexuality with an eye to transgender
portrayals in those textbooks. Textbooks comprise a body of knowledge
that is seen as authoritative and, consequently, may heavily influence
how transgender issues and transgender people are viewed. This analysis
examines definitions of transgender, the myth of a “true transsexual”, the
complexity of sexual orientation applied to transgender individuals, and

the “medicalisation” of transgender. Common problems found in
textbooks include the perpetuation of myths, inaccuracies, and over-
simplifications. Some textbooks offer valuable insight into transgender
and suggest possible solutions to the problems found in other textbooks.
Suggestions are made to promote fair and inclusive treatment of
transgender issues in textbooks addressing gender and human
sexuality.
Keywords: Transgender, Sexual Orientation, Textbooks, Human

Sexuality, Discourse Analysis
Date Received: 31st March 2019

Date Accepted: 31st May 2019

BJ Rye
Departments of Psychology and Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies
St. Jerome's University at the University of Waterloo
290 Westmount Road North
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada, N2L 3G3.
Phone: 519 884-8110 x 28219.
Email-bjrye@uwaterloo.ca.

Portrayals of Transgender in Complimentary textbooks are

University Textbooks provided by competitive academic
The very first thing that was ever publishing companies to university
said about you was, very likely, “it's professors to convince the instructors
a girl/boy”. This initial identification to adopt the publisher's book for
has been with you ever since and their courses. Consequently, books
has shaped, in many ways, your provided to professors in an
entire life. Most people quickly interdisciplinary family studies
adapt to their assigned gender and department teaching specialised
gender role and learn readily to be a courses in gender and human
boy or a girl. Some, however, never sexuality, up to the beginning of the
make this adjustment. Being millennium, were analysed; our
transgender presents a complex examination suggests that these
array of challenges in a world where textbooks often failed to present
gender identity is expected to be accurate, non-prejudicial transgender
firm and unchanging. Historically, portrayals. In particular, transgender
there is little awareness regarding issues could be organised into four
transgender issues: In the popular central issues based on what
media, for example, transgender information was included or
people have often ignored or were excluded from existing textbooks
the subject of ridicule (cf. M*A*S*H; (see Appendix for a list of the
also see Capuzza & Spencer, 2017). textbooks we reviewed).
Negative attitudes toward transgender
people are pervasive in our gender- Our four central concepts include 1)
specific culture (Grant et al., 2011). definitions of “transgender”, 2) the
“true transsexual”, 3) sexual
Negative attitudes may be reinforced orientation and transgender, and 4)
by inaccurate, cursory, and “normal biology”.
prejudicial portrayals of transgender
in textbooks; textbooks are Definitions of Transgender
perceived to be an authoritative Within the transgender community
source of information and are often and academic and medical circles,
taken as “the truth” by those who transgender defines individuals
read them. Not only a source of who do not, for some reason, fit
information, but textbooks also within the rigidly defined boundaries
influence attitudes toward people of conventional gender. Many
who are transgender by painting an textbooks, however, largely ignore
implicit picture of these individuals. transgender or provide confusing
Textbooks, then, should strive to definitions. In particular, the terms
give an accurate, value-free “transsexual” and “transvestite” are
representation of the information often (incorrectly and inappropriately)
they convey. To the extent that this used interchangeably as synonyms
goal is achieved, textbooks may be of “transgender”. Such a presentation
an important source of information misleads readers as to the nature of
and can communicate a sense of transgenderism and potentially
social justice.
ignores or denigrates many who are transgender is itself

transgender individuals. difficult because the very concept of
sexual orientation assumes a clear,
The ‘True Transsexual’ binary distinction of gender.
The conflation of the terms Perhaps, as a result, textbooks
“transgender” and “transsexual” frequently ignore sexual orientation
often leads to a second, related or, when it is discussed, are
problem: Many textbooks portray inconsistent in their treatment.
and, therefore, implicitly promote Some texts, for example, emphasise
the concept of a “true transsexual”. the biological sex at birth as the
That is, transgender people are determinant of sexual orientation:
categorised to the extent that they For example, a male-to-female trans
undergo hormonal therapy and sex person who is attracted to Men
reassignment surgery. The “true would be considered 'homosexual'.
transsexual”, or the person who Note that this approach focuses
opts to undergo complete sex entirely on natal genital sex and
reassignment surgery (also called completely ignores the person's self-
sex realignment surgery), is then identification. Other texts use post-
presented as the only “legitimate” operative identity as the determinant;
form of a transgender person. This a female-to-male trans person who
portrayal again denigrates or is attracted to women would be
ignores the many transgender considered heterosexual. A few
people who do not opt for sex texts are less presumptive, stating
reassignment surgery, or who that transgender individuals can be
choose limited reassignment heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual,
procedures, and pressures them to or asexual; that is, they constitute
pursue full sex reassignment the same range of sexual orientations
surgery, even when they would as cisgendered persons. The biggest
prefer other alternatives. Further, problem, however, may be that the
this emphasis on genital surgery entire abstraction of sexual
serves to reinforce the pervasive orientation necessarily imposes a
view of the duality of gender based dichotomous view of gender and, in
on biological sex; in this sense, the itself, does not allow for the diversity
presentation of complete sex of possibilities that transgender
reassignment surgery as the only may entail. Rather, it reduces
“true transsexual” alternative sexual orientation identity to a
denies the legitimacy of variations of matter of two biological sexes.
transgender persons.
Sexual Orientation and The ‘Normal Biology’
Transgender A deterministic or essentialist view
Sexual orientation is a complex and of gender holds that gender is
multi-faceted concept, especially determined by genetics and other
when applied to transgender biological sources. While there are
individuals. Defining sexual many variations of essentialism
orientation in the context of people presented in textbooks, we found

only one textbook that specifically the disorder as well as align with the
questioned this formulation of distress associated with the
gender. An essentialist viewpoint is incongruence of biological sex and
often implicitly presented through psychological identity (American
the use of terms like “normal”, Psychiatric Association, 2013). The
implying that there is one “proper” ICD has moved transgender out of
path to gender identity. All other the mental disorders section and
conceptions, then, are abnormal or retained gender incongruence as a
deviant. The word “normal” does sexual health diagnosis (World
have a scientific and unbiased Health Organization, 2018).
meaning: That which is average or Regardless of these more recent
most common. But the general changes, gender dysphoria or
public may not interpret the word gender incongruence as medical
scientifically unless the terms are diagnoses are likely to be
clearly defined; that is, “normal” communicated by textbooks that
may be seen as “good”. The implied present a deterministic, essentialist
deviance of transgender can be seen view of transgender origins.
clearly in cases where references to
a person's chosen identity are These social science human
placed in quotation marks when it sexuality/gender-related textbooks
does not match physical identity, or have been conflating the experience
when people are described as of gender dysphoria with being
having “...the proper complement of transgender; transgender is a
XX or XY chromosomes.....” (Crooks normal variation within gender
& Baur, 1999, p. 57) or when whereas gender dysphoria is a state
heterosexual relationships are of psychological distress at the
discussed as being normal. perceived incongruence between
gender and biological sex.
An outgrowth of biological Textbooks have typically portrayed
determinism is the medicalisation transgender as a disorder, or a
of transgender: Gender Identity diagnosis leads to the common
Disorder (GID) is classified as a presentation of sex-reassignment
psychological disorder by the surgery as the best viable “treatment.”
widely-cited Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Few of the textbooks reviewed
Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; American suggested hormones alone or
Psychiatric Association, 2000). limited surgery as options; when
While the DSM-IV-TR recognises all hormonal treatment was discussed,
disorders as the abnormal extreme it was often presented only as a
of a continuum of normal-to- precursor to genital surgery. In
abnormal behaviour, the medical most texts, other alternatives –such
classification may encourage as adopting garb consistent with the
stigmatisation. Released in 2013, psychological identity solely– were
the DSM-5 changed the diagnosis to ignored or presented in a stigmatised
gender dysphoria in an attempt to fashion (e.g., often described as a
reduce the stigma associated with
cross-dressing fetish). This type of conceptualisation is emerging in the

presentation, again, reinforces the academic literature, this is not
myth of the “true transsexual” – it necessarily reflected in textbooks.
suggests that gender is biologically It is important to consider textbook
determined, dysphoria must be presentations as these writings help
treated, and everyone must conform form the knowledge base of future
to the gender dichotomy. health care professionals, social
service workers, policy makers, etc.
Transgender individuals may then The texts reviewed herein probably
seek sex-reassignment surgery not influenced many of the professionals
because it is what they want, but who make important decisions
because they see it as the only today.
alternative. Or, non-trans readers
may view those who do not seek The academic literature on transgender
medical intervention or surgery as is far from reaching consensus on
not “complete” in their transition. how to portray transgender issues
This depiction is a narrow, one- fairly, and there is evidence of this
sided view of transgender that can disagreement in the treatment of
cause a great deal of unnecessary transgender in textbooks about
pain for trans people and potential gender and human sexuality.
confusion for cisgender readers. However, textbooks often present
this information in a narrow, one-
Discussion dimensional format. The richness of
Fortunately, many textbooks do not the academic debate, in itself, could
focus on any one theoretical do much to engender a more trans-
explanation to the exclusion of positive atmosphere. Rather than
others; rather, transgender is presenting the complexities
presented as arising from a variety surrounding transgender, however,
of causes or forces. For example, many textbooks omit transgender
social learning theory, psychodynamic topics, discuss it obscurely or
(Freudian) theory, and social judgmentally, or lump it in with
constructivist theories (including paraphilic or otherwise abnormal
post-modern feminism) are frequently (or deviant) behaviour. Readers of
used to explain transgender and the textbooks, however, are likely to
gender dysphoria. In particular, view what they have read as
most textbooks acknowledge that accurate, comprehensive, and
no one theoretical account can value-free information. In this way,
reasonably explain the complexities many textbooks may serve only to
of transgender. However, presenting reinforce the general social stigma
alternate viewpoints while associated with being a transgender
privileging an essentialist perspective person and with promoting a rigid
may not be enough. A fair and dichotomised view of gender.
presentation of transgender may
require a general re-conceptualisation If they are constructed with care,
of gender. While such a re- textbooks can provide an avenue for

education and attitude change. In American Psychiatric Association.
particular, the complexities of (2013). Diagnostic and statistical
transgender could be integrated manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
with information about gender and Washington, DC: Author.
sexuality throughout the text. At the
same time, care should be taken to Capuzza, J.C., & Spencer, L.G. (2017).
be respectful of transgender Regressing, progressing, or
persons. Perhaps the simplest way transgressing on the small screen?
to accomplish this goal is to respect Transgender characters on the U.S.
individual self-identification: Refer scripted television series.
to male-to-female using she and Communication Quarterly, 65(2),
her; refer to female-to-male as he 214–230.
and his; Or, use gender-neutral Crooks, R. & Baur, K. (1999). Our
pronouns such as hir or they. When sexuality (7th ed). Pacific Grove, CA:
in doubt, ask the person what Brooks/Cole.
pronoun they prefer. It should be
remembered that not all transgender Grant, J. M., Mottet, L., Tanis, J. E.,
persons have rigid gender identities Harrison, J., Herman, J., & Keisling, M.
and may prefer to remain fluid or to (2011). Injustice at every turn: A report
choose to live some point between of the National Transgender
feminine and masculine. Similarly, Discrimination Survey. Washington,
sexual orientation may be complex DC: National Center for Transgender
and not confined to the biological Equality.
sex of the persons a transgender
World Health Organization. (2018).
person finds attractive.
International statistical classification of
diseases and related health problems
Conclusion
(11th Revision). Retrieved fro m
Since there is little agreement in the
https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en
research literature, textbook writers
should encourage readers to be
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A] Sexuality
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Case Series
Anti-Indian Bias and Homophobia: A

Psychotherapy Case Study
Marty A. Cooper
Department of Psychology, State University of New York (SUNY) College
at Old Westbury, New York, USA
Abstract
Anti-Indian bias can influence clients seeking psychotherapy. It is
further complicated when this bias is experienced from a parental figure.
It can lead to an internalised anti-Indian bias that may affect the
individual for many years. It may be further complicated by having one or
more intersecting minority identities. This article will review
psychotherapeutic case-study with a self-identified gayclient, who
experiences anti-Indian bias within his family of origin. The article will
present an integrated relational framework that can be utilised to assist
clients with similar difficulties.
Keywords:Indian, Gay, Psychotherapy, Intersectionality
Date Received:14th March 2019

Marty A. Cooper, SUNY Old Westbury, Department of Psychology
P.O. Box 210, Old Westbury, NY 11568 USA
Email- cooperm@oldwestbury.edu
Introduction: and multicultural therapies have

This article explores a psychotherapy been utilised to facilitate treatment.
case study utilising an integrated
relational framework. The case Identifying Data
focuses on the intersections of Scott is a gay-identified male in his
sexual orientation, internalised late 30's. At the beginning of
anti-Indian bias, and their impact treatment, he identified as white.
on identity. Throughout this article, However, five months into
the client will be referred to as treatment, Scott was asked to
Scott. This pseudo name was complete the Quickview Social
chosen to protect the client's History (QVW, Giannetti, 1993) to
identity but also to capture the obtain psychosocial history that
essence of his name. This may be may have been omitted during the
important to appreciate the central treatment. While completing the
identity issue that will be QVW, he identified his race as
discussed. This article will review 'other'. This discrepancy will be
the case progress and how an discussed later in this article in the
integrated treatment utilising upcoming sections. He currently
aspects of relational, gay affirmative, does not identify with any specific
religious affiliation. His history with academic performance was strong,

religion will be further discussed and he was engaged in many
later in this article. He lives with his extracurricular activities, including
husband in a major metropolitan athletics, clubs, music, and drama.
city in the United States. He reports a happy childhood with a
strong social network. Scott reports
Mental Status sleep walking stomach aches and
Scott presents as a relatively stable diarrhoea as a child. He also recalls
person. He denies any history of a specific fear of monsters and being
suicidal or homicidal ideation. He kidnapped. Scott recalls physically
also denies any history of delusions maturing faster than his peers.
or hallucinations. He does, however,
have a history of depressive symptoms, Although he reports a happy
including sleep disturbance, childhood, his relationships with
isolation, and changes in appetite. his parents were complex. He
Additionally, he displays current reports that his mother loved him
symptoms of anxiety and panic too much and was overly attentive.
attacks. Specifically, he endorses He recalls that he could usually talk
repetitive thought, sleep disturbance, to his mother about she accepted
and feeling overwhelmed in social him but criticised him when
situations. necessary. She always praised him
for his accomplishments. She was
Medical Status very strict, although reasonable in
Scott obtains requisite medical some areas, and allowed him little
treatment in a timely manner. freedom. His mother usually
Recently, he reports an increase in punished him when he misbehaved.
appetite, nocturia, concerns with Punishment included yelling at
sexual ability, arousal, and him, taking away privileges, telling
performance. He also reports him that she was ashamed of him,
drinking alcohol several times per making him feel that he had hurt
week with increased tolerance. her, or putting him in "time-out".
There is no other significant Physical punishment typically
substance use. included spanking or slapping and
pinching. He reports that his father
Developmental History loved him but gave him insufficient
Scott grew up with his biological time and attention. He was never
parents and two siblings. He is the able to talk to his father about
middle child. Scott reported a problems. He claims that his father
history of difficulty speaking criticised everything he did. He
correctly as a child. The aetiology is reports that his father ignored his
unclear, and he does not recall accomplishments. His father was
many details. There were no special an extremely strict disciplinarian
accommodations made at that time, who allowed him little freedom.
and he caught up with his peers in Punishment rarely resulted when
language ability. He denies any his father discovered that he had
other developmental delays. His misbehaved. Punishment included

his father would yell at him, taking the specific Christian denomination
away privileges, telling him that he had a clear and negative opinion
was ashamed of him, or putting him about homosexuality.
in "time-out".
Contextual factors
Work history Contextual factors that impact
Scott falls in a high-income bracket treatment with Scott are largely due
nationally and works in management. to integrated finances between him
His work history shows a consistent and his husband. Their money is
direction toward upward mobility. jointly invested in property.
His work has largely been involved
in treatment to understand Conceptualisation
interpersonal interactions. He is not Scott is an excellent candidate for
looking for a change in his work life an integrated relational approach to
now. therapy. He has a history of therapy
and is inquisitive and open to self-
Presenting Problem exploration. Additionally, he has the
Scott presented concerns about a means to engage in the therapeutic
history of depression and anxiety. process. As of the time of the writing
Specifically, he was concerned of this article, Scott has been in
about increasing isolation and treatment for approximately five
withdrawal from his husband. months. During this time, several
themes have presented themselves.
Cultural factors First, Scott foreclosed on a white
Scott was born to a white mother identity early on in life. Second, his
and an Indian father. This is an interpersonal relationships are
incredibly complex part of the significant for his gravitating toward
treatment. He was recalling, that people that have qualities he
Scott came into treatment admires and then finding their
identifying as white. His mother flaws.
encouraged an anti-Indian bias in
Scott from an early age. She showed Foreclosed Identity
disdain toward his father. Scott As mentioned, earlier, Scott had
recalls being at events with his foreclosed on white identity. This
Indian relatives and his mother presented itself on the first day of
telling him not to interact with the treatment. Although the clinician
Indian children and not to be like recognised this immediately,
them. An additional cultural factor clinical experience suggested not to
is a religion in the family. His father explore this in the first session.
does not espouse specific religious However, within a few sessions,
beliefs, whereas his mother is a there was an organic moment that
devout Christian. Scott was raised allowed for the exploration of his
with the Christian beliefs and identity. Through this process,
attended church with his mother. Scott was able to recognise that his
This will be discussed further in the identity was largely influenced by
conceptualisation section. Of note, his mother's dominance and anti-
Indian bias but also by the father's are ill prepared to do without much
physical absence, due to work oversight. When the employee is
obligations, during childhood. incapable of completing the task, he
again finds the 'proof' that they are
Additionally, his father only not capable of living up to his
minimally engaged with Indian expectations.
culture. These relationships informed
Scott as to what an 'appropriate' This process may function as a
identity would be. Scott also has means of Scott elevating his value. If
phenotypical features that could we recall his relationships with his
easily be seen as white by some parents growing up, we see that he
people he would interact with. received mixed messages from both
parents. At times he was praised for
This part of the treatment has his accomplishments, and at other
resulted in Scott processing his times he was told that he was a
emotions regarding the messages disappointment. His mother, who
he received from his mother and re was incredibly influential, not only
evaluating his understanding of his denied his Indian identity but also
father. It is unclear at this time how expressed homophobic ideas early
Scott will discuss identity at the end on. Although she has come to accept
of treatment, but he may have Scott's sexual orientation, those
access to his multiple identities messages may have impacted his
from which he can choose. sense of self and value. This mixed
with Scott's personality have
Interpersonal Relationships resulted in an individual who finds
Scott has a long history of engaging himself unacceptable unless he is
in relationships with people that 'perfect'. Due to the discomfort that
have qualities that he aspires to. He results from this self-judgement
creates unobtainable expectations Scott projects this on to his
of the other, which, by design, the interpersonal relationships.
other party will fail to live up to.
When this happens, Scott comes to Another element that has been
see the other person as flawed. This discussed in treatment is that not
elevates Scott's perception of his all interpersonal relationships are
worth and lowers the value of the equal. His proximity to the other
other party. In romantic relationships, person impacts how much he
he has typically sought a 'masculine', engages in this process. Those
'dominant' man. Scott will do this in individuals that are closer to him or
several ways. In one relationship he have a greater opportunity to see his
began, sexually, as the receptive vulnerabilities are more subject to
partner. Early on in the this process.
relationship, he became the
insertive partner. This became
Diagnoses
'proof' of his partner's inability to be
Diagnoses are provided in
the man that he needed. In work
accordance with the Diagnostic and
settings, he has asked his direct
Statistical Manual of Mental
reports to complete tasks that they
Disorders (DSM-5) (American the client's foreclosed identity, the

Psychiatric Association, 2013). therapist has attempted to provide
However, the codes utilised will an environment where the client
conform to the International has the opportunity to explore
Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) multiple identities without being
(World Health Organization, 1992). encouraged to foreclose by the
therapist.
[F 34.1 Persistent Depressive
Disorder (Dysthymia) with Anxious Figure 1 provides a visual
Distress Early Onset with Pure representation of the relational
Dysthymic Syndrome; F 10.10 treatment process. We can see that
Alcohol Use Disorder – Mild] in section A, the client is impacted
by both his father and his mother as
Treatment well as her religious views. These
Due to the complexity of the case, influences impact the client'
the individual diagnoses are not sinternalised sense of self and
treated separately. Rather, they are expectations of the environment. In
treated as a linked set of symptoms section B, after leaving home, the
associated with his history and client interacts with the
subsequent experience in the world. environment with respect to this
Therefore, his use of alcohol is seen internalised sense of self and the
as a behavioural response to environment. For Scott, this
uncomfortable effect. As the work resulted in the interpersonal
has continued, Scott has been able difficulties presented in this article.
to tolerate his effect with less use of In section C, the client starts to
alcohol. The therapist introduced work with the therapist. The
mindfulness skills like diaphragmatic integrated relational approach
breathing to help ameliorate an provides real-time opportunities to
uncomfortable effect prior to relying have different relational outcomes.
on substances. Similarly, depressive As the client shows success in
symptoms and obsessive thoughts utilising novel ways of navigating
are being reported less frequently as the relationship, he is then
the treatment listed below challenged to attempt this in his
continues. outside interpersonal relationships.
This process repeats itself until the
A key aspect of the relational theory client is having more successful
according to Wachtel (2017) is that interpersonal relationships outside
‘each person's experience must be of therapy and reduced symptomatology.
understood not just as a remnant of Section D represents the client after
the past but in relation to the the termination of treatment,
relational matrix that is the context having more flexible interpersonal
for its expression in the present’. relationships, improved sense of
This has informed this treatment self, and more realistic expectations
from the beginning. With regards to of the world.

Figure 1: Integrated Relational Treatment Approach

Due to the intersectionality of seen as a concern up to this point,
Indian, male gender, and gay sexual he may have internalised negative
orientation, the therapist has an messages about being a gay man
integrated aspect of gay affirmative from his mother and through the
therapy. According to Johnson church. A gay affirmative stance
(2012) “Gay affirmative therapy is may allow the client to discuss any
an approach used by psychotherapists negative views he holds and provide
to show understanding, to for a corrective experience.
demonstrate cultural competence,
and to create a positive therapeutic Regarding the theme of interpersonal
alliance”. Utilizing this approach relationships, this is where the
requires competence on behalf of history, or client's object relations,
the clinician. Specifically, in this and the present relationship with
particular dyad, the therapist is the therapist come together in a way
acutely aware of research that that may result in a new outcome.
suggests that male psychologists do Recently, in treatment, the
not self-report as much competence therapist inquired of Scott in what
as female psychologists when ways he has seen flaws in the
working with sexual orientation therapist, much like he finds flaws
(Cooper, 2015). Although Scott's in other interpersonal relationships.
sexual orientation has not been The client stated that he was waiting

for the therapist to ask this and then own identities. These concepts were
stated, “I think this is the first thing central to the approach necessary to
I do not want to share with you.” At facilitate improved functioning in
this time, the client was not pushed this case. Utilising an integrated
to disclose this information. relational approach may help
Instead, the therapist explained to clinicians to make adjustments in
the client that our relationship is an the therapeutic approach as the
in-vivo opportunity to explore how client is shifting within their
he finds flaws in others, utilises identities. This particular case
these flaws to devalue them, and illustrates how many of the
increases his sense of self-worth. symptoms (alcohol use, anxiety,
obsessional thoughts) were part of a
Scott continues to be open to the larger, more complex experience of
therapeutic process and has the world. Addressing the totality of
tolerated the discomfort brought on the clients' experience prevented a
by this particular approach to myopic, symptom-specific treatment
treatment. It is hoped that approach and has facilitated
continuing this line of treatment will development and symptom reduction
first allow Scott to define his in the client. Figure 1 provides a
identities as he sees fit. Specifically, visual aid to understanding the
the anti-Indian bias and homophobic theoretical approach outlined here.
messages from childhood will be Clinicians may consider utilising
challenged. It aims to have then a this figure as a tool to navigate an
corrective interpersonal experience integrated approach like this when
that challenges his old ways of working with complex cases.
interpersonal relating and find new
ways to relate to others. Through References
this process, we look to then further American Psychiatric Association.
explore his sense of self, self- (2013). Diagnostic and statistical
esteem, and self-value. Scott will be manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®).
encouraged to challenge the Washington, DC: Author.
negative internalisations and
replace them with new ideas of self Cooper, M. A. (2015). Sexual Orientation
and acceptance. Competence: Psychologists' Perceived
Competence and Relationships to
Multicultural Competence, Training,
This case provides an example of the Engagement, and Exposure to Lesbian,
use of relational theory as it Gay, and Bisexual Individuals.
pertains to working with a gay, bi-
cultural Indian client who Giannetti, R. A. (1983). Quickview
internalised anti-Indian bias. Sue & Social History. Retrieved from
Sue (2008) stated that multiracial http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.li
clients “…experience unique stressors brary.nyu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true
related to their multicultural &db=mmt&AN=test.1569&site=eds-
racial/ethnic identities…” These live
authors also suggest that these
Johnson, S. D. (2012). Gay affirmative
clients be allowed to choose their

psychotherapy with lesbian, gay, and Wachtel, P. L. (2017). The Relationality
bisexual individuals: Implications for of Everyday Life: The Unfinished
contemporary psychotherapy Journey of Relational Psychoanalysis.
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edu/10.1111/j.1939-0025.2012. 017.1355673
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Geneva: World Health Organization.

Perspectives
Saroj Kumar Sahu
Department of Svasthavritta and Yoga, Gopabandhu Ayurveda
Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha, India
Abstract
Sexual attraction towards same sex is called homosexuality. Ayurveda
does not accept it as a disease. It is caused by genetic factors. It is
somehow different from the normal sexual practice. Sandhi (lesbianism)
is a type of female homosexuality caused by vitiated vatadosa. Such
women have undeveloped breasts and they don't get interest for sexual
intercourse with any male. Sandha (gay) is also a type of male
homosexuality where the male is found to be un-masculine. Asekya is a
type of male homosexuality in which men are having scanty sperm, they
satisfy their sexual desires by sucking the genitals and drinking the
semen of another man. As a result of sinful deeds of past life, unhealthy
sperm and ovum of parents, vata dosa is vitiated. Ayurveda panchakarma
therapies can treat impotency caused by homosexuality.
Key words : Ayurveda, Homosexuality, Gay, Lesbian

Date Accepted: 23rd May 2019
Correspondence should be addressed to :
Dr. Saroj Ku. Sahu
Guest Faculty, Department of Svasthavritta and Yoga, Gopabandhu
Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha, India
Email- drsarose@gmail.com
Introduction of incorrect coitus and other

Homosexuality refers to sexual factors. Some men cannot get
orientation towards same sex. It is aroused by conventional methods
the attraction for emotion, romance and hence, follow homosexual
and sex between members of the methods.
same sex or gender. Implication of
sexual acts and affections between Types of Homosexual
members of the same sex is In Susruta Samhita two types of
homosexuality. Lesbian and gay homosexuals has been described.
people are in committed same-sex Those are as follows.
relationships. As per Ayurveda,
1) Asekya–The man has scanty
homosexuality is not a disease.
sperm. To arouse his sexual desire
Homosexual behavior is inborn as
and penile erection he sucks the
other sexualities. It is a genetic
genitals and drinks the semen of
factor and deviation to the general
another man. This is male
sexual practice. It is seen as a result
homosexuality or gay.
2) Sanda–This may be male (Astanga Hrdayam Uttarasthana

homosexuality and female homo 33/39-40; Murthy, 2011).
sexuality or lesbian. A male having
un-masculine behavior and a Line of Management of
female having masculine behavior Homosexuality
are called as sandha (Susruta 1) Therapies for the management of
Samhita Sarira Sthana 2/39-46; homosexuality are medicated
Kunjalal, 2012). enema, medicated milk and ghee,
rasayana (rejuvenating) and
Cause of Homosexuality vajikara (aphrodisiac) recipes.
1) The effects of misdeeds done in
the previous life cause homosexuality 2) The main causes of homo
(Charak Samhita Sarirasthana sexuality are vitiation of dosas and
2/17-21; Sharma & Dash, 2011). dhatus. The physician well versed in
medicaments(bhesaja)and time
2) Charaka Samhita states that (kala) should manage those cases
sandhi yoni-roga (lesbianism) is with the aforesaid therapeutic
due to a genetic factor in which the measures. The physician also
vata causes abnormal month-wise should keep in view the of the
development of fetus within the patient's body strength (bala), dosas
uterus of the mother. Later the and agni (power of digestion and
individual will have undeveloped metabolism) while managing such
breasts and dislike for sexual cases.
intercourse with male. Such type
of woman is called Sandhi 3) Sometime the homosexuality is
(Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana caused by abicara (black magic).
30/34; Sharma et al., 2011). The modes of management of such
cases are religious prayers and
3) The aggravated vata dosa makes doing rituals (daiva-vyapasraya-
the sperm atrophied and later on cikitsa) (Charak Samhita Sarirasthana
the individual becomes emasculated. 30/191-195; Sharma et al., 2011)
Causes of aggravation of vata dosa
are unhealthy sperm and ovum of Conclusion
the father and mother respectively Ayurveda says that homosexuality
and sinful deeds of the past life may cause impotency. This
(Charak Samhita Sarirasthana behavior can be transformed up to
30/189-190; Sharma et al., 2011). some extent by giving different
pancakarma therapies. First of all
4) In Astanga Hrdaya, it is stated such cases are given snehana
that the woman who presents (oleation therapy) followed by
features of vata, in her vagina and svedana (fomentation therapy) and
uterus due to defect in the seed, virecana (purgation therapy) with a
which hates male and has no recipe containing fat. Then they are
developed breasts is known as advised to take appropriate food.
sandha. It leads to homo sexuality Thereafter, they are administered as

thapana and anuvasanavasti (types 221001, (India), Susruta Samhita,

of medicated enema). Again Choukhamba Sanskrit Series Office.
asthapana vasti should be Murthy K R Srikantha. 2011 ,
administered with kvatha (decoction) Vagbhata'sAstanga Hrdayam, Varanasi
of the leaves of palasa, eranda etc, or –221001, India, Choukhamba
with musta etc (Charak Samhita Krishnadas Academy.
Sarirasthana 30/196-198; Sharma
et al., 2011). Sharma R. K., Dash Bhagwan. 2011,
Charaka Samhita, Varanasi - 221001,
References (India),Choukhamba Sanskrit Series
Acharya Yadavji Trikamji.1941, Office.
Charak Samhita, Varanasi, India,
Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan. Shastri Ambikadutta. 2010, Sushruta
Samhita (Ayurveda Tantra Sandipika
AcharyaYadavji Trikamji, Acharya Hindi commentary), New Delhi,India,
Narayan Ram. 2002, Sushruta Chaukhamba Publications.
Samhita with Nimbandha Sangraha
Commentary, Varanasi, India, Tripathi Bramhanand. 2007, Charaka
Chaukhambha Orientalia. Samhita, Varanasi, India, Chaukhamba
Surbharati Prakashan.
Kunjalal Kaviraj, 2012, Varanasi -

Review Article
Homosexuality and Mythology
Deblina Roy, Assistant Professor (Psychiatric Nursing), Department of
Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, U.P, India
Abstract
Homosexuality a term used for describing romantic and sexual
relationship among the people of same sex. Previously understood as
psychological disorder in psychiatry, but increasing understanding about
homosexuality has led to current understanding as a normal variant in
sexuality. The world comprising of varied geography and cultures also has
their own way of understanding the phenomena of same sex love. The
Indian mythology has mentions about homosexuality from the epic of
Ramayana, 'Manusmriti', told about the punishment for homosexuality,
whereas the European mythology wrote poetry about the love of Achilles'
and Patroclus and Egyptians perceived a submissiveness in male
homosexuality. Aztec mythology patronized homosexuality by giving
them a place among Gods, though on contrary far eastern mythology
depicted homosexuality associated with magical creatures like dragons,

rabbits and punitive actions were incorporated. The depiction of
homosexuality in mythology has been varied throughout the cultures and
lands, but a common notion that carried with homosexuality even in the
myths was, disapproval of the society, misfortune for the lovers and often
associated with magic.
Date Received : 28th March 2019


Deblina Roy, Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Nursing
Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, U.P, India
Email- roy.deblina001@gmail.com
Introduction population (Zuker et al, 2009). The

Homosexuality is an abiding government of India reported to the
structure of emotional and Supreme court that there are about
romantic/ sexual attractions with 2.5 million Gay people in India
the people of same sex, which also although there is no demographics
colours their personality and based or studies related to prevalence
on those factors and their social (BBC news 2016).
behaviour, which leads to them
being a part of the group who have According to the oxford Dictionary,
similar attributes. In the United a myth is a story which has been
States of America, the Prevalence of told traditionally concerning the
homosexuality is about 1 % of the early history of people of a specific
area or belief, regarding their The expression of sexuality and

evolution and society which often sexual acts has been varied greatly
contain stories about God, from time to time and place
Demigod, natural and supernatural throughout the world and there has
powers. This idea, without evidence never been a common understanding
is often widely held and often deals about the same sex relationships
with the exaggeration of truth (Bullough VL,1973).
(AduBoahen,1 978). When such
folklores and stories collect Mythological connotation
overtime they accumulate into a regarding homosexuality
mythology. But the myth often has a Mythology is a source from which
widespread and long-lasting effect we derive our norms and cultures
over the people who belong to that (Pattanaik D,2019). World presents
culture or group. All the world us with the varied tastes of
groups have had their own homosexuality throughout the
mythologies which helped them to countries and cultures. The
create a belief about their society discussion about the various
which led to the development of mythologies can be divided
norms among the social groups and geographically .
later formulated unwritten mores
that became a source of learning for Asian Mythologies
the future generations(Pattanaik Homosexuality in Indian Mythology
D,2019). We find various references of
homosexuality in the Ramayana,
Mythology and social life Mahabharata, and Puranas. To give
Often people seek reference to a few examples here from the 'Valmiki
mythology for sociocultural Ramayana','Lord Hanumana' had
validations. As these stories route to observed various Rakshasha
their long term beliefs and are more women embracing and kissing the
acceptable for their respective other women who had been
societies. Homosexuality was long previously kissed and embraced by
considered as unacceptable and Ravana. A tale from 'Padma Purana'
unnatural in the light of Colonial tells that a king dies before he could
Europe and so as in their colonies give the potion to his queens for
and legislations were passed bearing his children. In such a
criminalizing this behaviour. These condition they out of desperation
activities rendered a powerful perform sexual activity and happen
influence on the following times. to conceive a child. As the father was
These actions were strictly because absent in the conception, they give
of the 'sinful depiction of sex' in The birth to the child without brain and
Bible, with the colonial rule came bones.At that time it was believed
typical condescension and total that the father gave the bones and
disregard for values of homo brain and mother flesh and blood.
sexuality and its perception in other But these stories rather than
cultures (Bullough VL,1973). showing a compassionate intimate

persistent inclination towards the African region

same sex behaviours show more of Egyptian mythology
act of desperation, frustration and The Egyptian mythology also has
often as replacement for straight certain aspects related to homo
heterosexual relationships. sexuality.In their mythology,
homosexuality among men depicted
The temple art and sculptures of a submissive attitude among the
homosexuality depicted in various men and who engages in this type of
shrines do tell tales about the behaviour were considered as
existing sexual variations but then, effeminate. It is quite uncertain that
myths never have been approving this type of behaviour took into
the stories are more condescending account of animalistic instincts
in nature and majorly describe it as determining that is difficult, but
an unacceptable behaviour. Like certainly it had meant a dominant
some of the old stories from submissive relationship(Clarke
Manusmriti carry messages of WM, 1978).
young girls who would engage in
homosexual behaviour, their bride European region
price would double and they would Greek Mythology
be fined 2000 pennies and 10 Greek mythology is coloured vividly
by the stories about various
whips. Mature women who were
characters like “Achilies and
found to engage in same sexual
Patroclus” as they were more than
behaviours, often their heads were
friends and apart from brotherhood
shaven and 2 fingers would be cut
they shared the forbidden love for
and they were put on a donkey and each other (Cartledge P, 1981).
outcast from the village. If men were Iconic characters like Agamenon
found to engage in same sexual mourned over the loss of his beloved
behaviours they had to take the friend and lover, Argynnus after he
heating vow of consuming lost him to drowning in Cephisus
'prayshchitta' by consuming a river. He commissioned him a tomb
mixture of cow dung, cow's urine, and a shrine to Aphrodite Argynnis
cow milk, cow milk curd and and this legend is found in various
sacrificial grass(Pattanaik D,2019). scriptures and writings of that time
The depictions of the homosexual to Aphrodite Argynnis. This episode
behaviours although existed in the is also found in Clement of
in Indian mythology but the Alexandria, in Stephen of
depictions are mere acknowledgement Byzantium Propertius, III with
of and filled with condescension and minor variations(Zumwalt N, 1977).
disapproval for the same sex
relationships, rather than the Another famous character from
concept of love and affection filled ancient Greece. Heracles had a lover
conjugal variant of sexuality who was kidnapped by water
(Bullough VL,1973). nymphs which remained an
occupying topic of classical

mythology in paintings and poetry. “tong-xing-ai” (love between people

Heracles defeated Theiodamas in of the same sex) in Chinese. There
battle, hid his young son. Hylas was was no such term existing before
taken by Heracles as arms bearer 19 t h century in China. The
and made him warrior by training, expressions in Chinese usually
developed a romantic attachment have been poetic and metaphorical
(Zumwalt N, 1977). (“nan feng”, male wind),which
includes the exclusion of females
Anglo-Saxon Norse God myths completely from intimate
Among the Saxon mythology, the relationships. This symbolically
God of fertility 'Freyor' who was meant male supremacy. Other
worshipped by some effeminate similar idiom references include
priests and they used to perform nan se (male beauty) which refers to
magic that was usually performed seductive features jiao, or mei
by women. This brought their status (female beauty and flirtation). Poetic
down as men in the society. euphemisms for homosexuality
Although homosexual depictions were used commonly rather the
are not as pronounced among the terminology for homosexuality,
Greek mythology but instances of whereas the female homosexuality
Gods changing their genders included “Jin-lan zi-mei” (Golden
completely and transforming from Orchid Sisters) and too-ring (polishing
male gods to child bearing females mirrors) as metaphorical references
was not uncommon (Tezer H, 2018). (Lau MP et al,1989).
Celtic Mythology The Chinese literature is most
There are no overt references for importantly influenced by the
homosexuality but perhaps the periodicals, roughly divided as the
warrior romance between the pre-Confucian, pre-Taoist, Buddhist
heroes, foster-brothers Cúchulainn tradition. The pre Confucian and
and Ferdiadh, their stories depict Taoist mythology was mainly
them as warriors with wives but still shamanistic. The Male homosexuality
accounts of them sharing a sleeping was believed to be originated from
space and romantic relationship are the Southern China so metaphorically
mentioned. Their forced duel ended termed as the southern wind. There
by, Cúchulainn defeating Ferdiadh are various deities in the Chinese
by "mysterious weapon" Gáe Bulg mythology who were associated
with which he pierced his anus. The with homosexuality. These include
lament of Cúchulainn after the Chou Wang, Lan Caihe, Shan Gu,
death of Ferdiadh has been and Yu the Great, and Gun(Wang
compared to the relationship of K,2014).One of the famous
Achilis and Pratroclus (Best,1902) mythological stories found in these
folklores are about the dragon and
Asian mythology from the Far the old farmer, dragons are one of
East the most ferocious and mysterious
Chinese mythology animals, a tale that tells the story of
"Homosexuality" translates as
a 60 year old farmer who was being heavenly cave for uncertain time,
forcibly sodomised by the passing then to bring her out of the cave
dragon and his injuries required Ame No Uzume (Goddess of Dawn)
medical attention (Wang K, 2014). performed an erratic dance
Despite the mentions in the stories, “kagame” in which she tore her
they have always been observed as clothes and started dancing hearing
unacceptable in the Taoist traditions. the other Gods and Goddesses
There is also a story about the rabbit Amatertsu cleverly peered out of her
Spirit deity who was actually a man hiding place and taking advantage
who fell in love with a provincial fuji of that other gods closed the cave
inspector and was punished death door and thus light was restored
sentence. This was regarded as an upon the earth. Although it is
act of love and was pardoned by the unclear that homosexual reference
underworld Gods, and he was is directly elicited or not(Conner RP
appointed the safe guarder of the et al, 1997; P flugfelder, 2000).In the
homosexual love, also known as Tu Medieval Japan it was thought that
Er Shen (Eberhard W, 2006). any woman alone if encountered
could be a fox as they were
A similar folklore of Mizi Xia and considered as shape shifters and
Duke of leng of Wei are also found would take up any form to get
which tell us about the homosexual benefits from the passer-by men
love between two men and their (Capstein M ,2002).
satisfying homosexual relationships
although historical evidence is Buddhist Traditions
unclear (Wang K ,2014;Eberhard W, According to Buddhist traditions
2006). both heterosexual and homosexual
relationships would be a hindrance
Japanese Mythology in the spiritual growth so was
According to the Japanese mythology considered unacceptable within the
homosexual love was introduced by monastic rules. The homosexuals
Shinu No Hafuri and Ama No were considered as innuendoes,
Hafuri. They were the servants of and were debarred from clergy ship
the Primordial Goddess (Sun (Morris R,1990). Buddhist texts
Goddess, Amataretsu), the story have very subtly avoided sexual
goes like after Shinu died, Ama references and not much can be
committed suicide and were buried found about homosexuality, but
inside the same grave and due to there are some depictions of same
this the Sun did not shine on their sex friendships, probably they are
grave till they both were again depictions of mostly brotherly love
buried separately (Ben R E,2004; rather than, platonic relationships
Long-Ari E, 2000). Another story (Morris R,1990).There is also a story
concerning the Goddess Amateretsu of Indian Buddhist monk 'Ananda'
is when she had a fight, with her who once became very fond of the
brother ( god of Storm and Rain) Naga King and as his relationship
Susanoo also known as Takehaya, was progressing towards a sexual
and retracted herself into the
type, he cut all the ties with him to effeminate and is often associated
remain true Buddhist monk with art and dance, and believed to
(Greenburg YK, 2007). be from the 'third gender'.
“Xochipilli” ('Flower Prince') was
Pacific Islands' mythological considered the Deity of art, games,
references beauty, dance, flowers, maize, and
The Pacific islands are the group of song in Aztec mythology, and
Islands in the Pacific Ocean, where considered a great patron of
the people are related to the Asians homosexuals (Looper, 2002).
and the Oceania, they belong to a
diverse group, and have diverse Middle East Asia
mythologies. These mythologies are The Middle-East Asia has been the
mainly polytheist and various birthplace for loads of religion and
gynandrous God and Demigod has been a home to the human
references are found in them many civilization from time immemorial.
of them have changed their genders The Mesopotamian, Sumerian,
to fulfil their duties and had same Akkadian, followed by loads of other
sex relationships with their civilizations developed on the banks
counterparts (Looper M,2002).It is of Tigris and Euphrates rivers. As
seen that commonly there are the civilizations were interlinked
references to the homosexual as their mythologies also have been
well as queer relationships. Other found to mention similar stories
Polynesian mythologies also with a change of name of the
contain homosexual references characters. Here one of the famous
regarding their mythological Gods epics of Gilgamesh and Enkidu
and Goddesses but the acceptance bore a reference to homosexuality
of homosexual behaviour is not (Beckman G, 2005). Enkidu was the
acceptable in those stories (Dowden companion created by the gods for
et al,1995). Gilgamesh, and their poetry reveals
about their similar status and long
Mythologies of America term companionship which often
Maya and Aztec has led to the speculation of Notion
The oldest among the American about a homosexual relationship
civilizations the Mayan god Chin, perhaps existed among the
was considered to have introduced protagonists of the longest known
homoeroticism (Kunzel,2018). This poetry called as the “The Epic of
consequently became associated Gilgamesh” (Beckman G, 2005).
with homosexuality. This inspired Moving forward from that era into
powerful people from noble families the period of old testament it has
to buy young lovers (men) for their been observed that the relationship
sons, thus legalizing the of David and Jonathan who formed
relationships to marriage. One of a covenant and Jonathan who
the important, Mayan deity known helped David rise to power was more
from the ancient period (200-900 than merely a close platonic
AD, Tonsured Maize God), who was relationship and sometimes

presented as a justification to social acceptance of that behaviour.

homosexuality. Their story is vividly The notion of procreative and
pictured in the Old Testament heterosexual love has always been
(Beckman G, 2005). given a moral high ground. Thus it
can be evidently stated that, the
The middle east also the home for the references of mythology have rarely
Christianity and the mythology of made it clear about socially
Judaism also influenced the acceptable homosexuality, where
mythology of Christianity, the ever it exists it has been generally
orthodox Christian mythology considered as an imperfect and
carefully has avoided and condemned undesirable love which has brought
homo sexuality although some about loss and misfortune upon its
excerpts about Saint Sebastian who beholders.
has been a long standing Christian
Gay Icon has been portrayed in References
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Taoist Temple Affiliated Pilgrim

Review Article
Homosexuality among Males
Ajay Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of
Mental Health and Hospital, Agra, U.P, India
Abstract
Male homosexuality has strong biological basis; social and psychological
theories also advocate it as a normal behavioral variant. It has been
dropped out from the list of disorders by American Psychiatric
Association as well as World Health Organization. Male homosexuals are
marginalized due to stigma, victimized by the negative attitude of society
due to their association with HIV/AIDS and hence venerable to various
mental illnesses like depression, substance use disorder, anxiety
disorders and suicide.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Gay, Sexual behaviour
Date Accepted: 01st June 2019
Dr. Ajay Kumar, Asst. Professor

Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra,
U.P, India
Email- ajaypgimer2016@gmail.com
Introduction World Health Organization (WHO),

Human sexual behavior is a officially accepted homosexuality
composite entity with multiple as normal variant. Many countries
dimensions like biological sex, decriminalize homosexuality and
gender role, social and cultural legally recognize same-sex civil
identity. It impinges social, union and marriage. In 1980s,
religious, political and legal aspect homosexuality has been associated
hence remain a matter of debate. with HIV/AIDS and leads to
Homosexuality, heterosexuality, negative attitude of society towards
bisexuality and transsexuality are it. Due to various factors person
some of the terms used to described with homosexual behavior has high
diverse sexual behavior, some of prevalence of mental disorders like
the sexual behaviors are not in depression, substance use disorders
concordance with the individual or (SUD) and suicide.
society and considered as abnormal.
Male homosexuality
Homosexuality per say is a
Male homosexuality remains a
heterogenous group known for
bone of contention since time of
sexual feeling for same gender. In
immemorial due to various social,
1973,the American Psychiatric
religious and political reasons.
Association (APA) and in 1992, the
There are two types of approaches in subsequent born male. While

seen in the literature, the essentialist and having an elder sister, younger
social constructionist. Essentialist brother, or younger sister have no
approach dominated prior to 1970s such associations. Family studies
and considered sexual orientation found no significant association
as static and permanent character, with any class of siblings in female
according to essentialist, people are homosexuality, this phenomenon is
either homosexuals or heterosexuals. called as the fraternal birth effect
(Blanchard & Klassen, 1997; A. F.
It does not accommodate the
Bogaert, 2006; Gómez-Gil et al., 2011;
possibility of bisexual orientation
Iemmola&CamperioCiani, 2009;
(Hansen & Evans, 1985) and Vanderlaan& Vasey, 2011) .
recognized it as biologically and
psychologically pathological (Hart, Immunological studies Male
1984). On the other hand, social homosexuality could be a consequence
constructionist sees it as continuum of autoimmune reaction against
ranging from exclusive homosexuality male specific molecules of the fetus
to heterosexuality and acknowledged (Savic, Berglund, & Lindstrom, 2005).
that the sexual orientation may Maternal immunization to male
change over time. More recently, the specific molecules leads to
term lesbian, gay, bisexual and formation of maternal anti-male
transgenders (LGBT) popularly use antibody which side track sexual
to denote the group. “LGB” refers to differentiation of male fetus brain
the sexual orientation while “T” from the typical male brain
stands for transgender or gender development (Swaab & Hofman,
non-conforming. Researchers 1990). In other words, antimale
suggest that male homosexuality antibody produce feminization of
far common and has stronger male fetus brain and responsible for
biological basis as compared to the subsequent male homosexual
female homosexuality.The following behavior.
etiological factors have been
suggested in relation to male Hormonal studies Male homo-
homosexuality: sexual in contrast to male
heterosexuals has hypothalamic
Biological factors Impressive activation in reaction to male
amount of empirical data from pheromones (Brodie, Gartrell,
family studies, immunological Doering, &Rhue, 1974). Studies on
studies, hormonal studies and hormonal profile shows higher
neuro-imaging suggest that biology testosterone level among
is a significant regulator of male homosexual male than non-
homosexuality. homosexual male (Jannini, Fisher,
Bitzer, & McMahon, 2009; Meyer-
Family studies An older brother
Bahlburg, 1984) which goes in favors
increase the odds of homosexuality
of hyper-sexuality (Anthony F. hence heterosexuality should be

Bogaert & Hershberger, 1999) hyper favored by natural selection and
androgenic state expressed as homosexuality should abolished.
certain dimorphic parameters like Contrary to the Darwinian theory of
larger genitalia (McFadden & natural selection, homosexuality
Champlin, 2000), higher auditory persists in small but consistent
evoked potential (Williams et al., percentage of population hence
2000), and the length of second and represent Darwinian paradox
forth finger (Eigenberg, 1992). (Cardoso & Werner, 2013; Muscarella,
Fink, Grammer, & Kirk-Smith, 2001) .
Anatomical studies Post-mortem
Psychosocial aspects Male homo-
studies of male homosexual brains
sexuals show no objective
revealed increase size of the
impairment in judgment, stability
suprachiasmatic nucleus, twice the
and vocational ability on psychological
size of its heterosexual counterpart
assessments (Rao & Jacob, 2012).
(Swaab&Hofman, 1990). Further, the
Studies on non-heterosexual
third notch of anterior
individual shown high level of
hypothalamus (INAH3) also found
chronic stress due to various
to be 2 to 3 times smaller in homosexual
psychosocial factors. Studies on
men as compared to heterosexual
non-heterosexuals suggest that as
men (LeVay, 1991).
compared to their heterosexual
Psychological theories Classical counterpart, non-heterosexual
psychological theories hypothesized suffers from more mental health
the adult sexual orientation based problems. The stigma, to
on childhood experiences (Drescher homosexuals create a stressful
J, 2009) . Human are psycho social environment which resulted
sexually neutral and sexual in various mental disorders.
orientation are shaped by Minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003)
environmental influence, parenting emphasised the relation between
style, relation pattern with friends stigma, prejudice attached to homo
and relatives. Psychoanalytic theory sexuality and increase prevalence of
emphasis on the childhood mental illness.
experience and unresolved Oedipus
complex in male due to castration Male Homosexuality and Mental
anxiety. illness
There is high prevalence of
Evolutional aspect Homosexuality
depression, anxiety disorders,
widely prevalent in animal
substance use disorders (SUD) and
kingdom, around 1500 species on
suicides among homosexual men
planet exhibit it (Byne, 2003).
(Cochran, 2001; Cochran & Mays,
Evolutionary theory proposed that
2000; Mustanski, Garofalo, &
adaptive traits persist through
Emerson, 2010). In addition, LGBT
natural selection within the species
students regularly victimise of Assembly Special Session on

bullying at school; end up HIV/AIDS, 2010; Thomas et al., 2009).
homeless; have elevated rates of The United Nations General
poverty, food insecurity, and Assembly Special Session on
joblessness. HIV/AIDS Report estimates that
there are about 3.1 million MSM in
In India, frequent reports of sexual India. The overall prevalence of HIV
violence and harassments against infection among adults estimated to
men who have sex with men (MSM) be 0.31 per cent (0.25-0.39%) in 2009
is a matter of serious concern (United Nations General Assembly
(Chakrapani, Babu, & Ebenezer, 2004;
Chakrapani, Newman, Shunmugam, Special Session on HIV/AIDS, 2010).
Logie, & Samuel, 2017; Chakrapani, Association of HIV/AIDS with
Newman, Shunmugam, McLuckie, homosexuality perceived negatively,
&Melwin, 2007; Newman, Chakrapani, LGBT community blamed for
Cook, Shunmugam, &Kakinami, spreading HIV/AIDS, and resulted
2008). In India also high rate of
in hatred, intolerance, and fear to
depression, anxiety, alcohol use
LGBT community, called as
and suicidality have been found
among MSM (Chakrapani et al., 2017; Homophobia. Such attitude further
Mimiaga et al., 2013; Sivasubramanian stigmatized LGBT community at an
et al., 2011). The high prevalence individual, cultural, structural, and
rate of psychiatric morbidity among legal level.
lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB)
resulted due to stress, poor coping Male homosexuality in India
skills, internalized homophobia and In India male homosexual live in a
expectation of rejection (Meyer, complex hierarchical system. Most
2003). gender nonconforming person have
to leave or abandon by their family
Male homosexuality and
due to stigma which results in poor
HIV/AIDS
social supports to them. Gay are
Historical association between
self-identified MSM (western
HIV/AIDS with homosexuality
acculturation), the receptive male
further enhance stigma and leads to
partner in anal and oral sex who
societal rejection of men who have
typically have effeminate mannerism
sex with men (MSM). MSM shown
known as kothis while the insertive
higher prevalence of HIV infection
partner in anal and oral sex known
around the world, predominantly in
as panthis. MSM who involve in
Asia (Van Griensven& De Lind Van
both receptive and insertive sexual
Wijngaarden, 2010). India also has
activity known as double decker
high prevalence of HIV positive cases
(Asthana &Oostvogels, 2001; Dandona
among MSM, ranging from 7 to
et al., 2005; Nandi, Kamat, Bhavalkar,
16.5% (Independent Evaluation of
& Banerjee, 1994).
National AIDS Control Programme,
2007; United Nations General
The traditional and relatively older
system is the Hijra (male to female be well equipped to handles sensitive

trans person) community, organised issues like male homosexuality. The
in a hierarchical role defined major role of psychiatrist is to
manner, often provide them destigmatise and depathologize
emotional, monetary, and homosexuality and help family to
psychological support. Hijra accept it. If any psychiatric disorder
subculture has Guru (master), and present then treat it, there is no role
Chela (disciple) who receive support of psychiatrist to deal with changing
from their Gurus as well as kinship orientation of these individuals.
created within the Hijra community
(Setia et al., 2008). Hijra subculture Conclusion
provide a social support and As such there are no clear
resilience which help in managing determinants of male homosexuality
sexual and gender minority stigma- but there are indications that a
relate stress and in preventing numbers of factors can interact to
depression (Mimiaga et al., 2015). make same sex-orientation more
likely, followed by the impact of
Indian penal code section 377 dealt socio-cultural factors. Male homo-
with sexual activities like sexuals are risk population for
homosexual activities, sex with stress, depression, substance use
minor, non-consensual sex and disorders, and suicide. There are
bestiality but was struck down in a need for further research and
landmark judgment of Delhi High requirement for mental health
Court in July 2009 (“Delhi high court professional to be more equipped
decriminalizes homosexuality,” Press, and skilled to deal with such cases.
2009). The judgment was reversed
by Supreme court of India on 11 References
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Later, on 6 September 2018 construction of male “homosexuality” in India:
Supreme Court of India Implications for HIV transmission and
decriminalised section 377 (The Wire prevention. Social Science and Medicine.
Staff, 2018). https:// doi.org/ 10.1016/S0277-9536
(00)00167-2
Role of Psychiatry
Blanchard, R., & Klassen, P. (1997). H-Y antigen
Male homosexuals are vulnerable
and homosexuality in men. Journal of
for various psychiatric disorders.
T h e o r e t i c a l B i o l o g y .
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Review Article
Homosexuality among Females: Evolution to
Revolution
Monika Thakur1, Keerthi Mohanan2
1
Consultant Editor,CBS Medical Publisher, New Delhi, India
2
Tutor, College of Nursing, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India
Abstract
Females were not given the liberty to express their sexuality in
historically male dominated world until education was accessible to
them and women were educated to socialize their thinking.
Homosexuality refers to same sex attraction. Although much was written
about male homosexuality, female homosexuality is less studied and still
reasons for female homosexuality are not that evident. A huge gap could
be identified between early recognition of symptoms of homosexuality to
self-acceptance and disclosure to other's about own -sexual-orientation.
Although family is usually the first place for disclosure of own sexual
orientation, fear sustains regarding acceptance. Homosexual women
face multiple problems in all walks of life and may be abused or denied
basic rights for a dignified living. An empathetic and non-judgemental

attitude from the clinicians might help in easily approaching the mental
and physical health issues faced by female homosexuals.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Females, Lesbianism

Date Received : 21st March 2019
Monika Thakur
Consultant Editor,CBS Medical Publisher, New Delhi, India
Email- monikssweet@gmail.com
Introduction based on those attractions, related

Homosexuality is characterized by behaviours and membership to
having sexual contact with same other females (APA, 2008) This
sex, either as a genital act or article tries to give an overview
maintaining a long-term sexual regarding the origin of homosexuality
/erotic status. A homosexual among females. Viewpoint of
person dwells bonding of love for various historians regarding
an individual having similar female homosexuality otherwise
physical structure and sexual called lesbianism is described in a
orientation and chooses them for chronological approach. Current
being a sexual partner (Gooren, legal status around the globe and
2011). Homosexuality in females hurdles faced by the lesbians are
indicate to a sense of identity also described.

Origin of the term Women homosexual did not have

The derivation of the word 'lesbian' freedom at par with male
lies with name of the Greek island of counterpart to openly pursue their
Lesbos, right from the 6th-century relationship although it was
considered to be harmless if not
associated with the name of BC poet
asked for acceptance as homosexual
Sappho, who herself was a lady. In
relationship. T h i n g s s t a r t e d
early 19th century the word lesbian
changing by world-war II as
was regarded as related to Lesbos
government actively supported
(Oxford referencen.d). The remnants
homosexual women to expand their
of her writings in poetry suggests social circle by reaching out to
her female influenced ideas women having similar ideas by
regarding everyday life of females, means of education and better
their bonding, relationship and the earning opportunities which gave
customs females followed during them economic freedom (Timeline of
that era. Her words further LGBT, 2019).
highlighted elegance of feminine
beauty and declaration of her love Very less literature focused on
towards females (Weick 2010). female homosexuality comparative
to male homosexual behaviour as it
Development of the term 'lesbian' was not considered as a significant
w 1 8 7 0 - L e s b i a n i s m problem by heath care personnel,
documented to be sexually even its existence was not admitted
stimulating correlation to exit. However, few researchers
between females. like Richard von, Krafft Ebing,
w 1890- A medical dictionary used German sexologist, and Britain's
lesbianism as a descriptive term Havelock Ellis had listed earliest
for addressing love towards and more adoring sequence of
same sex among females. female same-sex attraction,
w 20th century–Term lesbian, approaching it as a form of insanity
invert and homosexual (Ellis' categorization of ‘lesbianism’
frequently used as per the is currently disapproved as being a
earlier concept given by Sappho medical disorder. However, Ellis
in her poetry. conceded that there were ‘true
inverts’ who would spend their lives
w 1925- Medical literature pursuing erotic relationships with
became friendly with use of women. Inverts were regarded as
term lesbian and became a third sex or the opposite gender role
pronoun for female homo sexual follower. Women in Victorian time
act (Marcus,2016; Zimmerman, were forbidden or were prohibited to
2000). initiate sexual events rather had an
image of feminist to be followed and
In the early 19thcentury sexologists the so called inverts were opposing
described lesbian women as those this concept and were thought of
not sticking on to female personality having masculine features for
and gender roles and even showing sexual interest in
misinterpreted as insane individuals. women(Hull, 1983).
Kraft-Ebing and Ellis were pioneer categorized it in four stages: (a)

sexologist in shedding light on the sensitization-initial same sex
female homosexuality and creating attraction and first self-questioning
awareness among masses. They regarding heterosexual relationship
claimed that homosexuality was a (b) identity confusion-internal
congenital anomaly and it should conflict duration during mid-
not be considered as criminal adolescent time and initiation of
offence. Lack of societal acceptance same-sex sexual activity(c) identity
of homosexuals prevented lesbians assumption-young adults start
from describing their emotions identifying them as LGB and
openly and lead them to form closed shares the new self-identity with
subculture group which gave them near ones people and seeks
the acceptance of being different community among other LGBs (d)
and form their own social circles in commitment- indulging in same-
Paris and Berlin (Aldrich,2006). sex romantic relationship and
revelation to a society consisting of
Models of Homosexuality in heterosexual people (Floyd & Stein,
Females 2002). Take home message
Although the scientific basis suggested by these research models
for the exact reason behind one's was that healthy and stable sexual
sexual orientation to be felt as identity development forces
heterosexual, homosexual or imbibition of sexual identity in
bisexual still is a evolving individual's life(Aldrich, 2006).
controversy but still some possible
biological, psychological or social Sexuality and Lesbian identity
effects of parent's sexual orientation Culture followed in western
involvement has been seen. countries tag Lesbians as
Psychological and physical characteristics that describes their
environment experienced by individual sexuality in combination
children brought up by homosexual to resemblance to a group that
parent's shows greater inclination shares common traits(Rust, 1992).
towards choosing homosexuality in History reflects that women in many
own future (APA, 2008).The girls culture and society have had sexual
exposed earlier to androgen are relationship with other women, but
predisposed to show homosexuality they were never acclaimed to be in a
or being lesbian (Gooren, 2006). relationship with whom they have
sexual relationship. Lesbian
Numerous researchers have identity was side-lined from society
proposed and worked on various by giving a subcultural identity and
models of sexual identity was reduced to a bare political
development for more than three minority in western culture
decades. Cass (1979) developed a (Aldrich, 2006).
model, on a six-stage linear
psychological path of sexual Whether sexual activity need to be
identity development. Troiden there to define a relationship
(1989) evolved Cass's model and between two females as lesbianism,
still remains a debated issue. Legal status across the globe
According to feminist writer Naomi As per the Gallops survey the
McCormick, men community gives proportion of LGBT Americans has
the judgement pertaining to reached 4.5% of the US population
women's sexuality, who primarily (over 11 milllion) by the year 2017
points lesbian sexual orientation as (Moore, 2013).“The International
sexual closeness with other women. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and
However same criterion is not Intersex Association (IGLA) reported
necessary for declaration of in March 2019, that 70 States still
heterosexual behaviour of women. continue to criminalise same-sex
McCormick emphasized that rather consensual activity. Regardless of
than genital contact, emotional, the gender in 44 of these States
psychological and ideological individual is pronounced a criminal
connections between women are in such issues. The criminalization
more crucial (McCormick et al, of homosexual behaviour in 2017 by
1994). legal system in India was a major
setback to rights of LGBT
A study conducted in 2011, on community (ILGA, 2016). Advances
ascertaining the difference related to change legal aspect have
to lesbians for health related matter occurred in last two years in states
suggested segregating lesbians like: India, Trinidad and Tobago,
using the following criteria- and Angola. Majority of the
identity, sexual behaviour or both. countries against homosexuality
Sexual desire or attraction would lies in Africa, Middle East and other
not qualify as a criterion for sexual parts of south Asia. Homosexuality
identity as it rarely accounted in could result in death sentence also
measurable health or psychosocial in eight countries across the globe
issues (Brogan, 2001). (Carrol, 2016).
Shifting of concept from

The evolving debate on homosexual punishable offence to a normal
behaviour and identity over year's variant
further weekend the previous belief In Indian scenario, a 14th century
of every culture that heterosexuality text mentions about a child born to
is the most usual pattern of sexual lesbian couple breaks the
identity individual follows. When a mysterious silence about female
female is attracted toward another sexuality. With the release of a film
woman it leads to negative titled 'Fire' in 1996 the matter of
speculation about life goals. Those lesbian relationship came into light
who undergo this, they use to adopt to be discussed among public,
the identity breaking the stereotype prompting some theatres in India to
of what society considering normal
be attacked by extremists. Indian
(Schlager,1998). This identity is
social activist continually rejected
different from gay men, hetero
the usage of word lesbian as being
sexual women and bisexual women,
influenced by power or politics, and
which sometimes cause conflict
in rarest cases the discussion
among them (Oxford referencen.d).
centred on male homosexuality or physical abuse, desire to become

only. Women right groups in India parent and deciding for insurance
continue to debate the legitimacy of and end of life plans in advance
including lesbian issues in their (Rullo, 2017). Most important issue
platforms and issues focusing on faced is hidden sexual orientation
female homosexuality are considered from society and even from near one
to be sensitive and are usually less (Martos etal, 2017). Nearly half of
talked about (Vanita, 2007). the participants preferred family as
first person to disclose rather than
As per World Values Survey, a anyone they met in their life as
global survey that represents family support was priority and real
around 100 countries people's view, intention was not to keep family in
from 1990- 2014 the part of Indian ignorance of self-homosexuality
respondents who viewed homo followed by friend from homosexual
sexuality as unjustifiable fell from community and lastly heterosexual
89% to 24% giving a new vision to friends (Julian, 2016). Delay in
homosexual relations due to legal admitting sexual orientation by
changes that occurred in India lesbian females to parent has been
(Rukhmani, n.d). found to be associated with
significantly elevated levels of past
In 2018 September Hon'ble month illicit drug use, degrading
Supreme Court of India in its poor self-reported health status and
historical judgment legalized a low mood for more than two week
homosexuality, partially strikes showing signs of clinical
down Section 377. The section depression during past month
holds that whoever, voluntarily, has (Rothman etal, 2012). Lesbian
carnal intercourse against the order women are endangered to face
of nature with any man, woman or more child sexual abuse and the
animal, commits an unnatural severity is high resulting in requiring
offence. counselling or approaching a
psychiatric for mental health issues
The bench said that the LGBTQ
and substance abuse than
(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
heterosexual women (Wilsnack,
and queer) community faced 2012; Hughes etal, 2001).
discrimination and social stigma
because of the criminality attached Discrimination based on sexual
to the consensual same-sex identity of lesbian at workplace
relationship (Rajagopal, 2018). include remarks jokes, ridicule and
remarks when done by more than
Current stand about lesbianism one co-worker, surprisingly when
Issues constantly being faced by abused by single co-worker threats
these women include coming out as of physical and verbal abuse both in
a lesbian, experiencing rejection person and by telephonically are
from family or facing harassment at prominent (Barretet et al, 2011;
work place, being a victim of sexual Caylor, 2018). Workplace presence

of senior lesbian official make them a major role in bringing the idea of
to accept their sexuality openly and homosexuality in public by
makes a crucial difference in challenging the section 377 in Delhi
accepting their feelings. Employee high court with strong support from
following homosexuality are also other similar self-help groups in
termed as Social deviant workers 2001(Tandon n.d).
who faces double glazed glass
ceiling that is being subjected to Conclusion
intense scrutiny and they must Acceptance towards homosexual
excel to be deemed competent at par relationship over the period of time
with fellow workers (Bowring & stretching from origin to current
Brewis 2009; Miller et al 2003). time is minimal, still there is a long
Many a times over friendliness with way to gain equal rights. Although
female co-workers is misinterpreted legal acceptance is increasing and
as sexual interest, to avoid this better laws would help this group to
they use camouflaging behaviour prosper and live with all rights at
like self-monitoring speech and par with other citizens, more and
observable behaviour related to more social awareness activities are
one's sexual orientation, or to be conducted and economic
preferring to keep mute in common opportunities to be made available
office conversation or sharing little from government to hasten the
information about their personal life process.
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Review Article
Ferose Azeez Ibrahim F1, Erika Pahuja1, Pritha Roy2
1
Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi
2
Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi
Abstract
In 1973, the second edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual by the
American Psychiatric Association (APA) had removed homosexuality as
a diagnosis. This step changed the perception about homosexuality and
facilitated the change of attitude of public towards it (from illness to
normal variant of sexuality). Multiple controversies and arguments have
occurred throughout the history about the nosological status of
homosexuality as an illness entity. This review shall describe its status
in different classificatory systems before and after 1973 along with an
overview of the multiple socio-political factors that resulted in de-
classification of homosexuality from the classificatory systems in
psychiatry.
Keywords: Nosology, Homosexuality, Diagnostic system
Date Received: 23rd April 2019


Dr. Erika Pahuja, Senior Resident
Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi
Email- erikapahuja.01@gmail.com
Introduction its second edition of its Diagnostic

Up until the latter half of the and Statistical Manual (DSM) in
20thcentury, homosexuality was 1973 and subsequent World Health
predominantly considered as a Organization accepting it as a
pathological illness and all the normal variant in 1992, removing it
concerned professionals including from ICD-10 Classification of
physicians and mental health mental and behavioural disorders
professionals were either trying to (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2000).
cure or change homosexuality (Jack
This review shall describe the
Drescher, 2010). Following which a
status of the diagnosis of
paradigm shift started happening in
homosexuality in different
the understanding of homosexuality
classificatory systems before and
from it being a crime, disease or a
after 1973 along with an overview of
sin to a normal variant, which was
the multiple socio-political factors
fueled by the removal of
that resulted in de-classification of
homosexuality by the American
homosexuality from the classificatory
Psychiatric Association (APA) from
systems in psychiatry.
Historical Classification Magnus Hirschfeld, Paul Moreau

Karl Menninger in his book and Havelock Ellis. While some
titled,“The Vital Balance” had authors like Ellis were of the opinion
described in great detail the early that homosexuality was natural,
psychiatric classificatory systems the advent of psychoanalytic study
and had mentioned that the on sexuality by Freud had put forth
homosexuality was first mentioned the opinion that “Heterosexuality is
in the works of Caelius Aurelianus, the normal endpoint of psychosexual
who had translated the Soranus' development.”
treatise to Latin (Menninger,
Mayman, &Pruyser, 1963). Ancient It has to be noted that despite of
Greeks were more accepting on Freud himself not considering
their views of homosexuality which homosexuality as an illness, the
was evident in the prevalent idea that homosexuality was
practice of homosexuality among abnormal conquered over the
the public. Further eminent contrary opinion. The supremacy of
personas like Hippocrates, Plato in this view maintained homosexuality
their descriptions of Mental Illness in the psychiatric nosology up until
had not described or mentioned the 20th century (Bayer, 1987).
about homosexuality (Simon, 1978).
What had to be considered is the Evolution of the Nosological
fact that historically homosexuality Status in DSM
was considered as an abomination The first edition of DSM was
or a crime enforced predominantly published by APA in 1952. The DSM
by religious bodies which attracted was developed based on different
punishment and at times even American system of classification
death. Such practices had that existed in the 20th century. The
continued till the first half of the 19th Standard classified nomenclature
century (Bayer, 1987). Even though of disease included homosexuality
there were other notable mentions under psychopathic personality in
about homosexuality by different 1935 (Bayer, 1987).
persons during the first part of 19th
century, the actual scientific study Homosexuality was included as a
of homosexuality began with the diagnosis in DSM-I (1952) under the
publication of the first edition of spectrum of 'Sexual Deviation'[code
Kraeplin's 'Compendium'. Kraeplin 52.2], within the category of
mentions about certain 'States of Sociopathic Personality
psychological weakness' in which Disturbances'[code 52] (American
he had enlisted 'idiocy, cretinism, Psychiatric Association, 1952). Sexual
feeble-mindedness' and conträre Deviation was defined as a
Sexual empfindung' (Menninger et diagnosis that was, 'reserved for
al., 1963). Other notable authors to deviant sexuality which is not
study homosexuality during the symptomatic of more extensive
same period were Richard von syndromes, such as schizophrenia
Krafft-Ebbing, Jean Martin Charcot, and obsessional reactions'. This

umbrella term incorporates all functioning” (Spitzer, 1981). Hence

those cases that are previously the committee came to an
included under' psychopathic agreement that homosexuality by
personality with pathologic itself is not a mental disorder. It was
sexuality'. The diagnosis includes a replaced by a category called
spectrum of deviant sexual 'Sexual orientation disturbance'
behabviours, such as homo which was defined as 'individuals
sexuality, paraphilias, (including whose sexual interests are directed
sexual assaults) (Bayer, 1987). DSM I primarily towards people of the
considers homosexuals to be ill, as same sex and who are either
they have non-conformity with the disturbed by it, in conflict with, or
prevailing socio-cultural milieu wish to change their sexual
major determinant of pathology was orientation' (Spitzer, 1981).
the pattern of behaviour and not the
psychological discomfort/distress. One has to take into consideration
that this diagnostic change did not
DSM-II in 1968 reclassified immediately stop the pathologization
homosexuality under 'personality of homosexuality. This was reflected
disorders and certain other non- in the development of DSM III
psychotic mental disorders' which (American Psychiatric Association,
included homosexuality, fetishism, 1980), in which it was debated about
paedophilia, transvestism, including a diagnosis for
exhibitionism, voyeurism, sadism, homosexuals who are anguished
masochism, and 'other sexual about their sexual orientation. This
deviations' [code 302.0] (American paved the way for the diagnostic
Psychiatric Association, 1968) . category of Ego-dystonic
Subsequently DSM-II classification homosexuality for which the
became a central focus of the Gay diagnostic criteria were (Mendelson,
Liberation movement's attack on 2003),
psychiatry. In December 1973, after
the vote of the Board of Trustees of A. The individual complains that
the APA, the 7th reprint of DSM- II heterosexual arousal is persistently
removed homosexuality as a absent or weak and significantly
d i a g n o s i s . T h i s change was interferes with initiating or
consequent to lesbian and gay maintaining wanted hetero
activism (e.g: Matachinesociety), and sexual relationships.
its pressing for efforts within the
American Psychiatric Association B. There is a sustained pattern of
(Jack Drescher, 2010). This sparked a
homosexual arousal that the
debate about what constitutes a individual explicitly states has
mental disorder and the APA's been unwanted and a persistent
Nomenclature Committee concluded source of distress.
that “they [mental disorders] all The diagnosis of Homosexuality was
regularly caused subjective distress dropped in the DSM-III-R which was
or were associated with generalized published in 1987. There was
impairment in social effectiveness of
however a diagnosis termed as change their sexual orientation

'Sexual Disorder Not Otherwise (Jack Drescher, 2010; Spitzer, 1981).
Specified' which described
'persistent and marked distress Finally DSM 5 (American Psychiatric
about one's sexual orientation' (Jack Association, 2013) does not mention
Drescher, 2012). DSM-IV (American homosexuality or disorder of sexual
Psychiatric Association, 1994), which orientation under any parent
was published in 1994 had further category or as a separate diagnosis
changed the nomenclature of the (J. Drescher, 2015).
major group into, 'Sexual and However, it has to be agreed that the
Gender Identity Disorders' and deletion of “homosexuality” from
DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric the DSM of disorders will change the
Association, 2000), however retained outlook of the society towards it as
the diagnosis of Sexual disorder not well as help in protecting the rights
otherwise specified [code 302.9] of individuals with homosexual
which had the same description as orientation (Jack Drescher, 2012).
DSM-III-R. It was proclaimed that
these categories exist to legitimize The following table provides a
the sexual “conversion” therapies complete description about the
for those individuals who had evolution of nosological status of
homosexual orientation yet were homosexuality through the different
distressed and also desired to editions of DSM (J. Drescher, 2015).
Edition Year Parent Category Diagnosis

DSM-I 1952 Personality Disorders Homosexuality
Sociopathic Personality disturbance [code 52] (Nonconformity to
Sexual Deviation[code 52.2] Existing culturalNorms)
DSM-II 1968 Personality Disorders Homosexuality[code
302.0]
Sexual Deviation[code 302]
(Maladaptive Patterns of
Behaviour)
DSM-II 1973 Personality Disorders Sexual Orientation
Disturbance[code 302.0]
(Sixth Print) Sexual Deviation[code 302]
(interests are
directed primarily
toward people of the
same sex and who
are either disturbed
by, in conflict with,
or wish to change
their sexual
orientation)
DSM-III 1980 Psychosexual Disorders[code 302] Ego Dystonic

Homosexuality[code
Other Psychosexual Disorders
302.00]
DSM-III-R 1987 Psychosexual Disorders Sexual disorders not
otherwise specified
DSM-IV 1994 Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Sexual disorders not
otherwise
specified [code 302.9]
DSM-IV-TR 2000 Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Sexual disorders not
otherwise
specified[code 302.9]
DSM-5 2013 None None

The International Classification 'Sexual Deviation' [code 302]

of Diseases (Mendelson, 2003). Homosexuality
Homosexuality had also gone continued to be grouped along with
through different changes in other paraphilias even in the ICD-9
various editions of ICD. ICD 6 (Organisation, 1975), which was
published in 1948 was the first published in 1975. ICD-9 renamed
description to include a classification the Sexual Deviation as 'Sexual
of Mental Disorders. The reason for Deviation and Disorders'[code 302]
the same was the ICD being a but was categorized under the same
classification for mortality before group as in ICD-8. The 1973
ICD-6 (Organisation, 1948) and decision by DSM did influence the
Mental disorders including sexual authors of ICD-9 who had
disorders were not considered as a rationalized the reason for retaining
cause for mortality (Jack Drescher, the diagnosis of homosexuality by
2012). Homosexuality was describing: “The limits and features
categorized in the Chapter, 'Mental, of normal sexual inclination and
Psychoneurotic and Personality behaviour have not been stated
disorders' and under the sub absolutely in different societies and
category of 'Pathologic Personality', cultures but are broadly such as
further sub classified into 'Sexual serve approved social and biological
Deviation '[320.6]. ICD-7 (World purposes”. ICD-9 (World Health
Health Organisation, 1957) published Organisation, 1975) also stated the
in 1955 continued to classify one has to code homosexuality
homosexuality under the same 'whether or not it is considered a
category (J. Drescher, 2015). mental disorder' (Mendelson, 2003) .
Stengel's Report paved the way for A greater impact of APA's removal
the development of 'Glossary of was seen in ICD-10 (Organization,
mental disorders and guide to their 1992) published in 1992, which had
classification' which was published included 'Psychological and
in 1974 and was to be used along behavioural disorders associated
with the eighth revision of ICD with sexual development and
(Stengel, 1959) . The glossary had a orientation' among the 'Disorders of
category called 'Sexual Deviation' adult personality and behaviour'
under the group 'Neuroses, [code F66] which had included
personality disorders and other 'Sexual maturation disorder, 'Ego-
non-psychotic mental disorders' dystonic sexual orientation' and
which included homosexuality along 'Sexual relationship disorder'.
with transvestitism, fetishism , These changes echoed more the
exhibitionism, sadomasochism and DSM-III changes than the DSM-II-R
bestiality (Mendelson, 2003). changes by claiming ICD- that'
Similarly ICD 8 (World Health Sexual orientation by itself is not to
Organisation, 1968) published in be regarded as a disorder'.
1965 removed the subcategory of
'Pathologic Personality' and During the revision process for ICD-
categorized homosexuality as a 11, WHO had created a Working
Group on the Classification of the variant of Sexuality. The decisions

Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health taken by APA has also influenced
(WGSDH), who were tasked with the marriage rights of persons with
reviewing the literature and same sex orientation. Barring one
evidence related to diseased classificatory system, all the other
categories related to sexuality. The major classificatory systems do not
Working Group had recommended categorize homosexuality as a
that 'these categories' be deleted mental illness. This deletion was a
entirely from ICD-11 following result of combination of political
which the Beta Version of ICD-11 pressure, human rights movements
had removed the diagnosis of and the lack of concrete scientific
homosexuality (Cochran et al., 2014). basis for classifying homosexuality
as a mental disorder. The removal of
Other Classificatory Systems the diagnosis of homosexuality has
Homosexuality as a separate paved the way for the shift in the
disease entity was eliminated from focus from causation and treatment
DSM in 1973 and in 1975, ICD-9 of homosexuality to focusing on the
had also agreed upon the decision of mental health needs of the target
DSM and excluded homosexuality population.
from the list of mental disorders.
The third edition of Chinese
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Review Article
Kshirod K. Mishra1, Anamika Das2
1
Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical
Sciences, Sewagram, Maharastra, India
2
Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University,
Lucknow, U.P, India
Abstract
Same sex feeling and behavior is not only prevalent across the human
race, but also among almost all the nonhuman primates. This
multidimensional nature of sexuality may not be always congruent in the
individual way of living leading to the complexity of these issues. The
sexual orientation is a continuous changing process throughout the life
of an individual depending on the interpersonal issues and cultural
variations. Till mid-20th century, it was considered as an illness and
efforts were made by the physician, psychiatrist, and psychologist to
treat this and to change the individual's sexual orientation.
Homosexuality was perceived as a form of sin and crime in a larger part of
the society across the globe. Due to similar prevailing beliefs in India,
same sex-oriented population in India are continued to be harassed and
punished by the police. In a recent order by the Supreme Court of India in
Sept 2018, the section 377 of Indian Penal Code was decriminalized,
which has brought a sigh of relief among the LGBT population.
Key words: Homosexuality, Mental Health, India
Date of Received: 12th April 2019
Date of Accepted: 30th May2019
Dr. Anamika Das, Senior Resident
Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow,
U.P, India
Email- lovembbs@gmail.com
Introduction towards the member of the

Human sexuality is a complex opposite sex (heterosexual),
issue. Other than human beings, towards the member of same sex
same sex feeling and behavior is (homosexual) or member of both
also reported among almost all the sex (bisexual) (Association,
nonhuman primates (Drescher, 2012). Psychosexual development
Stein, & Byne, 2009) . Sexual of an individual is comprised of
orientation refers to the several three stages; in the first stage,
aspects of sexual attraction individual get aware about his
between the same sex and biological sex, at the second stage
opposite sex, which can be divided the behavior and activity of the
into three main groups, attraction individual that differentiate
between a male and female in a statistical manual (DSM-I) of the

cultural context and the third stage American Psychiatric Association
is the stage of sexual orientation (Kar (APA), homosexuality was considered
& Kar, 2014). The distinction in as a "sociopathic personality
different phases of sexuality like disturbance".
desire, associated behavioral Subsequently, in DSM-II, it was
changes, and sexual identity, depict referred as a form of "sexual
the multidimensional nature of deviation" (Kar & Kar, 2014). Five
sexuality, which may not be always years down the line in 1973, APA
congruent in the individual's way of board of trustees voted to remove
living leading to the complexity of the homosexuality from DSM II,
these issues. The psychosexual which was replaced with "sexual
theories of sexual orientation are orientation disturbances". In DSM-
based on the childhood experiences. III, sexual orientation disturbance
The debate on the scientific issues was replaced with "ego-dystonic
continues on the nature versus homosexuality" (Moleiro& Pinto,
nurture theory, as well as 2015). The ego-dystonic
psychosexual and biological factors homosexuality term was finally
related to sexuality. The sexual removed from DSM-III-R in the year
orientation is a continuous 1987 (Mayes & Horwitz, 2005). This
changing process throughout the culminated in civil right quest for
life of an individual depending on equality in USA (Drescher, 2012).
the interpersonal issues (Drescher, Though homosexuality was
Stein, & Byne, 2009). From removed from the classificatory
anthropological viewpoints, the system of DSM in the year 1987, it
same sex practice in a particular took World Health Organization
culture changes over the period of (WHO) almost 5 years to remove the
time and varies across the culture same from International
(Association, 2012). Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)
(Organization, 1993). ICD-6 was the
Historical perspectives first version of ICD, where
Same sex orientation was accepted homosexuality was classified under
in European countries before the the "sexual deviation" and was
middle age. In 12th century, it was considered to reflect the underlying
considered as a sin and punished personality of the individual
with death sentence (Kar & Kar, (Cochran et al., 2014). In ICD-11, the
2014). In the early 20th century, entire F-66 category has been
same sex orientation was proposed to be removed due to its
considered as a psychiatric illness. controversial nature (Reed et al.,
Even in the mid-20th century, 2016).
efforts were taken to treat this as an
illness, and to change the Prevalence of the problem
individual's sexual orientation There is no solid data to quantify the
(Moleiro& Pinto, 2015). exact problem of the sexual
orientation in a particular
In the first edition of diagnostic and society/culture. Several factors

like associated stigma, social the common pathway (Lee, Oliffe,

repression have affected in these K e l l y , & F e r l a t t e , 2 0 1 7 ) . Four
areas. Failure to distinguish interconnected factors prejudice
between desire, behavior and events, expectations of
identity in the same sex orientation discrimination, concealing identity
differ in different age group, culture, and internalized homophobia play
and region of a particular an important role. It has been seen
country/region. There is dearth of that prejudice events can happen
scientific research, which has with the homosexual population in
systematically investigated the the form of harassment, bullying,
prevalence of same sex orientation, workplace discrimination and
emotional problem faced by them in physical violence. It has been seen
our country. It is considered that that depression and stress in gay
the distress faced by the same sex- population starts from a young age
oriented population is due to the and can be attributed to the school
difficulties they faced living in a based prejudice events (Burton,
majority of heterosexually oriented Marshal, Chisolm, Sucato, &
population (Rao & Jacob, 2012). Friedman, 2013). There is also
rejection from family after
Mental health issues in disclosing of the sexual orientation
homosexuality (Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez,
Homosexual populations are prone 2009). Expecting discrimination can
to develop several mental illnesses also result in viewing the world as a
at a higher rate than the age and sex dangerous place thus perceiving
matched population with homophobia and this can result in
heterosexual orientation. It has reporting of more depressive
been observed in a systematic symptoms. Concealing the identity
review that lesbian, gay and to avoid discrimination can in turn
bisexual persons have a higher risk be exhausting and thus increasing
for developing mental disorders. the emotional distress among this
The risk of suicidal ideation, population (Cohen, Blasey, Taylor,
deliberate self-harms and Weiss, & Newman, 2016). Inner
substance abuse is also higher in conflict is also felt due to the
this population as compared to persistence of anti-homosexual
heterosexual people (King et al., norms. Thus self acceptance also
2008). The risk of suicide is two-fold remains a major hurdle as
in preceding year and four-fold in acceptance by others. There is even
lifetime for homosexuals over increased risk in the people
heterosexuals. Anxiety, depression, diagnosed with HIV infection as
alcohol abuse and other substance isolation is faced even among their
abuse was at least 1.5 times more own community. All these factors
common. There are various risk also play a role in suicidality. Lack
factors which predispose this of family support is a strong risk
population to mental morbidity. factor for suicidality. Reluctance
Thinking in terms of cause-effect towards help seeking due to
various factors can be held inadequate services which can be
responsible with stress being one of rendered to this population leads to
a vicious cycle (Ash &Mackereth, seen more among homosexual male

2013). The homosexual population than female (Remanfedi, 1998) .
are less often involved in a steady Homosexually active men
relationship due to limited experienced more MDD and panic
opportunities they get to find an attack in comparison to homosexual
intimate partner, lesser legal and female who were diagnosed with
social support for developing and more of alcohol and substance
maintaining a same sex abuse (Cochran & Mays, 2000). In a
relationship in comparison to Dutch study, it was observed
heterosexual relationship homosexual men are more prone to
(Blasband& Peplau, 1985). In a develop lifetime risk of specific
population based study, it was anxiety disorder, obsessive
observed younger adult with compulsive disorder, and agoraphobia
homosexual orientation were at (Sandfort, de Graaf, ten Have,
increased risk of major depressive Ransome, & Schnabel, 2014).
disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety Homosexuality is not only
disorder (GAD), conduct disorder, associated with mental health
substance abuse and suicidal problem during adolescent and
behavior (Fergusson, Horwood, & early adult life, but throughout the
Beautrais, 1999). Middle aged men life span (Herrell et al., 1999) . A
were at a higher lifetime risk of summary of the risk factors for
suicidal behavior in comparison to developing mental disorders in the
their heterosexual counterparts. homosexual population is depicted
Suicidal intent and attempt were in Figure 1.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Shame about sexuality
Expectations of discrimination
Concealment of identity
Reluctance for self acceptance
SOCIAL
BIOLOGICAL
Prejudice events
Lifestyle factors
Harrassment, bullying
Alcohol and other substance abuse
Workplace discrimination
Proneness to HIV infection
Family rejection
INCREASED
RISK FOR
DEVELOPING
PSYCHIATRIC
PROBLEMS
Figure 1: Biopsychosocial formulation showing the risk factors for

developing mental disorders in the homosexual population
Therapeutic Implications as a normal variant of sexual
Different psychological tests could orientation as late as 1973 (Moleiro &
not distinguish between homosexual Pinto, 2015). It took almost 20 years
and heterosexual orientation. for world health organization to
Researches in this area have shown accept this as a normal variant of
that there is no distinct psychological sexual orientation in ICD-10 (santé,
dysfunction or impairment in Organization, Staff, & WHO, 1992) .
judgment and stability in the same Section 377 of Indian Penal Code
sex orientated population (Rao & (IPC 377) was based on Victorian
Jacob, 2012) . Anti-homosexual morality to criminalize the non-
attitude among the mental health procreative sex. The police
professionals of India have been personnel used to threaten and
documented vividly (Kalra, Gupta, blackmail the transgender
&Bhugra, 2010; Narrain& Chandran, populations and same sex oriented
2012). Sexual aversion techniques population. On the ground of right
in dealing with homosexual males t o p r i v a c y , d i g n i t y t o live,
in the form of aversion therapy have nondiscrimination and freedom of
been documented in few case series expression, this Victorian law was
from India in the past (Pradhan, challenged in Delhi High court by
Ayyar, &Bagadia, 1982a, 1982b; NAZ foundation, an NGO working in
Sakthivel, Rangaswami, & Jayaraman, the area of human immunodeficiency
1979) . virus infection (HIV) and acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Treatments in these areas have (AIDS).On the landmark judgment
raised several ethical issues. Faith of Delhi High Court on 2nd July
based groups and counselor have 2009, Court gave a verdict IPC
made their attempts to change the section 377 violate the article 14,
orientation of individuals with same 15, and 21 of the Indian
sex orientation with a limited constitution. Though the age oldIPC
outcome that has resulted in more 377 violated the fundamental right
harm to the individual in the form of of the individual keeping in view the
sexual dysfunction (Mehta & international standard, the anti-
Deshpande, 1983). Gay affirmative homosexual attitude of many
psychotherapy has evolved over the religious and community leaders in
year to help the homosexual our country did not accept that.
population to cope with same sex Under hue and cry, the Supreme
orientation and social stigmatization Court of India upheld section 377
(Forstein, 2004). and overturned the judgment of
Delhi High Court on 11 December
Legal Prospective 2013. Following the decision of the
Change in the mind set of Honorable Supreme Court, the NAZ
understanding homosexuality from foundation and Govt. of India filed a
sin or crime to a normal variant of petition seeking the review of the
human sexuality took place in the judgment. Indian Psychiatric
late 20th century (Sadock, Sadock, & Society (IPS) in its position
Ruiz, 2000). American psychiatry statement in 2018, declared same
association accepted homosexuality sex orientation is not a mental
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Review Article
Health Needs of Homosexuals
Bhavuk Garg1, Dinesh Kataria2
1
Assistant Professor, 2Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry
and Drug De-Addiction Centre, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New
Delhi, India
Abstract Health issues and services for homosexuals is an unmet need.
There are specific health issues which are of concern in this population.
Various factors contribute to this unmet need. This review aims at
identifying some specific health issues including mental health issues in
homosexual population. It also tries to identify some barriers in effective
service delivery to homosexuals. Some recommendations are also given to
address this unmet need. Better understanding of healthcare issues of
homosexual population among healthcare providers is of utmost
importance.
Keywords- LGBT health, Lesbian health, Gay health, Homosexual
health, Barriers

Dr. Bhavuk Garg, Asst. Professor
Dept. of Psychiatry and Drug De-Addiction Centre, Lady Hardinge
Medical College, New Delhi, India
Email- bhavuk.garg@gmail.com
Introduction his gender as different from their

As per Oxford English Dictionary, biological one). Some other groups
Homosexuality is defined as “The are also included in this term:
quality or characteristic of being questioning (people who are unsure
sexually attracted solely to people of
about their gender identity/sexuality),
one's own sex (Soanes & Stevenson, inter sex (people with two sets of
2004).” LGBT is defined as “Lesbian,
genitalia), asexual (people who are
gay, bisexual, and transgender (often
not sexually attracted to anyone
used to encompass any sexual and who don't identify with any
orientations or gender identities that
orientation), allies (the loving
do not correspond to heterosexual supporters of the community and
norms) (Soanes & Stevenson, 2004)”.work for social justice), and
pansexual (person sexually
The term LGBT encompasses many attracted to others of any sex or
groups: lesbian (homosexual gender) (J. G. Lee, Ylioja, & Lackey,
woman), gay (homosexual man or 2016).
woman), bisexual (person who is
attracted to both genders), and As per a 2011 report by Williams
transgender (person who identifies I n s t i t u t e ( G a t e s , 2 0 1 1 ) , “ a n

estimated 3.5% of adults in the population to certain medical

United States identify as lesbian, and psychological disorders
gay, or bisexual and an estimated 4. Specific healthcare needs of
0.3% of adults are transgender.” this population
This implies that there are It is important for the health care
approximately 9 million LGBT professionals to be aware about
Americans.No comprehensive issues of LGBT health. There is a
survey on LGBT has been done in long history of bias against LGBT in
India although as per the health care systems that continues
government affidavit submitted to to affect health-seeking behavior
Supreme court in 2012 “the and access to care for these
population of Men who have Sex individuals. Homosexuality was
with Men was estimated to be 25 included in the Diagnostic and
lakh in India (Govt. submits data on Statistical Manual of Mental
gay population - The Hindu,” n.d.)”. Disorders (DSM)as a disorder till
1973. Gender identity disorder
Methodology included transgender in the DSM till
PUBMED and Google scholar 2013, when it was replaced by a less
search was done using two sets of stigmatizing term gender dysphoria.
keywords combined using AND LGBT individuals have been
operator. First set of keywords subjected to certain therapies in the
included sexual orientation terms- past with an aim to repair them,
LGBT, Gay, Sexual Minority, including electroconvulsive treatments
Homosexual, LGBT youth. The or castration (Graham et al., 2011) .
second set included health related
terms- Health care, Access to This review will cover the various
healthcare, Barriers to healthcare, health issues first starting with
Attitude of healthcare professionals, mental health issues and going on
cancer, cardiovascular disease, to cover cancer, cardiovascular
mental health, depression, suicide, diseases and health issues of
substance use. Articles published lesbians. We will then review some
after 2010 were included. barriers to healthcare. In the end,
some recommendations are suggested
Why is there a need to study the to fulfill the unmet health needs of
health needs of the homo sexual this population.
population separately
Mental Health Issues
Some factors which make it
important to focus on this issue are: Depression, substance abuse and
1. Stigma attached to homo intimate partner violence are some
sexuality. of the psychological issues that
2. Lack of training, sensitivity health care professionals should be
and expertise of health care aware of. Homosexual population
professionals to deal with this has been found to have higher rates
population. of depression. Studies also
3. P r e d i s p o s i t i o n o f t h i s demonstrate increased risk of
attempted suicide in homo sexual among gay men. Rates of sexual

and LGBT population. Studies done abuse are as high as 30 percent
using self-report show stigmatization, among lesbian women and 39
isolation, prejudice, lack of family percent among gay and bisexual
and peer support, and lack of access men (Brown & Herman, 2015) .
to health care as some sources of Violence and sexual abuse has
stress among lesbian women (Center, prominent negative effects. An
2008). Rates of obesity are higher in estimate by Walters et al. in 2010
lesbian and bisexual women as reports rates of negative effects upto
compared to straight women. 33.5 % and 57.4% among lesbian
Studies indicate elevated levels a n d b i s e x u a l w o m e n
rates of anxiety disorders - respectively ( W a l t e r s , C h e n , &
generalized anxiety disorders, Breiding, 2011). This is much higher
phobias, panic attacks(Bostwick, as compared to 28.2% among
Boyd, Hughes, & McCabe, 2010). For heterosexual women. 46.2 %
other mental disorders, increased bisexual women reported symptoms
levels are also seen for bulimia and of post-traumatic stress disorder.
anorexia in gay and bisexual men,
schizophrenia or psychotic There are specific issues in youth
symptoms, personality disorders, who identify themselves as lesbian
oppositional defiant disorder and or bisexual. The risk of tobacco use
borderline personality in girls (Bolton and eating disorders is higher.
&Sareen, 2011; Bostwick et al., 2010; Concerns about body image and
Chakraborty, McManus, Brugha, stress due to lack of support from
Bebbington, & King, 2011; Marshal et families is there. Another issue is
al., 2012; Matthews-Ewald, Zullig, & that during this phase the youth
Ward, 2014). may explore information about
sexual reassignment surgeries.
Likelihood of abuse of alcohol and
other drugs is higher among LGBT Certain risk factors have been
(Plöderl& Tremblay, 2015). Some identified for the increased
factors which lead to this increased prevalence of mental health issues
risk have been identified. Use of in this population. Parental rejection
bars and pubs as social venues, and poor family relationships lead to
higher stress levels, advertising mental health issues. Studies have
about tobacco and alcohol in also demonstrated increased child
lesbian and gay magazines are some maltreatment in this population.
of the factors. Bullying in school is also higher in
this population. Lack of support in
Another issue which is of concern in institutions (schools, families) that
this population is Intimate Partner are there in the formative years of
violence and Intimate Partner LGBT youth limits their rights and
Sexual Abuse. Lifetime rates for protections and makes them more
intimate partner violence range vulnerable to experiences which
from 25 to 40 percent among have a negative impact on their
lesbian women and 13 to 44 percent
mental health (Russell & Fish, 2016). the risk of breast and ovarian
cancer. This is because of
Cancer nulligravidity, low parity, less use of
A recent review of the literature oral contraceptives (O'Hanlan& Isler,
identified seven cancer sites that 2007). It is suggested that regular
may affect the LGBTQ population screening be one for breast cancer,
disproportionately (Quinn et al., colorectal cancer and osteoporosis
2015). These are anal, breast, in this population.
cervical, colorectal, endometrial,
lung, and prostate cancers. Risk Research on STIs among lesbians
factors for cancer such as and bisexual women is sparse.
transmission of Human Papilloma Infections like bacterial vaginosis,
Virus (HPV), obesity, tobacco, candidiasis, herpes, and HPV can
alcohol and other drug use are be contracted (Mravcak, 2006) .
higher in this population. Barriers Bisexual women have higher rates
in healthcare access as described in of sero-positivity than heterosexual
a later section lead to delay in women. Education about STIs is
screening and presentation of these important. An important myth that
cancers leading to higher morbidity needs to be dispelled is that
and mortality. transmission of STIs between
women is minimal is important.
Cardiovascular diseases
Safe sex practices for lesbian
A recent review done in 2017 found
women include using condoms on
higher rates of cardiovascular
sex toys and avoiding sharing sex
diseases in this population (Caceres
toys like dildos.
et al., 2017). This population has
certain risk factors which
According to American College of
contribute to the increased risk.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (Women,
Stress due to discrimination and
2012), lesbian women reported
other reasons acts as a pro-
concerns about confidentiality,
inflammatory state increasing
discrimination, and limited
cardiovascular risk. Higher rates of
understanding about their health
obesity in women contribute to the
risks as barriers to health care.
increased risk. Alcohol, tobacco and
There is a limitation in the presence
drug uses rates are higher which
of health care services offering
also increase the risk for cardiovascular
fertility services to lesbian couples
diseases.
or individuals.
Health care issues of lesbians
Health Care Issues of Gay
There are higher prevalence rates of
Gay men population has higher
obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use in
rates of eating disorders like dieting
lesbians. These in turn increase risk
and binge eating than heterosexual
for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular
population. Anal intercourse leads
disease and cancers.
to mucosal trauma which is an
important risk factor for HIV
Homosexuality also predisposes to
transmission (van Griensven& van homosexual population in training

Wijngaarden, 2010). There is also curricula for doctors, nurses and
increased risk of certain viral other health professionals is an
infections (human papillomavirus, important cause for the above
hepatitis B virus, and herpesvirus), mentioned barriers.
urethritis including gonococcal and
chlamydial infection with anal- and Another important barrier is the
oral-insertive intercourse. Oral- delay in health access by LGB
receptive intercourse also increases individuals due to previous
the risk of HIV and pharyngeal experiences of discrimination or
gonorrhea infection. The population perceived stigma. Many individuals
is also predisposed to increased risk are not willing to disclose their
for anal cancer. sexual orientation while seeking
health services which may cause
Barriers to access to healthcare inefficient health service delivery
services (Jackson, Johnson, & Roberts, 2008;
An important barrier for homosexuals R. Lee, 2000). Another barrier which
while accessing health care services is the has been studied in some countries
knowledge and attitude of health care is inadequate coverage by health
professionals. Many health care insurers of LGB health issues
professionals do not recognize the (Graham et al., 2011).
specific health care needs of this
population. Many healthcare Recommendations
professional are not aware of the Reducing the barriers to healthcare
sexual orientation of their patients access can go a long way in meeting
(Graham et al., 2011; Sinding, Barnoff, the healthcare needs of homosexuals.
& Grassau, 2004). Health care Inclusion of these issues in the
professionals have also reported curricula will be a very helpful
lack of training to care for LGBT strategy. Integrating courses on
persons. sexual health and LGBT health in
the medical curricula for various
In different surveys, the LGBT health professionals like doctors,
population has reported discrimination, nurses and other allied sciences at
refusal of treatment and abuse by both undergraduate and postgraduate
healthcare professionals (Graham et level in the form of mandatory
al., 2011; Sinding et al., 2004). postings can be an effective
strategy. Few topics that have been
Discrimination in healthcare
identified to be covered during
settings against homosexual people
training of health care professionals
can come forward in different ways.
are- chronic disease risk, unhealthy
There can be refusal to provide
relationships, coming out, substance
services, lack of respect and abuse,
use, adolescent health, body image,
poor quality of care, negative
and transitioning and sex
attitude of service providers and
reassignment surgery (Sekoni, Gale,
lack of confidentiality and privacy.
Manga- Atangana, Bhadhuri, & Jolly,
Lack of focus on issues of
2017).
Positive environment in schools, sexual orientation and the prevalence of

anti-bullying policies and mood and anxiety disorders in the United
availability of institutions to guide States. American Journal of Public Health,
the youth will also be helpful in 100(3), 468–475.
reducing various health issues in
LGBT population. Brown, T., & Herman, J. (2015). Intimate
Change in care settings to address partner violence and sexual abuse among
the needs of Homosexuals. LGBT people. Los Angeles, CA: The
Williams Institute.
1. Sensitizing receptionist and
other support staff that all Caceres, B. A., Brody, A., Luscombe, R. E.,
patients to be treated equally Primiano, J. E., Marusca, P., Sitts, E. M., &
irrespective of sexual orientation. Chyun, D. (2017). A systematic review of
2. Modification of registration cardiovascular disease in sexual
forms and questionnaires. minorities. American Journal of Public
Health, 107(4), e13–e21.
3. Posting nondiscriminatory
policy in waiting areas. Center, S. P. (2008). Suicide risk and
4. Use of neutral terms like prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
partner or spouse in place of transgender youth. Newton, MA: Education
wife or husband etc. Development Center Inc.
Chakraborty, A., McManus, S., Brugha, T.
Conclusion S., Bebbington, P., & King, M. (2011).
It is very important for health care Mental health of the non-heterosexual
professionals in all fields to be population of England. The British Journal
aware about the health care needs of Psychiatry, 198(2), 143–148.
and issues of homosexual
Gates, G. J. (2011). How many people are
population. There is an unmet need
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender?
in most of the medical specialties
specifically oncology, cardiology,
Govt. submits data on gay population - The
mental health and sexual health.
Hindu. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2019, from
Many barriers contribute to this
https://www.thehindu.com/news/na t i o
unmet need. Globally various
n a l /govt-submits-data-on-gay-
measures are being suggested to
population/article2991667.ece
overcome this unmet need.
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Voices from the Field

LGBTQI Activism and Human Rights in Pakistan,
its History and Progress
Md. Salman Khan1,2
1
Queeristan, Karachi, Pakistan
2
Human Rights Campaign, New York, USA
Abstract
In the past two decades (2005-2019), much progress has been made in
regards to the push for the advancement of transgender equality in
Pakistan. There has been a considerable push towards formulation and
implementation of legislation such as the ‘Transgender Bill of Rights,
2019’ that protects the rights of transgender persons. On the contrary to
such positive developments, Pakistan has also been pushing forward
with an anti-LGBTQ agenda on the National and International level. In
this essay, we explore the present human rights situation, the portrayal
of the transgender community in the media and also the progression of
transgender activism in the country.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Transgender, LGBTQ, Queeristan, Pakistan,

South Asian Queer Lives
Date Received :15th May 2019


Md. Salman Khan,
Editor-in-Chief-Queeristan, Karachi, Pakistan
Email- salmanall12@hotmail.com
Introduction rights for the transgender

Pakistan is a country full of community in recent years.
contradictions when it comes to its
recent push for gender equality, Transgender activism has
especially in regards to the progressed in the positive direction
LGBTQI community, being an since 2005, after mobilisation of
overwhelming conservative grassroots transgender activists
Muslim nation home to around who organised into groups and
204 million people. It has been on began to publicly challenge the
an uphill battle for the civil society, decades of marginalisation of the
transgender activists and oppressed gender minority. In
community leaders to push 2009, the Supreme Court of
forward with legislation that called Pakistan passed a landmark ruling
for protection and advancement of granting legal protection to the
transgender community [Supreme community in Pakistan is a
Court of Pakistan, 2009]. Similarly, centuries-old socio-cultural group
on 8th May 2018, Pakistan was able with their secret language known as
to pass the ‘Transgender Protection ‘Hijra Farsi’, customs and cultural
Bill 2018’ [Salman, 2018] which is traditions distant from the cis-gender
hailed as one of the most and heterosexual majority. Most
progressive legislation for the trans-women have heterosexual
protection and advancement of male partners and due to centuries
transgender rights in the country. of oppression are mostly employed
as dancers, beggars or sex workers.
The bill provides provisions on legal
right to register and obtain a driver's The complex cultural traditions of
license and passport, equal the ‘Khawaja Serai’ community are
employment, educational and based on a hierarchal mentor-
healthcare opportunities, voting disciple (guru-chela) relationship in
rights, right to inheritance, which the mentor (guru) who
protection from harassment and typically is an elder transgender
even access to government safe takes a novice after ritual initiation.
houses to protect vulnerable There are a set of rules that have to
transgender persons from gender- be obeyed in this relationship and if
based violence and discrimination. they are broken by the disciple
Despite the fact, the passage of the (chela) there is a fine called ‘Dhaand’
Bill at the National Assembly and (a punishment in monetary lending)
the implementation of the Bill in the in order to resolve any form of inter-
provincial level remains a pressing community dispute and is settled in
issue. Incidents of violence against a ‘Chethai’ which is a form of self-
the transgender community are governance system that is headed
rising across the country; in the by senior transgender [Faris, 2014].
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, there
have been 479 reported cases of In the case of lesbian and bisexual
violence against trans women in women, economic negligence,
2018 alone [Matt, 2018]. emotional and psychological
violence continue to subjugate them
Majority of the transgender activism from being open and visible about
has traditionally been spearheaded their sexuality in an overtly
by the transgender woman, who is patriarchal and conservative
commonly known as ‘Hijras’ in society. Often subjected to
many parts of South Asia and misogynistic treatment and neglect,
‘Khawaja Serai’ in Pakistan. abuse and acts of discrimination
‘Khawaja Serai’ are assigned male at against lesbians and bisexual
birth but differ from their birth sex women are seldom reported or even
with a feminine gender identity heard from Pakistan.
continues to remain the most visibly
tolerated and accepted gender Transman, on the other hand, are
minority in the country despite assigned female at birth but do not
being the most marginalised and conform to their feminine gender
oppressed. The ‘Khawaja Serai’ identity and transition into

but with such apps pose a threat to

the life of gay men who are often
exposed to violent and extortionist
gangs. Gay profiles on Grindr, for
example, have been made public in
the past threatening the safety of
gay men by outing them on social
media [Hadi, 2015].
Most of the country's gay parties are

organised in secrecy. Culture of gay
masculine gender identity. Despite cruising has mostly died out except
being legally protected, transgender in cities but segments of working/low-
men continue to remain an income middle class still frequent in
exclusive gender minority, who just parks and railways tracks to cruise
like bisexual women and lesbians around for dates or even clients.
are one of the most vulnerable, least Whereas, gay men from upper
visible and socially restricted LGBT middle class /affluent segments use
group [IGLHRC, 2014]. gay dating apps for dates [Kaitlin,
Constitutionally an Islamic republic, 2015]. Gay dating apps, despite
Pakistan is a majority Muslim their open access, continue to
country with around 204 million unsafe spaces that have increased
people by the year 2019. Homosexual the threat of violence against gay
acts continue to remain illegal men in the country [Waqar and
under Section 377 of the country's Declan, 2014].
penal code; a legal provision When it comes to LGBT activism,
subsequently inherited from British the government of Pakistan actively
colonial rulers. Homosexuality clamps down and even censors
remains a taboo subject in the activists because LGBTQI+ activism
country and is never discussed is deemed as something that is not
within the public discourse or even an ordinance to the socio-cultural
mentioned within the media, and religious norms of the society.
despite bisexuality and even Pakistan actively resists laws that it
homosexuality existing behind the thinks promotes homosexuality at
closet. an international level even at the
Overwhelming gay and lesbian United Nations. In 2003, Pakistan,
population in Pakistan live a life of
complete isolation and have no
public visibility at all. Gay
relationships are hard to establish
[Mobeen, 2011], but it is relatively
easy for gay men to find sex on
dating apps. It has been possible
with the availability of gay dating
apps such as Grindr, Scruff and
even Tinder [Jesse Steinbach, 2016]

along with five other Muslim people, the number is over 50,000
countries, derailed the first-ever [Shadi Khan Saif, 2014]. In 2011,
resolution on LGBT Rights at the mass protests were organised
United Nations. In 2008, a coalition outside the United States Consulate
of 57 Nation States that included in Karachi by the Islamist student's
Pakistan and other members of the organisation ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ after
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation the US consulate held a public gay
(OIC) opposed the resolution again. pride within their premises.
Similarly, in November 2018, 18
On 6th September 2018, neighbouring International Non-Profit Organizations
India's Supreme Court decriminalised (INGOs) were ordered to shut down
gay sex and ended its decades-long with some accused of holding
colonial era discrimination against the debates about homosexuality
LGBT community [Kunwar, 2018], [Ikram, 2018].
which was hailed as a momentous
occasion worth celebrating across Public spaces that are open to the
South Asia. Despite the success idea or even the presence of the
that LGBT activists achieved in LGBT+ community simply do not
India, LGBT activists in Pakistan exist, but in the past few years there
are presently not so ‘optimistic’ that has been greater room for the public
the situation in their country can inclusion and representation of
change in their lifetime as radical queer, transgender and gender non-
Islamisation continues to thrive conforming folks to reclaim public
with many gay men and lesbians spaces such as through feminist
suffer the most [Fawad, 2018]. and transgender marches [Aima,
2019]. Traditionally feminist spaces
The public and state perception of have not been able inclusive of
gay people continues to remain LGBT communities, but in recent
‘homophobic’ largely. In 2013, Pew years, a new wave of intersectional
survey found Pakistan to be feminism has been more inclusive of
amongst the least tolerant societies queer, transgender and non-binary
to be a homosexual [Pew Survey, folks within the feminist movement.
2013], only 4% of the audience went For the past two years since the first
about to another report published ‘Aurat March’ also known as
in 2019 by the International women's march was organised,
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and feminist activists have tried their
Inter sex Association (ILGA) best to open up public spaces to
highlighted how Pakistan continues make them more inclusive,
to remain one of the 70 UN members intersectional and diverse for the
that criminalize same-sex relationship most marginalised and oppressed in
and also maintains a ‘possible’ the society.
death sentence for homosexuality
[Lucas, 2019]. While there are no Similarly, the first-ever transgender
official statistics about Pakistan's pride was organised in 29th
LGBTI population, unofficial December 2018 and called for the
sources predict that in Karachi government to push forward with
alone, a city of nearly 22 million the implementation for the recently
passed ‘Transgender Bill of Rights community in 2018, revealed

2018’ [Nick, 2018]. The transgender 78.75% respondents feel they do not
communities have been able to work have access to qualified healthcare
its way through the problematic providers while only 21.25% stated
transphobic and sexist landscape of they had sufficient coverage
the country, with many working as [Sehrish, 2018].
successful NGO professionals,
lawyers, singers, models, news Non-Government Organisations
anchor person and even take part in (NGOs) have been involved in work
the elections as independent aimed at combating HIV/ AIDs in
political candidates [Alia, 2018]. the most vulnerable of groups such
as men who have sex with men
Despite the ever-increasing public (MSM), and transgender women
perception in favour of the transgender have played an important role in
community, transmisogyny and spearheading ‘transgender activism’
phobia are wide spread, especially in Pakistan. Community-Based
in the Urdu language (national Organizations (CBOs) have proven
language) electronic and print to be an instrumental force behind
media. There exists a stereotypical empowering activists and even
attitude against transgender people equipping them with the right set of
within the Pakistani society that knowledge, opportunities and
can be regarded as transphobic as it exposure that enabled them to
continues to misgender, stigmatise advance LGBT equality in the
and ridicule people of gender country further.
variance [Jamil, Khurram, 2018]. In a brief analysis of the current
state of transgender activism in the
When it comes to healthcare, queer country it can be concluded that
and transgender community Pakistan has come a long way in the
continue to face discrimination at past two decades with significant
the hands of medical or even steps taken by the government
psychiatric professionals who are towards advancing transgender
the least LGBT friendly in the equality, LGBTQI activism, on the
country. It has increasingly been other hand, remains in a dismal
reported that in the last two state due to restrictions applied by
decades, 'concentrated epidemics' the government and growing
of the human immunodeficiency religious conservatism in the
virus (HIV) is on the rise especially country.
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Celebrating Successes while Continuing Our Fight

for Rights U =U Campaign and more
Christian HUI1, 2, 3, 7; Manisha Dhakal4; Simran Shaikh5; Muhammad Usman6;
Murray Penner7; Bruce Richman7
1
Ontario Positive Asians (OPA+), Toronto, Canada
2
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS), Toronto, Canada
3
Steering Committee, Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) Campaign
4
Blue Diamond Society, Kathmandu, Nepal; ILGA
5
India HIV/AIDS Alliance, New Delhi, India
6
Dareecha Male Health Society, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
7
Prevention Access Campaign, New York City, New York
Prelude As a cis-, queer Asian settler immigrant originating in Hong

Kong, a mental health consumer and a person who used and injected
drugs, a poz (person living with HIV) HIV activist who now resides in the
unceded Dish With One Spoon Territory on Turtle Island/Toronto
Canada, and a co-founder of Ontario Positive Asians (OPA+), an

independent network of East, Southeast, South and West Asians living
with HIV the Greater Toronto Area and the province of Ontario to create a
peer-led culturally-safe space for the diasporic community. It is with great
honour that we were invited to pen an experiential commentary for Indian
Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture's special issue: ‘Alternative Sexual
Identities, Expressions, and Lives-A Global Dialogue’. The outcome of this
process is a multi-national partnership between people living with HIV to
document a genuinely global grassroots movement, Undetectable =
Untransmittable (U=U), where the bravery and efforts of South Asian
activists are acknowledged and celebrated.
Date Received: 03rd June 2019

Christian HUI, MSW, RSW
Email- achui108@gmail.com
Celebrating Successes inter sex, asexual and gender

diverse or non-binary people
Just in the recent month of May (2SLGBTQQIA+) and people living
2019, we witnessed several with HIV should be proud of and
community-led victories which two- celebrate widely. In Asia, people of
spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, alternative sexual identities,
transgender, queer, questioning, expressions and lives had their
human and political rights affirmed: randomized control trials and the
The Karnataka High Court in was a fear that such information
southern India ruled that education would lead people living with HIV to
institutes must allow a person to engage in sexual behaviours which
officially change their name and scientists, researchers and medical
gender, while the country of Taiwan professionals deemed as risky
became the first nation in Asia to (Vernazza & Bernard, 2016). When
allow same-sex couples to apply for evidence from the HPTN052 (Cohen
‘marriage registration’ as part of et al., 2016) and PARTNER study
‘ exclusive permanent unions’. (Rodger et al., 2014) surfaced in
Internationally, the World Health indicating that no linked HIV
Organization (WHO) removed being transmission occurred amongst
transgender from its list of mental serodiscordant couples when the
illnesses in the latest edition of the poz partner was virally suppressed,
International Classification of very few people, and even fewer
Diseases (ICD-11) guidelines, while people living with HIV, learned of
the publication of the final results of the news.
the PARTNER 2 study in the Lancet
(Rodger et al., 2019) upheld the The lack of adequate knowledge
message which global HIV activists of translation to people living with HIV
the Undetectable=Untransmittable was a result of HIV colonialism, the
(U=U) movement had so worked intentional act of withholding vital
tirelessly to disseminate since 2016: information about HIV and sexual
that people living with HIV on reproductive health from people
effective treatment with suppressed living with HIV by scientists,
viral loads cannot pass on HIV researchers and medical professionals
sexually. (Prevention Access Campaign, n.d.).
Such injustice propelled Bruce
Brief History of the U=U Richman, Founding Executive
Campaign Director of the Prevention Access
The roots of the U=U Campaign Campaign, to jumpstart the
dated back to 2008, when Dr Pietro grassroots U=U campaign. The
Vernazza and his team at the Swiss spread and acceptance of the U=U
National AIDS Commission first message took considerable effort
noted in clinical observations that a and time. At first, many, including
person living with HIV on effective people living with HIV, had
HIV anti-retroviral treatment (ART) questions and played suspect as the
could not transmit HIV through new science was too drastic of a
sexual contact (Vernazza, Hirschel,
Bernasconi & Flepp, 2008). The
Swiss Statement, as it came to be
known as, was unilaterally
criticized and disregarded by the
scientific, research and medical
community for concerns that the
evidence was inaccurate as the data
did not provide come from
U=U Community Gathering IAS 2017, Paris, France
Malaysia, Turkey, England, France,
Scotland, Zambia, Georgia, Tunisia,
Canada and the USA! We're all
working at the dirtroots, grassroots
and toproots to change the
definition of what it means to live
with HIV in 44 countries!”
Documenting the South Asian

Leadership which Furthered the
U=U Movement
At the International AIDS Society

Conference in 2017 in Paris and the
AIDS 2018 Conference in Amsterdam
the following year, South Asian
Manisha Dhakal IAS 2017 Paris, France LGBTIQA2S+ and HIV activists from
change from what they had been organisations played essential roles
known about HIV for decades. in helping to spread the message of
U=U globally and in their home
Institutionally, some influential countries. For example, Muhammad
organisations failed to see the Usman, P r o j e c t M a n a g e r o f
benefit of spreading the new Pakistan's Dareecha Health Society
evidence to communities whom first learned about U=U at IAS 2017,
they were supposed to serve and brought home the news, and took
instead acted as gatekeepers. Then steps to ensure his organisation
there were those who demanded would sign-on and support the U=U
proof of the impossible, the desire Consensus Statement. “In
for an absolute probability of zero in Pakistan, people living with HIV
statistics since ‘negligible risk’ was infection are often asked the
too risky for public health bodies to questions 'What you have done and
endorse the campaign. Supporting how you get that?' Or get bully and
the campaign required excellent harassed by hospital staff. Such
translation of science to communities form of stigma and discrimination
and signing on the U=U Consensus are the lead causes of loneliness
Statement took courage. The tide amongst people living with HIV,” as
eventually started to change at the Usman recalls, the reason that
International AIDS Society propelled him to bring the U=U
Conference 2017 (IAS 2017) in message home to Pakistan.
Paris. To express his gratitude to the “Undetectable & Untranslatable is a
delegates who showed bravery to message that helps end HIV Stigma
support U=U at the conference, and helps creates awareness of the
Richman proudly proclaimed, benefits of anti-retroviral medications
“#UequalsU activists from 16 (ARV).”
countries were at our IAS meeting!
K e n y a , S i n g a p o r e , U g a n d a, At the same conference, a co-
Pakistan, Nepal, Australia, founding member of the Asia-Pacific

Transgender Network, ILGA Board science.”

Member and Executive Director of These are just a few examples of the
Nepal's Blue Diamond Society, vital work that were led by brave,
Manisha Dhakal, invited Dr Tarun courageous and visionary South
Paudel, who then served as the Asian activists from the
Director of the National Center for 2SLGBTQQIA+ and poz communities
AIDS and STDs Control to discuss whom I admire and which I had the
ways of how the Nepalese privilege to witness and be a part of.
government could integrate the new Last but not least, having Dr
science in their national strategy on Maheswar Satpathy, Special issue
HIV. Describing the strong public- Editor of the Indian Journal Of
civil society partnership, Dhakhal Health, Sexuality & Culture reach
recalls, “We have worked closely out to include a field-experience
with the government for a long time. driven commentary on the subject
We do not work just one day with them in this special edition demonstrates
on one project; We continuously create the passion and commitment of
good coordination the government. South Asian activists and leaders to
When I informed Dr Tarun about continue promoting this critical
U=U, he was so excited about the campaign.
news as it was something we did not
know and learned at IAS 2017 in Next Steps: Creating Equitable
Paris. Since then, my responsibility Universal Health Coverage
is to continue to spread this
important message”. As of May 29, 2019, 870
organisations from 98 countries
At AIDS 2018, Simran Shaikh, have signed on to share the U=U
former Asian representative of the message in ways that work for their
NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS communities. So what does this all
Programme Coordinating Board, mean, in particular when many of
Programme Officer at the India us are members of key priority
HIV/AIDS Alliance, and President of population groups and are based in
IMPULSE New Delhi chapter, Asiatic countries? As there is no
helped spread and promote the longer debate about the validity
message of U=U by taking part in a behind the science of U=U, we hope
U=U Social Scholar Facebook Live that the campaign can now focus
session which was accessible to more on addressing the “3rd U” of the
viewers who were unable to attend U=U Campaign to rectify the
the conference. “In India, the trans
community has the second highest
HIV prevalence…It's time for
innovations like U=U to be
disseminated in India and globally,”
says Shaikh. “What we as activists
do is we tell researchers and
agencies that it is always best to
develop innovations with the
community…that key populations
need to be included in innovation Simran Shaikh AIDS 2018 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
unequal access to HIV treatment HIV and allies must do to ensure

and to effectively implement the that equitable universal health
knowledge through provisioning a coverage can become a reality for
differentiated care model. This is of people of all sero-status and
critical importance in the light that alternative sexual identities,
HIV has slowly lost its visibility as a expressions and lives. We hope you
global threat and priority through will all enjoy this special issue of the
the years, and Universal Health Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality
Coverage has now become the next & Culture.
global health buzz word. Eliminating
the unequal through equity will be References
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HIV to achieve and maintain viral Gamble, T., Hosseinipour, M. C.,
suppression."Our goal is to make Kumarasamy, N., Kumwenda,
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Executive Director of Prevention 0.1056/NEJMoa1600693.
Access Campaign, North America.
“U=U is life-changing and should be Prevention Access Campaign (n.d.).
utilised strategically to catalyse About. Retrieved July 4, 2017, from
improvements in our health care Prevention Access Campaign: https://
responses and increase the number www.preventionaccess.org/about
of people living with HIV who benefit
from HIV treatment. While this will Rodger, A. J., Cambiano, V., Bruun, T.,
vary from region to region and Vernazza, P., Collins, S., Degen,
country to country, the campaign O.,…Lungren, J. (2019). Risk of HIV
has tremendous momentum and transmission through condom less sex
the potential to normalise HIV care in sero different gay couples with the
within universal access to health HIV-positive partner taking
care framework”. suppressive anti retroviral therapy
(PARTNER): final results of a multi
While we have gained grounds as centre, prospective, observational
2SLGBTQQIA+ and POZ people, our study. The Lancet. Retrieved from
fight for 'true equity' is far from over. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-
As we celebrate our successes while 6736(19)30418-0
continuing our fight for rights, from an
anti-oppressive and intersectional Rodger, A. J., Cambiano, V., Bruun, T.,
lens, we must continue with our Vernazza, P., Collins, S., van Lunzen,
critical examination and reflection J.… Lundgren, J. (2016). Sexual
on how we as academics, researchers, Activity Without Condoms and Risk of
scientists, students, service HIV Transmission in Serodifferent
providers, policy makers, funders, Couples When the HIV-Positive Partner
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antiretroviral treatment do not http://doi:10.4414/smw.2016.14246.


Identity Politics, Educational Participation and
Transgender in India (Featured Profile: Dhananjay Chauhan,
Chandigarh)
Dhananjay Chouhan1, Usha Kiran,2 Maheswar Satpathy3,4
1
Punjab University, Chandigarh, India
2
Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India
3
University College London [UCL], London, UK
4
Centre for Advanced Study in Psychology, Utkal University,
Bhubaneswar, India
Ms Usha Kiran, Dept. of Psychology
Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
Email- ushakiran1213@gmail.com
Who am I? Man! Only a few months after my
birth, my parents brought me to
My name is Dhananjay Chauhan Chandigarh, where I was raised

Mangalamukhi. I am a transgender and have continued to live since
person and am the first then. According to my mother and
transgender student of Punjab daughter-in-law, I had a lot of
University, Chandigarh! I hail excitement in our house with the
from a lower middle-class family, ease of my feet! My behaviour was
where talking about sex is kept far different from other children in the
from regular interactions in daily sense I had a bewildered tremor
life! I was born in 1970, in the and a strange attraction in the face.
Pauri district of Uttarakhand. As I My eyes were like a 'mriganayani', who
was a Male child, so there was an used to attract a man towards him!
atmosphere of happiness in my Gradually as I grew with age, the
family. My father had a small woman inside me started
Government job! I was well establishing her identity, and at
received, and several religious the age of 3-4, I used to do the
rituals were performed. It included same thing which my mother or
the centuries-old practice of other women used to do! I did not
'Kinnar' community visiting do these things because I used to
homes to purify the courtyard of live in their company, but I
our house! They all went singing consider it as an instinctive trait
and danced, cheerfully! Alas, none that a woman is endowed with
could recognise me and my true since their birth!
nature, and the beauty of my Soul!
I was five years old and were
I consider myself a secret work of enrolled in a Government school!
nature, which works silently in the My school education was
world! People used to call me a conducted in a public school in
because there was so much fanfare
at home; and, unhappy that my
beautiful hair had to be shaved off! I
refused a lot, but I failed.
I used to be very eager to perform

some household chores since my
childhood. I still love it. I have the
courage to fight the society, and I
aspired to do something different
and unique in the society. Since
childhood, I always used to play
girl's games with my companions,
as it suited to my feminine nature. I
used to spend most of my time with
womenfolk and play with them. I did
occasionally play with male
companions as well, but used to
play a woman's character! Because
of which men started to feel
Chandigarh! I was an overall good attracted towards me! Boys always
student, and almost always ahead wanted to call me; some people
of all the students; whether studies treated as if I am their female friend,
or music, always on the top of my and I enjoyed it! Some men used to
game! Teachers were always happy make friends with them because I
with me! My parents never used to live with women friends. I
complained about me. Many a time, was used as a messenger to
we used to make small mischiefs in communicate a message to girls.
school, and then the teacher would That was a time when phones were
forgive me because I was a bright rare, and no internet was available.
student at my school! Everything Therefore, the messages were
was going normal. I still remember delivered only with hand-written
when I was five years old, according letters. In this pretext, I got closer to
to religious rituals, I had to be many boys, and formed friendships
shaved because everybody thought I with them, and didn't have many
was a Boy, so it was necessary to cut girls as friends.
the hair of my head, so many guests
came into the house. Clothes were I never deliberately avoided girls,
brought for me! However, when they but I was drawn naturally to Boys
were shown to me, I refused to wear and Men.
them at first sight! I wanted a frock
like other girls. My parents However, I feel the girls understood
explained to me that you are a boy my feelings well, and their choice
and Boys do not wear frocks. But, I was similar to my choice! The girls
did not listen to any of them! I was who play games liked me too! Boys
obstinate! Those people also got would often play hockey or football,
tired and brought a frock for me! I which I did not like much!
was happy and sad too! Happy,
Occasionally, I used to play hockey. This series continued until I was 19

Boys would often tease me, and tell years old! And then my friend got
me to play with girls instead! I was married! He got busy in his life and
made fun of, mostly because my could not pay attention to me! The
delicate body would not fit to play person who loved me started to
boys' games! I used to feel shy to explain to me for hours on how
play with boys anyway! My family everything between us was not at all
raised and cared for me, just like my right. He would tell me, we have
siblings! I was never treated like a grown up now, and now we have to
girl! But still, I used to help my think about our lives! He told me
mother in most household chores! that since he is married now, he
The people from my house and would no longer be able to give me
neighbours were also thrilled with time. He was scared that if anyone
this because their boys used to discovers this, then his life would be
spend time outside the home all endangered. He didn't hesitate to
day; they never used to study as tell me that “if you need any other
much as I did. I was doing well both Man, I will also arrange for you too”.
in studies and household chores. He suggested that a male friend of
him is keen to have a physical
As nine years old, I became friends relationship with me! I was very sad
with a boy living in our neighbourhood! and unhappy, and told him that
We both started to do studies “you are crazy! You do not even care
together, and our choices were about my feelings! You were with me
almost similar! He was 4-5 years only for physical needs”. We both
older to me and took care of me a lot. cried…
Gradually, we got close to each
other and loved each other a lot. I Later, he tried to fill the emptiness
was not sure of the nature of charm, between us! He had spoken to two of
but, we loved each other very much! his friends about me that he would
This friendship was undoubtedly continue to have a relationship with
different from a normal friendship, me! I think now that how easily he
and was taking a different turn! We could talk to his male friends that I
were unable to live without each can be used as an object to fulfil
other! Although there was no people's sexual desires! For these
involvement of sex in our friendship, Men, Love had no place in their list
I liked to meet him often, and would of things, and I was merely a means
spend all the time together and to satiate their sexual desires. They
sleep together! I used to wait for him believed that the truth of life is to
for hours! As I grew with age, at the marry and procreate, and a
age of 12, I started to experience relationship and love or any such
physical changes to my body, and I feelings between two men were
experienced a huge rise in the desire impossible. For them, anyone
to be loved and felt quite attracted beyond Man and Woman was
toward him. This love was going to unimaginable. It's sad that most
take some different colours! people treat us as objects of play;
Gradually, a platonic love which you play, and when tired, throw it
was purely for heart and minds away.
turned into physical.
I think this is because social my opinion, sexual impairment
attitude, which makes them, think does not cause any haemorrhoids or
of us as redundant as we cannot impotence, and nor are we disabled
contribute to run their lineages. or crippled! Our mind only decides
There is a lot of stigmas that if they who we are! Our brain only tells us
associate with us, their image will to be a Man, Woman, or both. Our
be tarnished. But I think we are brain provides us with instructions
more than our bodies. We don't on performing different gender-
truly belong to the bodies we are related roles, or not and thereby
born with. Our gender identities are helps us decide our preferences.
socially manufactured, be it a Man Societies make us a Man, a woman or
or Woman. Those who don't feel a Transgender! However, societies
comfortable with either of the often advocate for a relationship
gender identities attributed and this between only a Man and Woman
challenge of socially established because they can procreate, and
gender roles has given rise to the run families.
concept of the third gender, i.e.
Kinnars in Indian society. Hindu religious texts would
describe that the world was created
However, there is a lot of stigma and by the trishakta: Brahma, Vishnu
discrimination in the name of and Mahesh! One creates a
gender; if naturally born women creature, and one is a destroyer! For
face discrimination, kinnars face many people, this might just appear
double discrimination! Women as a story, but three powers have
mostly live inside the household, always existed! Therefore, a theory
and Kinnars are discriminated on of Man and Woman, and denial of
the roads. I feel, as long as the our existence is indeed painful. I
women and Kinnars remain silent believe, if a trans-man and trans-
and don't confront the oppressors, woman get the right to live and get
human rights violations would keep married in the society, they can
on occurring in daylight. In a man's adopt orphans. But, social
society, both women and Kinnars misconceptions prevent them this
are unsafe. Often Men would argue very right as well. But, just think for
how Women and Kinnars dare a moment, are we not a legitimate
challenge their hegemony and talk part of the society?
about equality! People often believe
that Transgender people have Intersex people are not transgender,
physical deformity, but it is but they can choose to be one. They
certainly not the case! have to make some tough decisions!
The progress in science has given us
There are many ill-formed beliefs opportunities to fix physical
about the nature of our bodies, and I deformities. However, any effort to
think it applies equally to Male cure people and trying to fix them
bodies, as Males are supposed to be psychologically is unscientific, as
able to perform everything, which is they are as natural as any other.
far from being true! These socially People, apart from Men and Women
rooted misconceptions regarding are considered natural in Psychology!
our bodies are entirely absurd. In
Usually, by the age of twelve, most remained an important concern in

people begin to feel attracted to the my mind.
opposite sex. I was also attracted to
boys, which I consider fully natural After many difficulties, I explained
phenomena now. But, when I was myself and started paying attention
12, I started worrying about my to my studies after the
sexual identity, I did not understand matriculation. I tried to change my
what I am. I am a woman completely behaviour to fit the college and had
from inside, but the body I inhabited to conceal my true identity. I spent
was of a Man! My soul and body three years in government college
were incompatible, and I did sector 46 and stood first in all the
understand that I am different. fields. I received the first prize in
every field. I completed my BA and
Education matters! It is a got admission in the University of
medium to form an Identity. Punjab's History Department in
1993. I started doing private work
Although, I was a meritorious and enrolled in a law program in the
student, a constant tension related evenings. But, I was ragged by a few
to my Gender, and Identity, affected students at the University, and they
my study outcomes. And I got made me run down to different
abysmal results in my matriculation classroom in the naked body. They
exams. I somehow passed with were bullies and made me do
many difficulties. Thoughts of unspeakable things. So, I had to
committing suicide came frequently, leave the program. Then, I took
and I tried twice as well but was admission in the Diploma in the
always saved. Although I had French language. In 1998, I also
already had a love for a male friend, pursued a Diploma in Computer
then I did not understand why. As I Science and continued to work
grew older, I got more confused. I alongside! Discrimination continued
could not understand why this is everywhere, whether it is college or a
happening to me. I feel, Sex university, workplace, and hospital.
Education in India was a taboo and At times, I suffered considerable
still is. In addition, there exists a violence! The police officers were
significant stigma in Indian society. showing sympathy for the lie and
People often judge one's character would show off their fake
based on one's engagement with sympathies. I started thinking that
concepts of sex and sexuality. No people like me do not exist, and it
one cares to teach and educate you made me more scared. I was very
on concepts of Gender and Sexual intimidated to even go out at night.
Identity. I feel most people are
afraid, hesitant and shy to talk and I had started thinking that such
ask about sex, although rapes are incidents would continue to happen
rampant in Indian society. In the to me! Nevertheless, gradually, I
absence of scientific information decided to stand for myself and to
about Gender and Sexualities, the change this mind set in the society. I
lives of millions of people like us are said to myself; I have to fight!
being ruined. Since then, this has However, for this to happen and to

raise my voice in the community, I sexually transmitted diseases! I

must feel pride when I describe would take patients with sexual
myself as a Transgender, and there dysfunctions to government
is no harm in it! It's my personal hospitals and helped them be
preference how I live, what I wear, treated. In this process, we faced a lot
who I like and choose to live with. of maltreatment and discrimination.
Society cannot decide what will be
my gender. Nevertheless, I did not lose courage
and remained focused on my work. I
I had started thinking that before have always been concerned about
leaving this world; I would make the betterment of my community
such an environment for the newly and was majorly preoccupied with
coming out Trans-folks so that they thoughts of making my community
do not suffer the discrimination as I free of discrimination. At that time,
did. I wanted to create a society our identities were criminalized.
where everyone has equal rights. There were no laws for the
First, I started sensitising my own protection of our community. A
family [yes, I was married to a Transgender person was not
woman]. Because I thought that considered human enough to have
before sharing it to society, my the right to vote, and homosexuality
family's mind set must be changed was seen as a crime until last year in
so that they know about these India, with a colonial Section 377.
issues before it goes public. They Our rights are still under
should accept me so that they are consideration in the Supreme
prepared to face society, and give Court, and it remains a matter of
them a positive answer! I first debate all over the country! Between
started to explain to my family 2002 to 2009, there was a lot of
members and started to advise maltreatment and discrimination!
them connecting to religion, and Meanwhile, in 2004, I got a job as a
then sensitised to the need for teacher in a private school and
identifying one's gender identity. We worked with my community
used to have at-length discussions members. I used to get to usually
on alternate days on gender and help them guide and help them by
sexualities, connecting it to Vedas making their lives a bit easier.
and Upanishads. This process
lasted for many years! In the By 2009, I had gained fame in my
meantime, I started working for community, and people started
society too! trusting me! A relationship and a
common identity was formed among
I started to know about similar all! I also got a friend and partner
people like me, the LGBT named Islammuddin, to establish
community. Moreover, I was then (register) a Community-Based
able to differentiate between one's Organization (CBO). It took a
'sex' and 'gender' and could considerable amount of effort. She
understand their pain on the social was also helpless, as her brothers
fixedness! We started educating had disowned her because of her
people about HIV/AIDS and other sexual identity!

She has no place to call it home; no and don't discriminate us. For this, I
food to eat, and no clothes. started thinking seriously. Also,
Therefore, I helped her in every way with the help of a few friends, I made
possible, and today, she can earn plans for this, and we thought of
her livelihood. She has given me a celebrating Chandigarh pride on
lot! Together we used to make our March 15, 2013! However, there
family members explained about were many challenges ahead of us!
gender identity and gender First, we had no money, and no
expression. After many years of company was willing to give money,
counselling, my family understood nor did any community member
a lot, but still, they were afraid of give money! In the end, I had to
society. And I saw the opportunity spend money out of my pocket!
and told them about myself! They There was a need for permission
accepted me with great ease! He from the administration, and that
said that he knew it, but because of was a very difficult task! I had to run
the fear of society and relatives, on errands of the different
what others would say that a Hijra is Government office for months.
in the house and the society would Lastly, in the end, permission was
boycott us! That day was a very granted at the last moment.
happy day for me because I had won However, the sound was not
a battle, and now I could work better permitted, and nor was the stage! I
for society! I opened up and started had to use my network, i.e. higher
working! Now I was not afraid that officers and the local leader, and we
someone would tell my family about got permission. The pride festival
me! Their head would not bow down was successful, and community
with shame! I left my job as a school members from Chandigarh, Punjab
teacher in 2009, and now I openly Haryana, Delhi and other states
started working for the human joined and came forward. They did
rights of my community folks provide us with much support.
alongside health! I started working Each of our community members
for the health of the LGBT felt proud, proud that we are
community with a social work different, but we are human.
organisation!
I told some of my common friends
And along with this, I founded an who did not know about me to flash
LGBT organization, without much mobs, I explained them all, they
support. However, gradually, we understood all that and agreed to a
started getting more monetary flash mob in Sector 17 and told all
support from the public. We worked those friends that this festival is
with community members from only for those I do not even own
Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali people because I am also a
besides Haryana and Punjab. transgender. They answered that
we already knew that there would be
I had a dream that like other cities in transgender and we took it simply
India, 'pride marches' will also be because we knew that this is
conducted in Chandigarh so that natural! There is no fault of anyone!
people get to know of our existence, Now I was getting full support from

all sides! I was very proud of myself! 2015, I joined every training session
My 40 friends engaged me in a flash on behalf of the Chandigarh State
mob pride festival! All their friends AIDS Society and got information
proudly took part in it and about AIDS! In 2012, I joined Red
supported me! What I am today due Ribbon Train Companion, which
to my family and friends! My went to the city town and gave
patience and hard work have information about AIDS to every
delivered me success today! railway station. From this, I got
information about AIDS and all the
I have never cared about money! I incurable diseases! I was recognized
always had a passion for working for as a Master Trainer from NACO and
the betterment of society! This India HIV AIDS Alliance; I have been
passion has always encouraged me giving training to health workers
to do community work! People ask about AIDS in many states of India!
me “what you get by serving people It has also earned fame in the health
for free”, then I answer that when a sector; now people have started to
transgender person thinks of know of it at the National level! At
committing suicide by being the same time, every technique of
disturbed by his life or a person is counselling came to me, and people
suffering because of his gender started coming to get more advice
identity, they will fight If I do not for me to know the diseases! Since
have the capacity to do so, I 2010, I joined Indian Public Health,
encourage them by standing up School of Public Health and
with them. Let them speak to Community Medicine, P.G.I
complete their studies! So that she Chandigarh!
could stand up to them so that she
would not beg for living his life, Since 2012, we had started fighting
would understand their human for transgender rights; I have been
rights, and all this could be done consistently fighting for transgender
only by studies! A person comes to rights in Chandigarh and Punjab! In
me desperate, and if I can help 2012, we participated in the
them, it makes me very happy! I National Level Transgender
belong to the Raikee family of Conference, in which Article 39
Kinnar society, and my teacher is a Institute, with the help of the Global
Mangalmukhi! My guru gave me a Funds and the UNDP, the Ministry of
lot! Stood with me in every Social Justice and Empowerment,
happiness and sorrow! under the Government of India,
collected information about their
In 2009, I joined the first national problems and needs from people
level I suggested the empowerment across the country. In that meeting,
of kinnar community. The seminar we recommended the NALSA
was organised by the Foundation in decision and the Supreme Court
collaboration with UNDP in New also recognised the NALSA decision
Delhi! This seminar proved to be a which protects and advances all the
milestone for me. I was meeting for rights to Transgender in its decision
the first time, a national level on April 15, 2014! Also,it instructed
human rights person! From 2010 to all the states and central

governments to make effective Rights to be realized, I am working

policies for the transgender people day, night, and encouraging
and give all the facilities to the transgender people to come
transgender by providing a different forward! In 2015, I received a
'third gender' category! Since then, Master's degree in Social Work from
until now, all the governments have Indira Gandhi Open University.
been in a vulnerable attitude
towards Transgender! I was selected for the interview of
Aamir Khan's show Satyamev
We were presumptive that there Jayate in 2014, which also had a
would be our people on that board short interview with me! My
so that they can advise the National level TV channel interview
government to issue the correct proved to be very good, and my
guidelines! I am working to image was even got better among my
encourage transgender to study so community members! My
that transgender people can do their interviews on the PTC Chanel has
work by reading and do not become also got aired twice! My interview
dependent on others! We have to was also shown on Doordarshan's
beg as there is no other work for us National channel, which was a
in society! Due to lack of education, glimpse of my life, in the same way,
we are compelled to turn into news reporters around the world,
beggars, and the policymakers don't social scientists; researchers have
make employment ensured to us! featured me in several documentaries!
My fight, therefore, is with each My life is printed in America! On
department, from every person who June 2015, my photo was taken in
thinks that nothing can be done! I every street square and shopping
demand from the government that mall in a pride festival in the
they should introduce the gender Norwegian capital of Oslo!
identity in the school curriculum
and put the transistor's life story in Subsequently, in July 2016, I joined
their curriculum! the conference in Holland and
France and represented India at the
For example, I went to Punjab proud festival there. Even today, I
University and made information am forced to live with a Kinnar
about transgender rights available society while being a family, even if
to everyone! In 2015, the University the family is standing together and
of Punjab gave the 'Third Gender' the family is supporting it, but the
column in all its entry forms, so that society does not let it live!
transgender people could read! But,
I strongly feel that until the Recently, my regular studies started
transgender are recognized from the after 24-25 years intervals! Now I
school level, they would not enrol am not young anymore, but the
into studies, and the University passion for fighting remains. In
Education is unthinkable of! 2016, I took admission in the
Department of Human Rights as a
For the Transgender Education transgender at the University of

Punjab! I passed every entrance of other states in Chandigarh, a

exam with excellent marks, and I Transgender Welfare Board should
did not need any reservation be constituted. I have written many
because my points were excellent. times, and I have also met the policy
My study gives me a whole deal! I makers personally, but the
also offered tuition to some children Government has assumed a callous
so that I could pay my fees! attitude! Apart from this, my
demand was to make separate
I am proud of being the first toilets for transgender at public
transgender student at the places in Chandigarh! Also, teach
University of Punjab. However, this about transgender in schools so
reminds me of several grace that the younger children can
responsibilities towards many understand sensitive transgender
transgender people in our society! care for transgender children in
school so that they do not leave
After entering university, my biggest school due to violence and
problem for me was how I should discrimination! I have been
use the toilet because there were demanding from the government
separate toilets for women and men! that fees for all transgender children
The women's colleagues in my at schools and universities should
department said that you should be waived off! I guess this will
use our toilets but how would I go to ensure studies of transgender
the student centre? At first, I wrote a students without fear or pressure.
letter to the Vice-Chancellor
demanding a separate toilet which, I have also demanded that all
in a few days, Syndicate Senate had teachers of the schools should be
spent 23 lakhs in their meeting to trained about gender identity and
open Transgender-specific toilets. sexual orientation so that the
However, they took more than a year teachers can understand that
to be constructed as they were diverse gender identity is not a
expected to be constructed by the disorder, but this is a distinct and
end of July 2017! For the last year, I unprecedented creation of nature! I
have been using women's toilets! spend a considerable amount of
However, I am happy that despite time with the youth of society,
the lack of funds, the university has almost more than 15 hours every
not refused to make the toilet! day, whether in a meeting or an
However, I still have to fight for a interview. Whether it is a meeting or
separate hostel for transgender a medium of meeting, through every
people! I will fight for this too! medium, I being a transgender
provide information about sexual
Punjab University is doing orientation and gender identity, so
something on its own, but that there is no discrimination or
Chandigarh administration is still violence on any transgender or
sleeping in a deep sleep! people of diverse sexual orientation!
I joined the International level
Many times, I demanded attention conference in Bangkok last year,
from the government that in the line and shed light on how the

transgender community discussed transgender of future generation

in the mainstream, and if there is does not suffer from discrimination!
any violence with this community, We should also read that our society
then we have to vocalise about it so is not limited to only male or female,
that the society can tell you! The in addition to this, there are people
people of society should recognise in the society whose sexual
our equal rights, and no one should orientation and identity are
feel scared of any form of violence on different from other people so
the streets or inside four walls. It cannot discriminate in the society,
has been an experience that and it must be ensured in every
members of the transgender sphere. We do not need sympathy;
community are met with unspeakable we need acceptance! Now whatever
violence, and police do not help us, happened to me is over, but I want
what will help people! This has that not all this should be repeated!
happened many times with me; the
police never give us any support. To protect the rights of transgender,
strict laws should be made so that
Today, when I look back, I had to we can live our life peacefully in our
endure grief and discrimination for unique ways! Now I have to do many
years! When I think of those things. It is just a starting point. The
atrocities, which were perpetrated canvas is very much open and spread
on me for years, I pray to God that on the horizon! Unfortunately, People
God should not show anything like of our community do not come out!
that to anyone in their lives! Again, I They hide the oppression, which
think that the amount of gold that is proves to be dangerous! We must
heated in the fire comes in front of raise voice against oppression! For
Nikhar. I forget that sad day of my this, we have to come out in the
life with a hope for the future open, and the governments will
generation and all those who expect have to tell that we are not
great things from me. unnatural, we are also like you!
Otherwise, many Dhananjay
There is a great deal of change Chauhan will continue to suffer
happening in our society's thinking from sexual violence and discrimination
now! But, an ordinary person knows every day, and they will be killed!
nothing about the transgender! Sex
education is not provided in our Many times, I do not have money
country! If sex education is offered, until dinner, but I never lose heart. I
then many details will be known know that there will be thousands of
only to our youth, and this will save children in India who are starving
us from many misconceptions! We hungry every day. In a way, I am still
can also know about sexual better off! Often, I go to university in
dysfunction and how they are the local bus! People look at me very
treated. We can also find carefully, some stare at something,
information about the structure some laugh, they do some things,
and function of our body. We can some even cross the border and
also know about our sexual make gestures. But these do not
orientation and identity so that the affect my will power and determination.

I know that one day will come when Today, the entire society is with me;
we will meet the transgender in this but it does not happen to every
society who can proudly live with person! I have struggled all my life,
their parents and will be the support so, now I have learned a lot about
of their parents. It is simply because the art of living amidst difficulties. I
the other son are separated after have stopped bowing now, but I
their marriage, and the mother have not yielded before adversities! I
leaves the father alone. However, remember a line of Iqbal that "if you
people like us will not leave! are a little, then this soil is a big
problem."

Policy Brief
Affirmative Counselling and Psychotherapy for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
population: Priorities for Policy, Practice and
Research in India
Apurva Kumar Pandya
Indian Institute of Public Health [IIPH], Gandhinagar, INDIA
Abstract
Traditionally lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
individuals have been viewed as “mentally ill” by mental health
professionals. This stance has not changed the world majorly over,
including India contributing to the stigma and discrimination of people
who identify as LGBT. It affects not only their mental health but also
their access to appropriate mental health care in general.
In the last two decades, the importance of providing culturally

appropriate and LGBT affirmative counselling and psychotherapy has
been recognized. However, knowledge and understanding of affirmative

counselling and psychotherapy need to be addressed in the Indian
context. Remarkably, very few researchers and mental health
practitioners have investigated the LGBT affirmative counselling and
psychotherapy in India. As a result, mental health professionals know
little about this unique population.
This commentary presents the need for affirmative counselling and

psychotherapy for working with gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender
clients and offers future directions for strengthening capacity for
affirmative counselling and psychotherapy in India.
Keywords: Mental Health, Affirmative Psychotherapy, Counseling,

LGBTQ, India
Date Received: 15th May 2019


Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD
Indian Institute of Public Health [IIPH], Gandhinagar, India
Email-drapurvakumar@gmail.com

LGBT in the Indian context Chakravarty, 2013). American

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Psychological Association defines
Transgender individuals in India an affirmative therapeutic approach
imply all sexual minorities as “supportive of clients' identity
including lesbian, gay, bisexual development without a priori
individuals, men who have sex with treatment goals for how clients
men, i.e. MSM as well as several identify or express their sexual
local identities such as Kothi, orientations” (APA, 2009). The
panthi-persons who denote same- practice of culturally appropriate
sex desires and transgender counselling and psychotherapy
persons (Parasar, 2007; Badgett, indicates that affirmation strengthens
2014). The umbrella term the holistic framework and
transgender includes inter-sexed designate counsellors as partners to
individuals, transvestites, trans- LGBT individuals' recovery and
sexual and cultural identities like growth (Finnerty, Goodrich, Brace,
Hijra, Mashi, Kinnar, Pavaiya, & Pope, 2014).
Aravani, Jogtas, Jogappa, Sakhi,
Shiv-shaktis, etc. (UNDP, 2010). Need for LGBT Affirmative
Counselling and Psychotherapy
LGBT individuals generally live a life
where their wishes, hopes, and LGBT individuals experience a
dreams do not match the social- range of unique stressors, engender
norm and heteronormative stigma and violence, reinforce social
expectations of those around them. inequities, and undergo targeted
They often experience minority discrimination. As a consequence, it
stress (Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & creates vulnerabilities to health
Sanchez, 2009). Navigating life problems, including mental health .
without role models, family and The need for LGBT affirmative
social support heighten this stress. counselling and psychotherapy can
The rates of depression, anxiety, be summarised (ACA, 2014;
and suicide are far higher in LGBT Herman & Herlihy, 2006; Kaplan,
individuals (King, Semlyen, Tai, 2014; Kort, 2008; Proujansky, &
Killaspy, Osborn, Popelyuk, & Pachankis, 2014; Ranade &
Nazareth, 2008; Jayadeva, 2017; Chakravarty, 2013) as follow:
Nakkeran & Nakkeran, 2018)
compared to their heterosexual 1. Homosexuality is not a mental
counterpart. Also, access to mental illness; it is a healthy
healthcare services is limited. developmental outcome.
2. LGBT individuals face multiple
Meaning of LGBT Affirmative stressors from childhood to
Counselling and Psychotherapy adulthood, which affects their
Affirmative Counselling and experiences, relationships and
Psychotherapy is the practice that health status.
acknowledges alternative sexuality 3. L G B T i n d i v i d u a l s o f t e n
and incorporates the issues and internalise homophobia or
stressors of the sexual minority in transphobia of the larger
the therapeutic process (Ranade & society.
4. Counsellors or psychotherapists, of transgender persons (TP-PR Bill,

irrespective of their sexual 2014; TP-PR Bill 2018). Furthermore,
orientation often express Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in
homo-negativity or trans- 2014, stated that there is no
negativity, which negatively evidence to believe homosexuality
influence the therapeutic as a mental illness (Iyer, M.,
process. February 7, 2014) and reiterated
5. LGBT community in India that homosexuality is a normal
encompasses diverse sexual developmental outcome in theyear
and gender identities as well as 2018 (Power, June 8, 2018). Despite
cultural and sexual practices. these changes, conversion therapies
are still practised in India. These
Affirming LGBT clients' sexuality, therapies usually involve
experiences, and relationships electroconvulsive therapy, hypnosis,
become vital for helping them deal the administration of nausea-
with homophobia/transphobia, inducing drugs, or more commonly
prejudice and personal challenges psychotherapy (Singh 2016).
(Johnson, 2012; Ranade &
Chakravarty, 2013). Systematic Other legal challenges include
reviews of counselling practices dealing with same-sex marriage and
with LGBT clients reveal that discrimination cases. Same-sex
counselling and psychotherapy marriage is not legally recognised
overall facilitate coping and positive yet. While anti-discrimination laws
change (King, Semlyen, Tai, which protect LGB individuals from
Killaspy, Osborn, Popelyuk, & discriminatory acts such as loss of
Nazareth, 2008). It is imperative employment, housing, violence on
that the counsellor or therapist the streets, in homes or at the
comprehends LGBT issues to make workplace do not exist, existing
therapeutic interventions effective. anti-discriminatory law for the
However, relative lack of knowledge transgender population is not
about LGBT individuals' among exercised adequately.
mental health professionals points
to the need for deliberations on LGBT-affirmative mental health
psychological practice standards for services
this unique population. Reflections Integration of LGBT-affirmative
are essential at three levels – policy, psychiatric services in public health
practice, and research which are services is essential. Currently,
elaborated as below: with Ayushman Bharat Scheme,
screening and basic mental health
Policy level interventions services are one of the twelve
The Supreme Court decriminalised comprehensive primary care
homosexuality in 2018.Recently, services at the Health and Wellness
the Government has approved the Centre (HWC), which is the grass-
Transgender Persons (Protection root level primary healthcare facility
and Rights) Bill 2014 (and amended of the Public Health System in India.
the bill in 2018) recognising rights Primary Health Centre (PHC) has an
additional provision of essential psychologists, psychiatric nurse,

psychiatric services under the psychiatric social workers, etc.,)can
District Mental Health Programme be significant in provisioning
(DMHP). Major district hospitals do culturally appropriate and affirmative
have psychiatric units offering counselling services. It warrants the
psychiatric medication, whereas need for standard and accredited
medical colleges and hospital for curriculum for skill-building
mental health do have super- workshops and short-term courses
specialist mental health care on affirmative counselling and
services. It provides an opportunity psychotherapy. Accreditation of
to sensitise the specialist mental these courses from the Central
health team, as well as general Mental Health Authority or
health team at various levels (HWC, respective State Mental Health
PHC and DMHP) on LGBT issues, Authority is anticipated to ensure
affirmative psychiatric (referral and minimum training quality and
treatment) services. At the same certification.
time, integrating these health
services with strong referral Evidence-based advocacy and
linkages can facilitate equitable human-rights based programming
access to mental healthcare to curtail human rights violation
services. Importance of imparting and access to mental health
LGBT-affirmative counselling and services is essential for not only
psychotherapy knowledge and creating awareness about LGBT
skills to existing mental health rights but also for ensuring the
professionals cannot be undermined. quality of service delivery. In this
vein, affirmative counselling and
Continuing education and psychotherapy deserve recognition
training as a prevention andtreatment
The results of various studies modality. Additionally, integrating
suggest that training on LGBT itinto the curriculum of graduate
affirmative psychotherapy certainly medical courses, post-graduate and
enhance counsellors' and therapists' doctoral programmes of counselling,
attitudes, knowledge, and skills (for clinical psychology and psychiatry
example, Johnson, 2012; Pepping, is indispensable.
Lyons, & Morris, 2018; Veltman, &
Chaimowitz, 2014).Thus, imparting Affirmative mental health
knowledge and skills on LBGT- practices
affirmative counselling to health Mental health practice can be
service providers at various divided into three primary practice
institutions (such as school areas: preventive, promotive as well
counsellors, counsellors working as psychiatric treatment. Currently,
with community-based organizations, in India, psychiatric treatment
mental health professionals from interventions are emphasised.
public healthcare facilities such as Preventive and promotive services
psychiatrists, counsellors, psychologists, are yet in the initial stages.
clinical psychologists, rehabilitation Moreover, the role of counsellors,

psychologists and psychotherapists and shelter. Counsellors and

are ambiguous. Psychotherapists need to gather
information on available resources,
Scope for counselling and Government schemes, community-
psychotherapy in Indian settings based organisations for LGBT
The scope of counselling and clients, share and link clients with
psychotherapy practice exist in appropriate resources.
numerous settings such as school,
hospital, HIV prevention targeted Research
interventions and community- The lack of research and resources
based organisations. Furthermore, allocated for LGBT individuals only
the standard guideline for LGBT- perpetuates the existing
affirmative counselling and misperceptions and prejudices
psychotherapy practicethat cater to among healthcare professionals
the entire LGBT spectrum is worldwide. Moreover, LGBT health
necessary for the promotion of non- outcomes and life experiences are
discriminatory mental health different from others. Typically,
practices. health professionals are confused
about the differences between
Inclusiveness Counselling and sexual orientation (same-sex,
clinical set-up should include bisexual or heterosexual attraction),
comprehensive, inclusive resources. behavioural identity in the public
Culturally sensitive information health context (men who have sex
education and communication with men) and gender identity (an
materials-print and video media–for internal sense of being male, female,
both practitioners and LGBT clients or other).
should be provisioned in the
language most LGBT population Understanding LGBT individuals'
can understand. Other resources lifestyle, social networks and
such as the directory of affirmative support systems; socio-cultural
counsellors and psychotherapists, response to sexuality and gender
ethical guideline and practice within Indian families; the
manual of LGBT-affirmative difficulties of growing up; the
counselling and psychotherapy are coming-out process; the particular
the demands of the present time. mental health vulnerabilities and
their health needs are essential for
Resources for the LGBT providing affirmative counselling
population and psychotherapy. Further, there
There exist very few resources for is a need to synthesise existing
LGBT clients compared to epidemiological studies of mental
heterosexual clients in Indian health illnesses and establish
society. LGBT clients don't have surveillance sites at community-
access to social supports outside of based organisations across states in
the therapeutic environment and India to capture incidence and
Government schemes such as social prevalence of mental illnesses and
protection, education, livelihood, identify at-risk sub-groups within
the LGBT population.
Although there is evidence for the Drescher, J., & Byne, W. M., (2009).
effectiveness of counselling and Homosexuality, Gay and Lesbian
psychotherapy, we know little about Identities and Homosexual Behaviour.
how counselling and therapies are In, Sadock, B.,J.; Sadock, V., A., &
provided to LGBT people. Documenting Ruiz, P., Eds. Kaplan and Sadock's
Comprehensive Textbook of
existing affirmative counselling and
Psychiatry. 9th Ed. Philadelphia:
psychotherapy practice in India Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; pp.
would be insightful. 2060-89.
Conclusion Finnerty, P., Goodrich, K., Brace, A. &

Heterosexist theoretical and practice Pope, A. (2014). Charting the course of
models do not address the unique Ally development. Journal of LGBT
issues of the LGBT population.LGBT- Issues in Counseling, 8(4), 326-330.
sensitive conceptual framework,
operational definitions, outcome Ganju, D., & Saggurti, N., (2017).
measures of counselling and Stigma, violence and HIV vulnerability
psychotherapy in India may among transgender persons in sex
strengthen the affirmative counselling work in Maharashtra, India. Culture,
and psychotherapeutic practices.LGBT- Health & Sexuality,19(8), 903-917.
affirmative counselling and
psychotherapy practice, research Hermann, M.A., Herlihy, B.J. (2006).
and advocacy need to be prioritised. Legal and ethical implications of
refusing to counsel homosexual
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Global Dialogue Series

Whose Land of the Free? Latina Transgender
Immigrants in the United States
Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez
University of Georgia, Georgia, USA
Abstract
Transgender women from Latin America are driven to migrate to the
Uinted States in pursuit of a place where they can escape violence and
discrimination. However, their experience in the United States continues
to be one of oppression. Transgender Latina immigrants in the United
States are the target of systematic oppression and interpersonal violence
that affect their overall health and well-being. These experiences have led
many transgender Latina immigrants to assume leadership roles and to
organise social movements in demand for their human rights and dignity
in the United States. Recommendations are provided for community
leaders, policymakers, and academics.
Keywords:Latina transgender immigrants, Asylum seekers, Systematic
Oppression, Interpersonal Violence, United States, Trump

Date Received: 20th May 2019
Correspondence should be made to:
Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez, MSW, LCSW
University of Georgia, Georgia, USA
Email- alvarezsocialwork@gmail.com
Introduction report by Jeanty and Tobin (2013)

Immigrants and Asylum-seekers for The National Center for
come every day to the United Transgender Equality, estimated
States fleeing detrimental “that between 15,000 and 50,000
conditions in their countries. The of these undocumented adults are
number of asylum seekers and transgender” (p. 6). Many factors
refugees from Mexico and Central serve as drivers for the migration
America has increased by 58% of transgender Latinas including
from 2016 to 2017 (Kitidi, 2018). the freedom to express their
Moreover, lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender identity, transgender
transgender and queer (LGBTQ) acceptance and safety, and
undocumented adult immigrants economic opportunity (Cerezo,
in the United States total more Morales, Quintero, & Rothman,
than a quarter of a million people 2014).
(Burns, Garcia, & Wolgin, 2013;
Center for American Progress However, the main reason for the
Immigration Policy, 2017). A migration of Latina transgender
immigrants (LTIs) to the United violence” (para. 29). Hence, LTIs

States is their experiences with come to the United States seeking
discrimination and violence in their refuge from the violent experiences
Latin American country of origin they have had in Latin America and
due to their gender identity (Cerezo throughout their migration process
et al., 2014; Gowin, Taylor, (Rodríguez, 2016).
Dunnington, Alshuwaiyer, &
Cheney, 2017; Palazzolo, Yamanis, LTIs assert that returning to their
De Jesus, Maguire-Marshall, & Latin American countries of origin
Barker, 2016; Yamanis et al., 2018). would likely lead to continued
Once at the U.S./Mexico border or violence and potentially being
inside the United States, many LTIs killed. According to a report by
seek asylum due to fearing for their Transgender Europe (2016), 78% of
lives in their Latin American the reported killings of transgender
countries. and gender-diverse people occurred
in Central and South America, with
In many Latin American countries, five of the top countries in the world
LTIs experience violence, oppression, with the highest numbers of
and discrimination before migrating murders of transgender individuals
to the United States (Cheney et al., being Brazil (n=845), Mexico
2017; Gutiérrez Gamboa, Evangelista (n=247), Colombia (n=108),
García, & Winton, 2018). Even Venezuela (n=104), and Honduras
during the migration process, LTIs (n=80). Moreover, it is not
experience violence. For example, in uncommon for LTIs to be murdered
2018, around 50 LGBTQ in their country of origin after they
individuals were part of a caravan of were denied asylum and deported
hundreds of Central American and from the United States. Camila Diaz
Mexican migrants that were making Cordova, a 29-year-old Salvadorian
their way to the U.S./Mexico border. transgender woman, is one of many
These LGBTQ migrants formed their examples of this outcome (Renteria,
separate group after experiencing 2019). Hence, for many LTIs, denial
discrimination, harassment, of asylum often makes the
violence, and robberies at the hand difference between life and death.
of other migrants and people they On the other hand, for those LTIs
had encountered in their journey who stay in the United States,
(Perez, 2018). Perez (2018), regardless of immigration
interviewed a 23-year-old transgender documentation status, their
woman from Honduras who was experiences with discrimination,
part of the caravan and who stated, violence, and oppression are not
“They have denigrated us. over. The purpose of this article is to
Supposedly you're emigrating from (1) list some of the experiences that
your country because of the violence, LTIs face in the United States with
the discrimination, the homophobia, systematic violence, (2) describe
and it turns out that in the very several of the health and well-being
caravan you face this kind of effects of discrimination and

violence on LTIs, and (3) highlight a Moreover, in 2017 the Trump

few examples of the work that LTI administration defined DACA youth
leaders are doing to address these recipients as “illegal” and suggested
experiences. that having these youth in the
United States led to the harm of
LTIs and Systematic Violence other Americans (The White House,
Various professional associations in 2017). This hateful rhetoric not only
the United States are voicing affects the mental health of LTIs,
concerns and disapproval about but it also translates into oppressive
current policies and events that are policies that threaten their dignity
discriminatory and oppressive and equality. The National Center
towards disenfranchised and for Transgender Equality (2019) and
marginalised populations. For many other advocacy groups
example, the National Association continue to keep track of adverse
of Social Workers (NASW) has policy changes and proposals that
voiced opposition to Donald originate from the Trump
Trump's plan to withdraw DACA or administration at the federal level
the Deferred Action for Childhood (see for example https:// transe
Arrivals (NASW, 2017), which quality.org/the-discrimination-
provides undocumented youth with administration).
the opportunity to work and attend
college. Also, the American Moreover, at the state level, 21 anti-
Psychological Association spoke transgender bills were introduced in
against the Trump administration's various states in 2018 (Human
rule that discriminates against Rights Campaign [HRC], 2018).
transgender individuals serving in These policies then lead to a
the military (American Psychological detriment on the lives of LTIs. The
Association, 2018). Due to their experiences of LTIs with the U.S.
multiple oppressed identities, LTIs legal system serves as an example of
are affected by racism, xenophobia, the systematic challenges they face
sexism, and transphobia. Hence, as immigrants of colour, as
the violence and discrimination transgender individuals, and as
supported by leaders in government, women.
as exemplified by the policies
mentioned above, hurt LTIs at The U.S. Citizenship and
multiple intersections. Immigration Services (USCIS)
considers LGBTQ+ refugee and
Many hateful and discriminatory asylum claims in their many
messages have emerged from immigration courts, mostly under
leaders in government. This the consideration of these
rhetorical violence includes a Tweet individuals experiencing
from Trump in 2017, in which he persecution as a “particular social
categorised transgender individuals group” (United Nations General
in the military as a burden (Phillip, Assembly, 1951). However, USCIS
Gibbons-Neff, & DeBonis, 2017). requires many documents from

transgender individuals when who died in 2018 while in custody of

presenting their cases, making it the U.S. Immigration and Customs
confusing and difficult for them to Enforcement (ICE) agency after being
engage in the legal process. This severely abused and not receiving
cumbersome legal process affects the appropriate medical care. In
the outcomes of an asylum petition. other instances, many transgender
Nationally, asylum cases, for a individuals spend long periods in
variety of reasons, were denied solitary confinement. For many,
57.6% of the time in 2018 these experiences in detention are
(Transactional Records Access ultimately the path to deportation.
Clearinghouse [TRAC], 2018).
However, disparities in denials by LTIs Health and Well-Being
country of origin and immigration A study by The TransLatin@
court exist. For example, although Coalition (2013), found that for the
Mexicans are the third largest 101 transgender Latina immigrant
asylee group, even with legal participants, 84% came to the
representation, they have the United States, solely or in part, to
highest denial rate within the ten escape violence. This report also
largest nationalities that seek found that 69% of the participants
asylum (TRAC, 2017). Moreover, “have met another Trans Latina who
judges at Lumpkin Immigration was murdered because of her
Court in the state of Georgia denied gender identity” (TransLatin@
93.5% of all asylum cases in 2018 Coalition, 2013, p. 29). The report
(TRAC, 2018). In consequence, LTIs also establishes that “61% of all
also experience institutionalised participants have been victims of
violence when held in jails and sexual abuse,” “78% have
detention centres. experienced random acts of violence
such as being insulted or physically
LTIs experience significant violence attacked on the street,” and “34%
when involved with the U.S. legal have been robbed for being Trans
system. For example, “detention Latina” (TransLatin@ Coalition,
puts LGBT immigrants at risk of 2013, p. 29-30). Interpersonal
abuse and exploitation [since] LGBT violence and hate crimes against
immigrants are 15 times more likely LTIs are common. Moreover, “these
than other detainees to be sexually acts of violence are not single
assaulted in confinement” (Center incidents, but happen across a
for American Progress Immigration lifetime, and often a single
Policy, 2017, p. 20). Moreover, individual experiences multiple acts
“transgender individuals are of violence or intolerance on a daily
especially vulnerable to discrimination basis” (Stotzer, 2009, p. 177). For
and denial of medical services” many LTIs, these experiences have
while detained (Burns et al., 2013 p. led to their violent deaths.
23). A tragic example of these
experiences is the case of asylum Violent deaths are a concern for
seeker Roxana Hernández, a Latinx (a gender-neutral form of the
transgender woman from Honduras
term Latino) and LGBTQ+ people in Rubin, 2011; Rodríguez-Madera et

the United States. In 2015-2016, al., 2017). At the same time, some
the age-adjusted homicide rate for studies have found that documentation
Hispanics increased by 8.2% (U.S. status further affects depression
Department of Health and Human scores in undocumented transgender
Services, 2018). Among LGBT Latinas (Yamanis et al., 2018).
communities, 15% of homicide However, it has also been
victims in 2017 were Latinx (The established that resilience for
National Coalition of Anti-Violence transgender individuals could lie in
Programs, 2018). According to a alternative social support and
report by the Human Rights relationships (Hwahng et al., 2018).
Campaign, 82% of a total of 22 These social support structures
transgender people killed in the have led to the development of
United States in 2018 were women empowerment, leadership, and
of colour, including four Latinx social movements among LTIs.
women (HRC, 2018). For LTIs, the
women represented in these LTI Leadership and Social Action
statistics are more than numbers; The approval of same-sex marriage
they are not only friends and in 2015 sparked hope for the future
neighbours, but also a reminder of of LGBTQ+ rights in the United
what their lives are and could be in States. However, the election of
the United States. Hence, Trump as U.S. President in 2016,
witnessing this violence, along with created uncertainty for many
their own experiences, affect the LGBTQ+ people of colour. Social
well-being of LTIs in the United advocacy groups and activists
States. feared for the progress made
towards equal rights in the United
Broadly, the literature suggests States (Gonzales, 2016). There are
that: a) transgender women tend to also concerns from the immigration
experience violence and poorer rights standpoint. For example, in
mental health at higher rates than February 2019 many accused
other populations (Jauk, 2013; Trump of being unconstitutional
Lytle, Blosnich, & Kamen, 2016; and misinforming the public when
Seelman, Young, Tesene, Alvarez- he declared a national emergency at
Hernandez, & Kattari, 2016; White the U.S./Mexico border and
Hughto, Reisner, & Pachankis, demanded the allocation of funding
2015;Testa et al., 2012), b) Latinx to build a wall between the
individuals experience higher rates countries (Baker,2019). Hence,
of trauma (Archuleta & Lakhwani, throughout the United States, many
2016; Martinez et al., 2015; Molina, transgender Latina leaders are
Little, & Rosal, 2016), and c) studies working to address racial and
have noted that transgender gender inequality, transphobia, and
Latinas also experience high rates of immigrant rights in an attempt to
violence that in consequence affect secure the human rights of
their mental health (Reading & transgender women. A commonality

among these leaders is their focus States. One of them, Bamby

on enforcing change as the political Salcedo, is the President and CEO of
climate in the United States the TransLatin@ Coalition. Bamby,
becomes unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ a nationally recognised activist,
and immigrants. Their efforts born in Mexico, dedicates part of her
include providing support and basic work to providing training to
needs to other LGBTQ+ immigrants agencies, community leaders, and
and demanding change at the other transgender and gender-
systemic level. nonconforming individuals
(TransLatin@ Coalition, 2019).
Transgender Latina activists Another national leader is Raffi
simultaneously engage in assisting Freedman-Gurspan. Raffi is a
others in need of support while also Latina and Indigenous transgender
fighting discriminatory policies as a activist from Honduras who made
way to resist an oppressive system. history as the first openly
For example, at the beginning of transgender person to serve as
2019, Ruby Corado, a Salvadorian White House staffer after being
immigrant and CEO of Casa Ruby in named Senior Associate Director for
Washington, D.C., went to Texas to Public Engagement by President
bring 15 LGBT asylum seekers from Obama's administration in 2015
Central America to Casa Ruby (Wagner, 2015).Until recently, Raffi
(Lavers, 2019). These migrants were strived to improve public education
released from ICE custody and will as Director of External Relations at
now receive housing and many the National Center for Transgender
other services at Casa Ruby. Equality. Unfortunately, it would be
Moreover, activist Estrella Sanchez, impossible to highlight and discuss
community organiser and advocate the critical work being done by the
holding various leadership roles at countless other transgender
the local and national levels, also Latinas in the United States in just
works with transgender migrants in one paper. However, we can list how
the state of Georgia. Estrella, a community leaders, lawmakers,
Mexican who was granted asylum in and academics can support their
2018 (Redmon, 2018),links work.
transgender Latinas to resources in
their communities, visits them at Moving Forward in the United
immigration detention centres, is States
vocal in the media about the The International Bill of Gender
experiences of LTIs, and organises Rights (IBGR) could serve as a guide
protests against injustices. At the in the efforts to secure the human
same time, others like Ruby and rights of LTIs in the United States
Estrella are enforcing change at the (International Conference on
national level. Transgender Law and Employment
Policy, Inc. [ICTLEP], 1996)(see
Various transgender Latinas lead Table 1). Moreover, the Convention
national efforts dedicated to the and Protocol Relating to the Status
human rights of LTIs in the United
of the Refugees of 1966 and the others, have already provided many
Universal Declaration of Human of these recommendations.
Rights of 1948 should complement
the IBGR when considering the Recommendations Based on the
needs of LTIs. IBGR
Community leaders serve as a vital
1. The right to define gender identity form of support and advocacy to
2. The right to free expression of minority groups. These leaders can
gender identity start by validating and respecting
3. The right to secure and retain
the gender identity and gender
employment and to receive just
compensation expressions of all people and using
4. The right of access to gendered the pronouns of their choice.
space and participation in the Moreover, community leaders can
gendered activity also incorporate the sociocultural
5. The right to control and change aspects of gender identity and
one's own body expressions into the organisation of
6. The right to competent medical social movements. They can also
and professional care advocate for the right of
7. The right to freedom from
employment and just compensation
involuntary psychiatric diagnosis
and treatment of people of all gender identities and
8. The right to sexual expression expressions. Community leaders
9. The right to form committed, can also advocate for T/GNC
loving relationships and enter individuals’ rights to comprehensive,
into marital contracts competent, and accessible
10. The right to conceive, bear, or healthcare and demand the de-
adopt children; the right to pathologising of gender identity.
nurture and have custody of Additionally, leaders can include
children and to exercise parental
capacity
the right to sexual expressions and
behaviors of people of all gender
Table 1 Items Listed on the IBGR (1996) identities and expressions in their
advocacy efforts. In doing so,
The ten items contained in the IBGR community leaders should allow
could lead community leaders, and support people of all gender
lawmakers, and academics to take identities and expressions to be part
specific actions. Following are some of the spaces of their choice and to
recommendations for these groups be part of all activities. Finally, they
when working with transgender and can also support the inclusion of all
gender non-conforming (T/GNC) types of relationships and families
individuals. It is imperative to in community spaces and demand
highlight groups like the equal rights for people of all gender
TransLatin@ Coalition (2013), the identities and expressions.
Movement Advancement Project
and Equality Federation Institute Lawmakers can draft, support, and
(2017), the National Center for implement policies that ensure the
Transgender Equality (2016), and human rights of their T/GNC

constituents. For example, they Moreover, political leaders should

should allow individuals to self- deem the harmful “conversion
identify their gender in official therapy” practices as illegal. Finally,
documents like birth certificates lawmakers can also decriminalise
and identification cards and the self-determination of consenting
prohibit the discrimination of adults to engage in sex work.
people based on their gender
identity and gender expressions. The third group that can make a
Furthermore, political leaders difference in the lives of T/GNC
should guarantee the right to individuals by following the IBGR
employment and just compensation are academics and researchers.
of people of all gender identities and First, researchers should allow
expressions while also prohibiting individuals to self-identify their
employment discrimination and gender and avoid misgendering
compensation inequality based on individuals in research studies.
gender identity and expressions. Researchers should also include
transgender individuals in gendered
Additionally, lawmakers should studies that align with their gender
guarantee the right of T/GNC identity (e.g., violence against
individuals to use spaces of their women research). Moreover,
choice (e.g., public bathrooms) and researchers should examine the
to participate in activities of their effects of employment discrimination
and compensation inequality on
choice (e.g., military service).
T/GNC individuals. Research
Lawmakers can also ensure the
studies can also measure the
continued upholding of marriage
outcomes of incompetent medical
equality at the federal level and care and lack of access to medical
make illegal any attempt to care on T/GNC patients. Research
undercut this right at the state and can explore the challenges of
local levels. Finally, they should oppressive policies that limit
ensure that no person or agency T/GNC individuals’ right to self-
discriminates against LGBTQ+ determination to control their
individuals and couples that seek to bodies, including the potential
become parents through different harm of psychiatric disorders like
mediums, including adoption. “Gender Dysphoria” and the
Policymakers can also help improve medicalisation of the sexual
the health and healthcare of T/GNC expressions and behaviours of
individuals by making sure that T/GNC individuals. Researchers
they have the right to receive can also help demystify the effects of
competent medical care free of non-traditional families on minors.
discrimination and advocate for the Finally, academic institutions
inclusion of gender affirming should increase the number of
procedures as medically necessary academics and researchers who are
care for T/GNC individuals who T/GNC of all racial/ethnic,
decide to engage in such services. spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

Psychology of Sexual Orientation and
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Letters to the Editor
LGBTQI Lives in Cameroon: Law, Human Rights
and Health and Wellbeing
Dear Editor barrier for my work. We face lots of
Am called Mr Sone Desmond I am 30 stigma and homophobic acts on us,
years old am gay and working as the our rights are violated by the law
executive director of Rainbow enforcement officers, religious
cooperation limited an LGBTI bodies, family members and civil
community-based association society, LGBTI persons are forced to
founded in 2014 by young LGBT live in hiding in other to express their
persons in Yaoundé Cameroon. Our sexual orientations, we are brutalised
primary mission is to valourise everyday by homophobic persons
technical know-how of LGBT persons who believe that we don't have their
through sociocultural and educative rights to live, we are evil, we can't
activities to reduce stigma and participate in the development of our
discrimination on our community to nation. I, myself was sent away from
participate in the development of our my house by my landlord all because
nation Cameroon. We do organise of my sexual orientation, he
sensitisation programs, capacity wounded me with a sharp Cutlass
building, development programs, and held back all my household

sports, expositions, mini pride items till now he has all my stuff, I
events, awards ceremonies and had to run away for my dear life and
much more;I work with 12 volunteers left all my stuff till today. As LGBTI
staff who give in their all to make sure persons we are facing difficulties. We
that our community become have lots of LGBT community-based
independent and reduce stigma on organizations in Cameroon that work
our community. We work in close for our community of which most of
collaborations with other LGBT these organizations have as main
organisations in Cameroon of which objective to fight against HIV/AIDS
we are a member of anLGBT platform and sexual health of LGBTI persons
in Cameroon called Platforms unity a in Cameroon, it should be noted that
platform that regroups 32 LGBTI they are doing a lot of good work to
organisations and has the as main fight HIV on our community since
objective to protect the rights of our due to high errate of stigma we get to
community members and community hide and so we lack information and
leaders. We are also a member ofthe services on our sexual rights, so we
enterprise, international organisations carry-out sex without protection and
that regroup LGBTI pride organisations get infected with HIV, there are some
world wide. few funders who accompany these
organizations to help fight these ills,
As a volunteer working for LGBT but I in particular and my association
community I face lots of difficulties RAINBOW CO LMT we believe that
because homosexuality is condemned the problem is not HIV/AIDS our
by the low in Cameroon, the penal main problem is not Just the fact
code of Cameroon article 347/1 that our rights are violated.No
highly condemn the practice of government will legalize homosexuality
homosexuality with up to 5 years just because homosexuals are highly
imprisonment, so the penal code is a
infected with HIV, neither will they accompany us in other to fight

legalize just because our rights are against stigma and discrimination on
violated, we LGBTI persons we have our community in other to bring
to stand up and become productive in dévelopement between us, we are
all domains that is agriculture, really facing difficulties since we have
health, sports, fashion designing, new and more significant projects but
politics, technology and much more, due to lack of funding we just can't
we believe that if we have LGBT carryout activities, we have a very
leaders who represent us in all these very small office of 9m2 that is not
domains we are going to make great convenient for work and lack
change in the society by been necessary materials to carryout our
productive, the society will respect us work, so we wish for help from well
and even stand by us to put pressure wishes and donors to accompany us
to the government to legalize in other for us to continue with the
homosexuality in our country. excellent work. We have to wish to
Cameroon is an impoverished country increase our sensitisation programs,
LGBTI persons find it challenging to to educate our community and the
intergrade the society due to poverty society on tolerance and living
and stigma if we don't fight against together, we are all humans and has
this ill our community will continue the right to live as any other
to be infected and affected with Cameroonian. We believe in our
HIV/AIDS die every day. Many donors community because we have so many
and founders focus on HIV forgetting talented LGBT community members
that even those who are affected don't who due to a high rate of poverty,
even have jobs, can't eat a day, live in stigma and discrimination they feel
difficult conditions, what we need is left out with auto stigma and can'
funders who can accompany us to tintegrate the society. We do really
develop LGBTI community through need help and assistance to work
development programs, capacity harder to develop our community and
building problems, develop activities society, we wish to open an LGBTI
to generate revenue, reinforce centre were our community members
capacity of Community leaders so will be able to get information and
that we become productive and services on their sexual orientations,
independent this way we will speak Human rights, develop their technical
for ourselves, stand up for yourselves know-how and also open refuge
and reduce poverty in our country.We rooms for LGBTI persons who have
need funders who will not only come been sent out of their family homes
and look on HIV we are faced with and place of residence, we are calling
much more problems of which if this on goodwill persons to help us to
is looked upon HIV AIDS will be realize this great project that will help
reduced and our rights will be respected. our dying community to become
independent thanks together we
I and my association have been
stand.
working since 2014 our of our funds,
Sone Desmond
we have been carrying out programs
Rainbow Cooperation Ltd, Yaounde
activities with funds from our staff,
Cameroon, Cameroon
members and well wishes, we wish to
Email- rainbowcolmt@gmail.com
great partnerships and collaborations
Facebook- RainbowColmt
with international organizations to

Relooking into Queer Lives and Community
Perceptions in 21st Century Germany
Dear Editor Menschen nicht mehr wissen, wer
(In German) sie sind, ob Mann oder Frau.
“Aus meiner Lebenssituation Er berichtete , dass in seinem
heraus, ich selbsthabe mich Bistum damit sehr sorgfältig in der
gegenüber meinem Umkreis Beratung umgegangen wird und
nichtgeoutet, kann ich keinenegativen diese auf ihrem Weg der Suche
Erfahrungen feststellenbzw. nach ihrem Geschlecht betreuend
vonsolchenberichten. ohne Einflussnahme begleitet
Insgesamt ist keinerlei werden. Ich fand dieses sehr
Feindschaft gegenüber LGBT- positiv.
Rechten festzustellen, wobei In der Öffentlichkeit wurde bisher
gemahnt wird, dass diese nicht darüber nicht berichtet bzw.
überbeansprucht werden sollen. publiziert. In der kath. Kirche ist
Schwule und lesbische Mitbürger man sich seiner Verantwortung
sollen genau so leben in unserer bewusst und versucht den

Gesellschaft wie alle anderen Kindern zu helfen.
Mitbürger auch. „Tuntenhaftes
Als Anlage sende ich Dir einen
Auftreten schadet den Gedanken
Zwischenruf meines Confratres
der Einzelnen über die Freiheit .“
und Freund Prof. Schallenberg ,
Im Gespräch mit einigen engen zu. Er war in der „Tagespost“
Freundinnen und Freunden die veröffentlicht.
nicht LGBT sind, wird Homo
Insgesamt konnte ich nach dem
sexualität als ein normales
„Gesetz für die Ehe“ feststellen,
Faktum angesehen. Mein Bruder
dass in der kath. Bevölkerung ein
Ullrich, Naturwissenschaftler und
aufatmen zu hören war, dass das
Molekularbiologe spricht von der
Thema voll befriedet ist.
Normalität aller Menschen, wobei
jeder seine Sexualität auf seine Leider hat uns Frau Merkel die
Weise ausleben soll und darf. Er arabischen Flüchtlinge beschert,
weist in unseren Gesprächen sehr die sich hier als sehr gefährlich für
eindringlich auf seine Meinung uns mitteilen. Es gibt schreckliche
hin. –Berichte , wobei diese sexuell in
alle Richtungen maßlos sind.
Im Herbst 2018 nahm ich an einer
Tagung des Opus Die an einer Heute ist wieder ein Bericht in der
mehrtätigen Tagungen über das FAZ 17.5. Seite 9 “Ihre Todfeinde
Thema Jugendpastoral teil. suchen nach Ihnen”.
Insgesamt können wir ein
Ein Referent wies dabei auf das positives Bild von Deutschland
Phänomen hin, dass in den berichten und sehen. Darüber bin
Sprechstunden immer mehr junge ich glücklich.

Herzlichste Grüße von Deinem their way of the search after her sex
Freund” without influence. I found this very
Dear Editor, positive.
My life situation: I have not outed The public was so far, not reported
myself to my district yet. But, I can or published. In the Catholic,
see no negative experiences or Churchman is aware of its
report of such kind in my local responsibility and trying to help the
community. Overall, there is at children. As I am sending this a
least no hostility to LGBT rights, heckling piece, I thank and
and certainly no contestations to remember one of my long-standing
determine where their lives are to be Confederates and friend Prof.
charted. And, this aspect of inter- Schallenberg, for his insightful
community dialogue does not need comments, and observations. It was
to be strained a lot, as it is quite published in the "daily mail".
cordial in my experience and Overall, I support according to the
observation. Gay and Lesbian "law for marriage", that in the
citizens have the same right to live Catholic Church a population
in our society, like all other citizens breathe a sigh was heard, that the
as well. "Is the occurrence of mature issue is fully pacified. Unfortunately,
detrimental to the idea of individual Frau Merkel has given the Arab
freedom." Homosexuality, as a refugees us here sharing with very
normal fact, is considered in dangerous for us. There are terrible
discussion with some close friends reports where these are sexually
and friends who are not LGBT. My immoderate in all directions.Today
brother Ullrich, naturalist and is again a report which 17.5 "your
biologist speak of the normality of mortal enemies search FAZ page 9
all people, where everyone should for you."
live out his sexuality on his way, and
may. He points very strongly in our Overall, we can report a positive
conversations on his mind. image of Germany and see. I am
happy.
Warmest greetings from your friend,
In fall 2018, I took part in a meeting from the heart of Germany!
of Opus in a multi-day conference
on the topic of Youth Ministry. A Hans Georg
speaker pointed out this Diakon H.G.Keller
phenomenon, during office hours, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Duisburg,
more and more young people no Germany
longer know who they are, whether Koptisch-Orthodoxe
Man or woman. He reported that in Kirchengemeinde Hll.
his diocese to very carefully in Kosmas und Damian Duisburg
consulting is being administered; 17TH May 2019
this coaching is accompanied on


My Life and Sexuality: Role of Coming Out in
Ghanian Africa
Dear Editor,
I am Emmanuel from Ghana. As I grew up, I have faced different
Thirty-one years and am gay. I was forms of violence and
raised and brought up from a discrimination from family and
Christian home; it's made to friends, school and in public
believe that homosexuality is a sin places, where it is illegal to BE
and its western culture and YOU and criminal to LOVE WHO
culturally unacceptable in Ghana YOU WANT, which has affected me
(Taboo). emotionally and psychologically.
Since my childhood life (at the age At the age of 18 years, I came out to
of 7years), I discovered that I am my family. Coming out to my
only attracted to the same sex. I family ended up dis-owning, and
have battled with my sexuality and all the benefits I was entitled to be
sexual orientation just because cut down.

others behave differently in my
community while I do otherwise. Sincerely Yours
Emmanuel Mensah Jacobs
In addition, I live in a country Ghana, Africa
where being gay is a crime that can 30thMay 2019
end you up in jail this scares me
more.


Trading the Slippery Ground: Blurring lines of
Gender Identities in Devdutt Pattanaik's ‘The
Pregnant King’
Prashant P. Dharmadhikari
K.G. Joshi and N.G. Bedekar College, Mumbai, INDIA
Abstract
Post-millennial Indian English fiction witnessed a marked rise in the

novels inspired by Indian mythology. A sudden spurt of mythological
fiction underlines the changing trends in the themes, structures and
genres of fiction in Indian literature. Writers like Amish Tripathi, Devdutt
Pattanaik, Anand Neelkantan, Ashwin Sanghi, Rajiv Menon, Krishna
Udayshankar, Sharath Komarraju, Kavita Kane and few more have
attracted the attention of readers especially, the younger generation. The
majority of writers mentioned above have tried to liberate marginalised
voices suppressed by a dominant discourse which tried to subjugate
LGBTQ communities.
The present paper scrutinises Devduatt Pattanaik's novel, ‘The Pregnant

King’ (2008) in light of the 'power dynamics'. It also studies the gender-
based discrimination and possible reasons behind it.
Keywords: Myth, Gender, LGBTQ, Dharma, Mahabharata
Date Received : 04th June 2019
Dr Prashant P. Dharmadhikari
Assistant Professor in English
Department of Mass Media
K.G. Joshi and N.G. Bedekar College,
Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Email- dharmadhikari.prashant@gmail.com
Introduction some of the literary masterpieces of

The Indian English novel is a well- the world. The 'Indian-ness' in this
established genre in the world writing showcases the distinctive
literature now. The success of spirit of Indian ethos. Aeschylus
Indian authors in the global literary had aptly remarked that his plays
scenario is the real testimony of the were slices from Homer's banquet.
literary merit they inherit from rich It can be said that a large part of
Indian tradition which gave birth to Indian literature is slices of the
the Vedas, the Upanishads and Indian mythological stories latent

in the collective subconscious of the mythologist and popular columnist

readers and the writers. The Indian of present times. He has written
myths are ever present in extensively on the application of
contemporary Indian consciousness. myths in contemporary life. His
popularity rests on the modern
At the turn of the millennium, the retellings of the Ramayana and the
trends in Indian English writing Mahabharata. His only novel ‘The
have also changed. The writers have Pregnant King’ (2008) is an essential
experimented with a variety of instance of the application of gender
subjects to exploit their creative theory to Indian mythology. The
genius. The writings after 2000 are novel tells the story of King
termed as Post-millennial literature. Yuvanasha, ruler of Vallabhi. He
The novel selected for the present mistakenly drinks a potion
study is a part of Post-millennial prepared by Sage Yaja and Upayaja.
fiction, which is gaining popularity The drink was made to make King
and reception of the contemporary Yuvanashva's wife pregnant. But,
reading public. the King mistakenly drinks it and
becomes pregnant. The story is an
In an article “ Myth and the Indian interesting study of blurring lines of
Writer in English”, noted scholar gender identities. The novel throws
and critic P. Lal laments the lack of light on the LGBTQ communities by
use of myths in the writings of juxtaposing the mythical queer
Indian English literature. He characters like Shikhandi ,
recommends that Indian writer in Brihannada, King Illeshwara,and so
English should not 'commit pen to on. The relevance of the present
paper until he has spent ten years of novel grows multi-fold when the
his adult life carefully pondering the Supreme Court of India de-
Indian classics, learning the Indian criminalized LGBTQ relations by
tradition, and observing the Indian rejecting Article 377 of the Indian
myth' (Naik,18). P. Lal is of the view Constitution recently.
that unless the Indian mythology is
not absorbed by the writer, he or she Devdutt Pattanaik has become
cannot be a good writer. He also successful in bringing to the fore the
laments that the word 'myth' is power of myth in the fields like
always related to a pagan world Management, Corporate and overall
view. According to P. Lal, 'myth national discourse. He gave
holds communities and races more currency to the word 'myth' so much
strongly than language, territory, so that the foreign educated
and government; myth provides corporate and policymakers are
insights into the mysteries of life showing interest in Indian
and death with a poetic richness mythology. The jargon-spewing
that has startling truth and corporate intelligentsia is reading
immediacy. There is no secular Pattanaik's Business Sutras. The
substitute to myth (Naik, 15) argument given by D e v d u t t
Pattanaik runs thus- if you want to
Devdutt Pattanaik is a leading
market or manage the specific The Pregnant King opens with the
community, try to understand their locale of Vallabhi, a small but
mythology. Through mythology, one prosperous kingdom between
gets to know the culture, thinking Hastinapura and Panchala on the
patterns, customs and value banks of river Kalindi. There is a
system. This approach is unique to temple of Ileshwara which was
the Indian Management, Corporate established by King Ilalong ego. The
and Business scenario. temple is known for blessing the
childless parents to have children.
In the preface of the book Shikhandi Vallabhi is ruled by Pruthalashva.
and other Tales, They Don't Tell When Drupada, King of Panchala,
You(2014) Devdutt Pattanaik comes to visit Illeshvar temple,
observes, 'When two adult men hold Pruthalashva welcomes him and
their hands in public in the US, they makes the arrangements of
are deemed gay, not so in India. Drupad's and his wife Soudamini's
Cultural filters are essential to visit to the temple. Draupad has
understand queerness. Also, we killed six sons because they were no
need an increased awareness that match for Drona's students,
these filters can sometimes choke i.e.Pandava. Drupada has great
voices' . enmity with Drona, and he wants to
father a child who will kill Drona. He
The novel is an interesting tour de wants to receive blessings of
force of unravelling the zones of Illeshwara for the son. Lord
epistemological perceptions specific Ileshwara blesses Drupada with a
to different genders. The problems girl Shikhandi. Drupada declares
of LGBTQ communities in the the birth of a son in desperation. No
period of the Mahabharata are one says that it was a girl out of fear
studied in the light of modern of King, and the girl is brought up as
sensibilities of our times. The idea of a male child. This thread of the story
Dharma, which is taken in the gets united at the end of the novel
Indian context as 'duty'is extensively when Mandhata marries Shikhandi's
studied in the light of Devdutt girl Amba. Devdutt Pattanaik
Pattanaik's novel. A utopian world weaves several stories which have
view of an imagined society is the birth of queer or transgendered
envisioned in the novel where there characters in the novel. The opening
will be no discrimination based on episode of the novel depicts the
gender. The galaxy of characters birth of Shikhandi, who is born as a
like King Yuvanashva, Shilavati, girl but bought up as a boy.
Keshini, Shikhandi, Illa and a few
more have been studied in the light In Indian culture, it has been an
of marginalisation. This paper accepted practice of performing
attempts to redefine the slippery Yagna, Sacrifice to fulfil one's
nature of 'gender identities' which wishes. In the Ramayana and the
are difficult to classify into binaries Mahabharata, there were umpteen
of 'man', 'women' and 'other'. instances of this kind. The birth of

Lord Ram and his siblings have Shikhandi to Somvat and Sumedha.
been an output of certain Yagna Shikhandi is born a female child,
called 'Putrakameshti'. A well but her father Drupada brought her
trained and expert priest is up as a boy. Shikhandi marries
essential and advised to perform the Hiranyavarni, Princess of Dasharn.
elaborate rituals of Yagna. Yuvanashva On the first wedding day, she comes
invites Yaja and Upayaja for this to know the secret of Shikhandi's
job. They come to Vallabhi and take being women. Feeling cheated, she
charge of the Yagna. They use their returns to her father. Her father is
magical and scriptural powers to angry with Drupada and wages war
invoke the gods to their help. They against him.
have been summoned to Vallabhi to
perform Yagna so that the queens of Meanwhile, Shikhandi feels very
Yuvanashva would produce an heir humiliated and tries to commit
to the kingdom. suicide to escape further humiliation.
Sthunakarna comes to the rescue of
Yuvanashva announces that he Shikhandi and offers manhood to
would donate cows to Brahmins to him. Shikhandi comes back and
earn merit so that he can father a proves his manhood.
child. This news spreads in the
neighbouring states. Brahmin Through this story, Devdutt Pattanaik
couples came across Ila-vrita in changes the perspective with the
hordes to receive cows. Somvat and changing gender roles. He portrays
Sumedha come to Ilavrita in the mental turmoil and oppression
disguise as husband and wife. that comes with the changed
Somvat comes as Somavati. It has gender. Pattanaik is also interested
been pointed out by Pulomi in the in the possibility of the existence of
cow offering ceremony. The couple transgendered like Shikhandi in
has been arrested for this gross ancient society. He weaves a fabric
mistake and is confined in the of queer stores together to make a
dungeons. There comes a Yaksha collage of transgendered, LGBTQ
called Sthunakarna, who has a communities to hear their
strange offer. Stuhunakarna says 'I marginalised voices.
am Sthunakarna. A Yaksha; Maker
of riddles; Guardian of treasures; In the book Shikhandi and other
Follower of Kubera; Resident of Tales, They Don't Tell You (2014)
Alaka-puri; I can go wherever I Devdutt Pattanaik says that:
please- through walls, into dreams. Hindu mythology makes constant
Rules of Manavas do not apply to references to queerness, the idea
me. It was I who made Shikhandi a that questions of maleness and
man and a husband. I can make you femaleness. There are stories of
a woman and a wife'. (The Pregnant men, who become women, and
King:127) women who become men, and
women who create children without
Yaksha narrates the story of

men, and of creatures who are magic potion to King when his
neither this, nor that, but a little bit throat is parching with thirst. The
of both. There are many words in spirits direct the king to drink the
Sanskrit, Prakrit and Tamil such as potion. Yuvanasva sees the
Kliba, Napumsaka, Mukhabhaga, earthenware with elaborate
Sanda, Panda, Pandaka, Pedi that geometrical patterns around its
suggest a long familiarity with queer neck. He picks it up and drinks it.
thought and behaviour. It is The potion has started showing
common to either deny the effects on Yuvanashva's body. The
existence of such fluidity in our king becomes pregnant. It is a
stories, or simply locate them in the crucial moment in the novel.
realm of supernatural or point to It can be inferred that it is the curse
law books that, besides endorsing of Somavati and Sumedha behind
patriarchy and casteism, also frown Yuvanashva's transformation as a
upon queer behaviour. The stories pregnant king. This controversial
are repeatedly told and shown. pregnancy raises eyebrows of
Gentle attempts, perhaps, of wise Shilavati when Asanga tells her that
sages to open up stubborn finite Yuvanashva must have accidentally
minds and lead them towards drunk the magic potion produced by
infinity. Yaja and Upyaja to make the queens
pregnant. Shilavati is astonished
Devdutt Pattanaik (2014) says that and rushed to Yuvanashva's
Queer people is an umbrella term chamber.
for gays, lesbians, bisexuals,
transgendered and intersexed The power structure comes in to
people, cross-dressers, hijras etc. play when Shilavati tries to kill or
who did not fit into the rigid cut the lump in Yuvanashava's
definitions of male and female, come abdomen. Asanga makes her
out in parades refusing to conform understand the fact that she cannot
and stay invisible for the benefits of kill the grandchild. Sheelavati
others. The world changed forever. raises some questions:
It is the world we now live in.
'If it is a child, as you say it is, then
The episode of burning pyres of what will Yuvanshva be after he
Somvat and Sumedha has far- gives birth to it, that is if he survives
reaching implications on the childbirth? A woman? A half-
storyline of the novel. The subplots woman? What? Who will accept
of Drupada's visit to Ileshwara such a man as the king? It will be
temple, Shikhandi, Somavati, the end of his kingship. And that
Sudymna, Nara and Narayana are child, a man born of a man.
significant to denote the queer and Everybody will consider it a
transgendered identities. It is the monster. Nobody will accept him as
starting point of the transformation a king. If this child survives, I will
of Yuvanashva into a pregnant king. have a son and a grandson, but
The ghosts of Sumedha and Sumati Vallabhi will have no king. I cannot
play a pivotal role in giving the
let that happen. Kill that thing in the epics told form the perspectives
my son's thigh. Do it, Asanaga or I of trans-gender characters such as
will do it myself.'(The Pregnant Shikhandi.
King:195)
Shikhandini, who became Shikhandi,
Shilavati is worried about what is what modern queer vocabulary
people would say. Her son would be would call a female-to-
a butt of jokes across the country. maletranssexual, as per body goes
He could not make any woman through a very specific change
pregnant, so he got himself genitally. But retellers avoid details
pregnant. and end to portray him/her either
as a eunuch (castrated male), a
In his essay 'The Order of male-to-female transsexual (a man
Discourse', Foucault talks about who rejects his male biology), a
how the discourse is regulated by male-to-female transgender (a man
power structures. He opines, ' in who wears women's clothes as he
every society the production of feels like a woman), an intersexed
discourses at once controlled, hermaphrodite, or simply a man
selected, organised and redistributed who was a woman (Amba) in his
by a certain number of procedures past life. It reveals a patriarchal bias
whose role is to ward off its powers even in the queer space.
and dangers, to gain mastery over
its chance events, to evade its No author has yet explored the
ponderous, formidable materiality relationship of Draupadi, the
(Fouault1999:52) complete woman, and
Dhristadhyumna, the complete
The royal codes and conducts are man, with Shikhandi, who is
fixed. The King cannot be pregnant. neither a complete woman nor a
But in this unusual and strange complete man. Who will inherit
case if King is pregnant, then the Drupada's throne? The elder
problem of public perception is Shikhandi or,the younger
important. Shilavati represents Dhrishdhyumna? And what about
power structures. King's pregnancy Shikhandi's relationship with his
changes the dynamics of power wife? How does it feel to know that
structures in the kingdom. His your husband was a woman on the
pregnancy ends his right of ruling wedding night and then is a man in
the kingdom. The change of gender the following nights, sporting
can invalidate Yuvanshava's birth someone else's genitalia?
right to rule the kingdom as he
becomes a woman. Foucault's discussion of external
exclusion is very relevant in the
In the book Shikhandi and other study of marginalisation. In his
Tales, They Don't Tell You (2014) article 'The Order of Discourse'
Devdutt Pattanaik laments that Foucault demonstrates the
there are no significant retellings of procedures of exclusions in a

discourse. The procedures he statements which they characterise

suggests, consist of three external as true. (Mills, 57-58)
exclusions, and they are taboo; the
distinction between the mad and The above statement is relevant to
the sane; and the distinction analyse the exclusion of Yuvanashva
between true and false. based on his gender identity. His
pregnancy is seen as an 'illness'. He
Taboo is a form of prohibition since is denied his right to rule unless he
it makes it difficult to speak about fathers a child. The discourse which
certain subjects such as sexuality has been manipulated by Shilavati
and death and constrains the way is the testimony of Yuvanashva's
that we talk about these subjects. marginalisation. The people who
The second external exclusion is the control the discourse are considered
distinction between the speech of as speaking truth. The discourse
the mad and the sane, as Foucault declares Yuvanshava as insane. His
has shown in his book Madness and opinions are not taken into
Civilisation (1976) since the speech consideration.
of those people who have been
considered to be insane is not The present study is extremely
attended to. It is treated as if it did relevant when the Supreme Court of
not exist. [...] In this sense, only the India has given a verdict by de-
statements of those considered criminalising same-sex marriages
sane are attended to. The division on 6th September 2018, on Article
between true and false is the third 377 of the Indian constitution,
exclusionary practice described by which criminalised same-sex
Foucault; those in positions of relations. The court has underlined
authority who are seen to be the supremacy of 'constitutional
'experts' are those who can speak morality' over 'societal marginality'.
the truth. Those who make Justice Malhotra, one of the judges
statements which are not in of the Bench who has given this
positions of power will be historic verdict says, “History owes
considered not to be speaking the an apology to the members of this
truth. The notion of the truth must (LGBTQ) community and their
not be taken as self-evident; he families for the delay in providing
shows in his work how truth is redressal for the ignominy and
something which is supported ostracism that they have suffered
materially by a whole range of through centuries. (Indian Express
practices and institutions: universities, 2018: Online). The above verdict is
government departments, publishing considered as the major victory of
houses, scientific bodies and so on. LGBTQ rights in the country. This
All these institutions work to chapter throws light on the
exclude statements which they mythological characters such as
characterise as false, and they keep Yuvanashva, Shikhandi, Brihannala,
in circulation those statements Illeshwara etc. which are marginalised
which they characterise as false, based on their gender identities.
and they keep in circulation those
Reference Pattanaik, D (1997). Shiva: An
Foucault, M. (1999). 'The Order of Introduction. New Delhi: Vakils,
Discourse, in R. Young (ed.), Power/ Feffer and Simons Ltd
Knowledge, Brighton: Harvester,
Pattanaik, D.(2008). The Pregnant
Mills, Sara, (2003).Michael Foucault. King: New Delhi: Penguin Books.
London: Routledge. Pattanaik, D.(2014). Shikhandi:
Naik, M.K. (1979). Aspects of Indian And Other Tales They Don't Tell
Writing in English. Delhi: Macmillan You. New Delhi: Penguin Books
India Ltd. India.

Authors
Ajay Kumar, presently working as Alex Garner is the Senior Health
assistant professor in Institute of Innovation Strategist at Hornet, the gay
Mental Health and Hospital, Agra. He social networking app. He works to
got his MD Degree in Psychiatry from create and develop health-related
Kempegowda Institute of Medical content, programming, and research
Sciences, Bangalore and completed his while cultivating an online community
senior residency from PGIMER, where users have the resources to
Chandigarh, one of the prestigious make informed decisions about their
institutes of India. He worked as a health. He has over 20 years of
trainee in child & adolescence experience working as a community
Psychiatry, Trans-cranial magnetic organizer, as a HIV-positive youth
stimulation from NIMHAS, Bangalore advocate, concentrated on issues of
(India). His keen interests are in the concern to gay men of colour. Mr.
areas of Addiction Psychiatry, Marital Garner has organized communities to
and Sexual Psychiatry, Neuromodulation. respond to the needs of LGBT people,
He is a Life ordinary member of Indian people of colour, and individuals living
Psychiatric Society (IPS), Member, with HIV. He founded and managed a
Indian Association of Social Psychiatry national HIV Magazine.
(IASP), Life Ordinary Member of Indian
Psychiatry Society North Zone. He has Anna Yakusik MSc. Economics, MBA.
two research publications in his name. 12 years of progressive experience in
public health, health economics &
Ajay Maherchandani is an LLM financing, and HIV. Professional
Candidate at the Tata Institute of Social experience working with international
Sciences [TISS], Mumbai, India. He NGOs (GRM International, International
primarily practices phenomenology as HIV/AIDS Alliance), multilateral
his core research area. His questions institutions (UNDP, UNAIDS, the
stem from understanding lived Global Fund), and diverse research
experiences through the subject-object teams (Kirby Institute, Abt Associates,
framework. His Under-graduate WHO) in Eastern Europe, Central Asia,
training has been in law through his East Asia, and various countries in
analytical engagements have led him sub-Saharan Africa. Work internationally
into problems germinating from since 2008. Driven by innovation and
philosophical, political and sociological progress. Fond of sports and
paradigms. He is now pursuing a Post- contemporary art.
graduate training is in law, explicitly
deliberating upon the ways of accessing Amanda Chalmers is a counsellor at
social justice for the marginalised. He Sweet Birch Counselling and Wellness
wants to study legal systems, in Vancouver, British Columbia,
structures of Constitutional governance Canada and she is pursuing a Masters'
and rights-based approach in law. He of Counselling degree at the University
often thinks on how do we live, trapped of British Columbia. Amanda was a
realities of everyday experiences student, teaching assistant, and
translate into a legal and a political research assistant at St. Jerome's
order, which is imposed on us? University.
ix June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
Anamika Das, an emerging scholar in during his MBBS Course. He has 9

the field of mental health. She is scientific publications in his name and
working as Senior Resident in King 13 national and international
George's Medical University, Lucknow presentations. He is the member of
and received her MD degree from the different societies or organisations like
same institute. She is a Life Ordinary Indian Medical Association, Indian
Member of Indian Psychiatric Soceity Psychiatric Society, and National
and has many scientific publications Academy of Medical Sciences. His work
and awards in her name. Her areas of interest specifically directed in the field
interest is Addiction Psychiatry, an of Child Psychiatry, Addiction
emerging one. Psychiatry.
BJ Rye is an Associate Professor in the

Apurva Kumar Pandya is a
Departments of Psychology and
Psychologist, currently, working as a
Sexuality, Marriage, and Family
Scientist-D with the Indian Institute of
Studies at St. Jerome's University at
Public Health Gandhinagar, an affiliate
the University of Waterloo in Waterloo,
Institution of the PHFI, New Delhi. As a
Ontario, Canada. She received her
health psychologist and behavioural
PhD in social psychology from the
scientist, he examines psycho-socio-
University of Western Ontario with a
cultural factors that influence (mental)
specialisation in human sexuality. Her
health of the most-at-risk population
research focusses on attitudes toward
and assesses the cost-effectiveness of
sexual-minority groups, controversial
health technology as well as
sexual topics, and sexual health
behavioural interventions for diagnosis,
education.
prevention and promotion of health.
His area of interest includes the
Christian Hui, MSW, RSW is a cis-
promotion of health technology for
queer poz Asian settler who resides in
improving lifestyle choices and health-
the unceded Dish with One Spoon
seeking behaviours; preventive mental
Territory on Turtle Island/Toronto,
health services for children in juvenile
Canada. A registered social worker, he
justice settings, vulnerable youth and
is the Community Engagement
LGBT population; lay counselling;
Coordinator at Asian Community AIDS
strengthening the public mental health
Services and co-founded Ontario
services to reduce inequities.
Positive Asians and the Canadian
Positive People Network. Christian is a
Bhavuk Garg is an assistant professor Community Representative on the
in the department of Psychiatry & Drug Toronto to Zero Fast Track Cities
De-Addiction Centre, Lady Hardinge Initiative, a Community Investigator
Medical College & SSK Hospital, Delhi. with the Canadian HIV National
He received his MD Degree from Observational Cohort Collaborative
Institute of Human Behaviour and Research Centre, and a Steering
Allied Sciences, Delhi and successfully Committee Member of the
completed his senior residency from Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U)
the same institute. He awarded as Campaign. He completed his Master of
topper in Class X CBSE Board Social Work degree from Ryerson
Examinations in his state and got University.
distinction in physiology and Microbiology
x June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
Deblina Roy an assistant professor ( Institute of Human Behavior and Allied

Psychiatric Nursing) in the Department Sciences, New Delhi received her MD
of Psychiatry, KGMU, Lucknow, UP, degree from King George's Medical
worked as a Program officer in Family University, Lucknow. She is a Life
Planning PPIUCD project funded by Ordinary Member of Indian Psychiatric
BMGF, Aayushman Bharat program of Society and has three scientific
GOI, in JHPIEGO a John Hopkins publications in her name. Her areas of
University Affiliate. She also had interest is Addiction and Forensic
experience as Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry, an emerging one.
Shova Rani Nursing College of KPC
Group in Kolkata, Nurse Mentor in Ferose Azeez Ibrahim, currently
Allahabad District of UP. In Encyclopedia working as senior resident in Institute
of Evolutionary Psychology, she wrote a of Human Behavior and Allied
chapter on Therapeutic touch. She has Sciences, New Delhi. He also received
published 3 scientific papers in her his MD degree in psychiatry from the
name. same institute. He presented one paper
in national conferences of Indian
Dhanajay Chauhan is a leading TG Psychiatric Society and keen interest to
Activist, and Human Rights Advocate work in the areas of Addiction and
in Northern part of India, Chandigarh. Forensic Psychiatry.
She is a long-standing champion of
Transgender Education, and Sexual Glenn Meaney is a freelance research
and Reproductive Health and Rights consultant. Glenn was a student,
[SRHR] in the Indian context and is a teaching assistant, research assistant,
pioneer in Transgender Education in and course instructor at St. Jerome's
particular. She has been recognized University.
especially for her work related to
Transgender-specific Toilet at Indian
J Scott Coatsworth lives with his
Universities and has been a community
husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in
organizer, leader and educator. She is
Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into
currently pursuing a PhD at the
fantasy and sci-fi by his mother, at the
prestigious Punjab University,
tender age of nine. He devoured her
Chandigarh, India.
library, but as he grew up, he wondered
where all the people like him were. He
Dinesh Kataria is currentlyworking as decided that if there weren't any gay
Professor and head of the department characters in his favorite genres, he
of Psychiatry & Drug De-Addiction would remake them to his own ends. A
Centre, Lady Hardinge Medical College Rainbow Award winning author, he
& SSK Hospital, Delhi. He is a life fellow runs Queer Sci-Fi, 'QueeRomance Ink',
of Indian Psychiatric Society. He had and 'Other Worlds Ink' with Mark, sites
made many presentations in national that celebrate fiction reflecting queer
and international forum. He had many reality.
book chapters and index publications.
Keerthi Mohanan is working as
Assistant Nursing Superintendent in
Erika Pahuja, a Senior Resident in
AIIMS, Patna and also as a tutor in
xi June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
college of nursing. She actively involved students. Luis has served as faculty
in nursing academics and continuing and is a published researcher in the
nursing services education, Bls trainer areas of diversity, health, and LGBTQ
(AHA). Her areas of interest are sexual and Latina communities.
harassment, anxiety issues among
females and published 04 articles in Maheswar Satpathy is an Emerging
her name. Scholar engaged with Planetary Health
and Well-being (Global Health, Mental
Kshirod Kumar Mishra, currently he Health), trans-disciplinary Gender &
is working as Professor and HOD of Sexuality Studies and Critical
Psychiatry, MGIMS, SEWAGRAM, Development studies focused on
Wardha. He is a Life Fellow of Mumbai Politics and Ethics of Social Justice,
Psychiatry Society, Indian Psychiatric and aim to nurture Peace and
Society, Indian Association of Private Harmony. As he continues to evolve, he
Psychiatry, Indian Association of Social realises that he is more passionately in
Psychiatry, Indian Association of Love with 'Philosophies of Life' (his
Biological Psychiatry, Indian coinage). Originally trained in Clinical
Association of Geriatric Mental Health, Neuropsychology & Community Health
Indian Association of Child & Psychology, Psychological Assessment,
Adolescent Mental Health, Indian Counselling and Psychotherapy,
Association of Industrial Psychiatry, Human Rights, Public Health, Drug
Military Psychiatry. His areas of Policy and Human Rights, Sexualities
interest include: Child and Adolescent and ICT4D in 10+ countries. In
Mental health, Alcohol & Substance formative years of his career, he made
Abuse, Sexual Disorder, Mental Health efforts to break the boundaries between
Issues in Disaster Situation, Consultation professional-lay by organizing
Liaison-Psychiatry. He had received collaborative efforts for mental health,
many prestigious awards, made more and transformed how we approach
than 50 national/ international community outreach. Consequently,
presentations and had more than 40 he has taught PG Programs in Clinical,
indexed publications. Community and Counselling and
Health Psychologies and Public Health
Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez (he/him) at various Universities globally over a
was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He decade. He concurrently consults at
received his Master of Social Work with least to a 2 dozen Civil Societies and co-
a clinical concentration in 2014 at the create values globally. These diverse
University of Georgia in the United experiences have substantially shaped
States, where he is currently a social his interest in community health and
work PhD student. Luis is a bilingual social development. The core research
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and strengths are in Social Epidemiology,
has worked with children, youth and Health Systems Strengthening, Health
families, immigrants, LGBTQ+ Systems Research, NCDS, as well as
individuals, people living with Infectious Diseases Prevention Programs
HIV/AIDS, adults experiencing mental e.g. Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, with
health and substance use difficulties, focus on Gender and Sexualities
community groups, and university (Identity research) using Qualitative
xii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

and Mixed Methods. He has an avid as an actor, writer, photographer,
interest in the social determinants of graphic designer, content creator,
health models like Stress-Health editor, journalist, novelist, screenwriter,
Perspective, Syndemic Perspective and and film maker. His current focus is on
Health-Behaviour Models for narrative fiction, in print and on film.
understanding health dynamics and He has produced five films and is the
health-behaviour change, and working author of four novels.
on theory development.
Marty A. Cooper is an assistant
Manisha Dhakal [MCom Finance] is professor at SUNY Old Westbury in the
transgender (male to female) LGBTI graduate Mental Health Counseling
rights activist from Kathmandu. She program in the Department of
has been involving in Nepal's LGBTI Psychology. He is both a licensed
rights movement since 2001 through counselling psychologist and a licensed
different projects on HIV/AIDS mental health counsellor with national
prevention, care & treatment, human and international experience. His
rights activism, constitutional research focuses on the intersectionalities
campaigns, advocacy, capacity of multiple minority statuses with
building, academic research, and specific emphasis on sexual orientation
others. Manisha is currently the and ageism. In addition to his academic
Executive Director of Blue Diamond responsibilities, Dr Cooper maintains a
Society (BDS), Nepal's leading LGBT private practice where he focuses on
rights organization. Regionally, multiculturalism, trauma, and
Manisha is one of the founder member personality disorders. He is also
of the Asia-Pacific Transgender actively involved in volunteer service,
Network representing South Asia. She including asylum assessment and
is one of the Co-Chair of ILGA Asia supervision of doctoral interns.
Board. She is also board member of
IRGT; A Global Network for Trans Monika Thakur is working as
women and HIV. She was awarded the Consultant editor in developing
“Nai Ram Laxmi” National award in content of psychiatry and psychology
2010 for her contributions to the LGBTI and nursing management for the
movement in Nepal. On 21 December online module at CBS medical
2007, the Supreme Court of Nepal publisher. Her areas of interest are in
issued a landmark verdict directing the the field of Consultation psychiatry,
government to enact laws enabling substance abuse and depression
equal rights to LGBT citizens. Manisha among adolescent. She is a lifetime
was involved in court pleadings on this member of Indian society of psychiatric
case on behalf of LGBT people before Nurses. She published or presented
the Supreme Court. Manisha two papers in her name and had
possesses a master's degree in finance research experience especially in
from Shanker Dev Collage, coping strategies, and depression
Kathmandu. among female with carcinoma Breast.
She also worked as a lecturer in
Martin B. Beaudet has worked in the colleges of nursing and guest faculty in
communications field for over 30 years, Delhi, NCR.
xiii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Muhammad Usman is currently Pritha Roy, currently working as a

serving as a Program Manager since Senior Resident in Central Institute of
June 2016, funded by the Global Fund Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand. She
at Dareecha Male Health Society, with a received her MD degree in Psychiatry
new zeal and passion to work for the from K. G. M. U, Lucknow. She is very
betterment of community. He believes much interested to work in the field of
that “Struggling for something does not Psychosexual disorders, Transcultural
assure the success, but success can be Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent
achieved with an even less struggle if Psychiatry. She has presented three
the efforts are well directed towards the papers and had five publications in her
goals”. He has a B.Com and an MBA in name. She is a Life Ordinary Member of
Banking and Finance from Mohammad Indian Psychiatric Society.
Ali Jinnah University, Pakistan. He
has subsequently joined at Naz Male Sarah Tsiang is a poet and author of
Health Alliance as monitoring and children's literature. She teaches
evaluation officer, where he would poetry at the University of British
counsel and network with the queer Columbia through the optional
community. This helped him realize for residency Masters of Fine Arts
the first time that how deprived this program. Sarah was a psychology
community was and my small student at St. Jerome's University.
participation was making big difference.
Saroj Kumar Sahu is an emerging
Prashant P. Dharmadhikari has a young faculty of Ayurveda. Currently,
Masters in English and Sanskrit to his he is working at the Department of
credit, Dr. Prashant P. Dharmadhikari Svasthavritta and Yoga, Gopabandhu
is a creative writer, poet and translator. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri,
He undertook his Ph.D. research on the Odisha, India. He had several scientific
post-millennial Indian mythological publications to his credit.
fiction in English. He has studied the
selected novels of Amish Tripathi,
Sean Howell is CEO of the LGBT
Anand Neelkantan and Devdutt
Foundation, working to leverage the
Pattanaik for his Doctoral research. His
benefits of blockchain technology for
focus is on finding equilibrium between
the LGBT community. Prior to the
ancient Indian myths and its relevance
LGBT Foundation he served as
in contemporary parlance. He has
Founder & President of Hornet ; where,
completed a Post Graduate Diploma in
he built a 25 million user gay social
Comparative Mythology from Mumbai
network. He was a fellow of the World
University. He has published a variety
Affairs Council, trustee, and President
of research papers on Indian English
of the Young Professional International
Literature and mythological fiction. He
Network. He helps organizations
is passionate about literature in
leverage technology to expand impact;
French, Sanskrit, Urdu, Marathi, Hindi
serves on various nonprofit boards and
and English and published poems in
committees: UN Global Coalition for
Marathi. He teaches Creative writing,
HIV Prevention, Mpact (MSMGF),
English literature, Fundamentals of
UNAIDS, E-CDC, PFLAG and co-chair
Mass Communication and communication
at the Center for Public Health and
skills in English Language.
xiv June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
Human Rights at Bloomberg School of to national and international
Public Health, John Hopkins University, organizations on issues of gender and
USA. sexual minorities and intends to
continue her work on health & human
Erik Lamontagne is Senior Economist rights for the most marginalized
at UNAIDS. He is specialised in three communities in future. She is also the
topics: i) Cost-benefit analysis of the ex- UNAIDS PCB Member from Asia
AIDS response; ii) The economics of Pacific region ( 2015- 2016). A graduate
discrimination; and iii) Economic from Mumbai University currently
analysis of integration of HIV and other pursuing her PhD in Trans Physiology.
health-related activities. Prior joining She is currently working with India HIV
UNAIDS, Erik worked as economic AIDS Alliance as a senior Program
advisor for ministries of Health in officer in Sexuality Gender and Rights
several low- and middle-income team. She is also the co-founder of RWS
countries. He started his career – India's diverse chamber to foster
working with non-governmental Entrepreneurs among LGBTQIA.
organisations such as Première
Urgenceand Handicap International. Usha Kiran is an Emerging Scholar
engaged with mental health issues,
Simaran Shaikh, a Tran's women have well being, social injustice, gender
dedicated her professional life to discrimination, mental disorder, caste
human rights advocacy. She has been a discrimination and aim to nurture
pioneer in India in raising the issues of Peace and Harmony. She received
people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the training in the areas of such as Clinical
context of transgender communities. psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology,
She is a strong advocate for Right to Psychological Assessment, Counselling
Health for all. She is an Experienced and Psychotherapy, social psychology.
Program Officer with a demonstrated However, she is passionate in the area
history of working in the non-profit of mental disorders e.g. Depression,
organization management industry, Suicide, social issues like Gender
including Indian HIV/AIDS Alliance. discrimination, and Social justice. She
She is Skilled in managing Non-profit has a B.A Psychology Hons from Patna
Organizations, Capacity Building, Women's college and a Master's in
International Development, Program Clinical Psychology from Central
Development, and Community University of South Bihar. An excellent
Development. Simran has developed MA Thesis, entitled “Depression and
the capacity of LGBT community-based Suicidal Ideation among Higher
organizations (CBOs) and networks Secondary School Students Patna,
that work for human rights of gender India” exemplify her interest in Mental
minorities. She has been a consultant Health.
xv June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

How to cite the articles

Editorial
Satapathy, M., (2019). The Struggle is not over! Beyond 'Situating the
Invisibles'-Acceptance is the Key. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality &
Culture, 5 (1): ii-vi.

Queer Depictions in American Cinema: Assumed Identities
Beaudet, M. B., (2019).Queer Depictions in American Cinema: Assumed
Identities. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1): 1-9.

The Second Golden Age of Queer Speculative Fiction
Coatsworth, J.S., (2019). The Second Golden Age of Queer Speculative
Fiction. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):10-13.

Happiness in LGBTI people as a key milestone for the Global HIV
Response
Howell, S., Lamontagne, E., Garner, A., Yakusik, A., (2019). Happiness in
LGBTI people as a key milestone for the Global HIV Response. Indian
Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):14-17.

Evolutionary Social Contract of Homosexuals in India
Nair, V.V., (2019). Evolutionary Social Contract of Homosexuals in India.
Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1): 18-26.

A Phenomenological Analysis of a Consumer's Lived Experience of
Pornography and Homoeroticism
Maherchandani, A.R., (2019). A Phenomenological Analysis of a
Consumer's Lived Experience of Pornography and Homoeroticism. Indian

Portrayals of Transgender in University Textbooks at the beginning
of the Millennium
Rye, B.J., Chalmers, A., Tsiang, S., Meaney, G.J., (2019). Portrayals of
Transgender in University Textbooks at the beginning of the
Millennium.Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):37-44.
7. Case Series
Anti-Indian Bias and Homophobia: A Psychotherapy Case Study
Cooper, M. A., (2019). Anti-Indian Bias and Homophobia: A
Psychotherapy Case Study. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality &
Culture, 5 (1):45-52.
xvi June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

8. Perspectives
Sahu, S.K., (2019). Depiction of Homosexuality in Ayurveda. Indian
9. Review Article
Homosexuality and Mythology
Roy, D., (2019). Homosexuality and Mythology. Indian Journal of Health,
Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1): 56-64.
10. Review Article

Homosexuality among Males
Kumar, A., (2019). Homosexuality among Males. Indian Journal of
Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):65-72.
11. Review Article

Homosexuality among Females: Evolution to Revolution
Thakur, M., Mohanan, K., (2019). Homosexuality among Females:
Evolution to Revolution. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5
(1):73-80.
12. Review Article

Ibrahim, F. A., Pahuja, E., Roy, P., (2019). Nosological Status of
Homosexuality. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):81-
87.
13. Review Article

Mishra, K.K., Das, A., (2019). Mental Health Perspectives of
Homosexuality. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):88-
95.
14. Review Article

Health needs of Homosexuals
Garg, B., Kataria, D., (2019). Health needs of Homosexuals. Indian

LGBTQI Activism and Human Rights in Pakistan, its History and
Progress
Khan, M.S., (2019). LGBTQI Activism and Human Rights in Pakistan, its
History and Progress. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5
(1):103-109.

Celebrating Successes while Continuing Our Fight for Rights U =U
Campaign and more
HUI, C., Dhakal, M., Shaikh, S., Usman, M., Penner, M., Richman, B.,
(2019). Celebrating Successes while Continuing Our Fight for Rights U =U
Campaign and more. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5
(1):110-115.
xvii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar
17. Featured Profile: Dhananjay Chauhan, Chandigarh

Identity Politics, Educational Participation and Transgender in India
Chouhan, D., Kiran, U., Satpathy, M., (2019). Identity Politics,
Educational Participation and Transgender in India. Indian Journal of
18. Policy Brief

Affirmative Counselling and Psychotherapy for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population: Priorities for Policy,
Practice and Research in India
Pandya, A.K., (2019). Affirmative Counselling and Psychotherapy for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population: Priorities for
Policy, Practice and Research in India. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality
& Culture, 5 (1): 128-134.

Whose Land of the Free? Latina Transgender Immigrants in the
United States
Alvarez-Hernandez, L. R., (2019). Whose Land of the Free? Latina
Transgender Immigrants in the United States. Indian Journal of Health,
Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):135-147.
20. Global Dialogue Series -Letter to the Editor

LGBTQI Lives in Cameroon: Law, Human Rights and Health and
Wellbeing
Desmond, S., (2019). LGBTQI Lives in Cameroon: Law, Human Rights
and Health and Wellbeing. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture,
5 (1):148-149.

Relooking into Queer Lives and Community Perceptions in 21st
Century Germany
Georg, H., Keller, D.H.G., (2019). Relooking into Queer Lives and
Community Perceptions in 21st Century Germany. Indian Journal of

My Life and Sexuality: Role of Coming Out in Ghanian Africa
Jacobs, E.M., (2019). My Life and Sexuality: Role of Coming Out in
Ghanian Africa. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5 (1):152.

Trading the Slippery Ground: Blurring lines of Gender Identities in
DevduttPattanaik's 'The Pregnant King'
Dharmadhikari, P.P., (2019). Trading the Slippery Ground: Blurring lines
of Gender Identities in DevduttPattanaik's 'The Pregnant King'. Indian
xviii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

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Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture

Vol (5), Issue (1), June 2019

Alternative Sexual Identities, Expressions & Lives

Indian Institute of Sexology

National Editorial Advisory Board Members

Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Deputy Editor-in-Chief &

Editorial Board Members

If you have any comments or suggestions,

i June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

due to their inherent nature and characteristics by the social institutions,

Queer Sites and Geographies

Media and Queer Lives

Continued Atrocities on the Queers

iii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

The recent listing of countries which award a death punishment merely

Also, recent observations have revealed a painful increase in hate crimes

iv June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

What will it take to be accepted?

"There is no secret to acceptance, tolerance, or happiness. You just have to

In this context, several questions pop up in our minds as to what are we

Community, whereas in this issue we have made significant advances in

In this issue, we have received excellent submissions from 4 different

We also expect that this issue will act as an excellent repository of

vi June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

3. Invited Expert Commentary

13. Review Article

vii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Sl. No. Subject Page

15. Voices from the Field

How to cite Articles

viii June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Invited Expert Commentary

sometimes-attempted suicide. This essay will look at the effect of

Keywords: Homosexuality, Queer, USA, American Cinema, Assumed

Prevailing Views on Queer result of the ensuing liberalization

There is however, ongoing debate identities of many real-life queer

Cinema Before Stonewall Non-Comedic Queer Characters.

02 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Sympathetic Depictions In 1970, just a year after Stonewall,

04 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

fulldecadeintotheAIDS pandemic -with individual as just another character

Modern Depictions be gay were shaped not by

06 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

life. Moviegoers are finally able to talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/

1. National Public Radio, transcript 6. Wikipedia, Stonewall riots [Online].

07 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

19. Wikipedia, History of homosexuality 27. Wikipedia, List of films considered

08 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

37. Poison (1991) Directed by Todd

09 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Invited Expert Commentary

Date Received: 01st June 2019

Correspondence should be directed to:

Prelude had so many emotions and stories

speculative fiction in this arena was community. We have taken a few

13 June 2019 Indian Institute of Sexology Bhubaneswar

Invited Expert Commentary

Date Received: 15th June 2019

Correspondence should be directed to: