SEE ME THROUGH MY EYES

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What is LGBTQ+?

We often hear the term LGBTQ+, but don’t know the full form of it. L stands for lesbian. Lesbians are those women who are sexually attracted to the same gender i.e., women; G stands for gay, which is a term used for men who are attracted to the same gender; B for bisexuals, who are attracted to all genders; t for transgender, which is a term used for those whose gender identity is different from the gender of their sex; Q stands for the queers who are non- cisgender or heterosexual. The plus ‘+’ indicates those who don’t fall under the above five initials.

Movements of the community in different parts of the world

There have been many LGBTQ+ movements across the globe over these years. They advocate for the LGBTQ+ communities. These are social movements. The rights of these communities have been very limited. Even though it has increased over time, there’s still a long way to go. Many countries still do not support these communities.

The LGBTQ+ community have been seen to be very vulnerable to discrimination and unfair treatment when it comes to civil or human rights. They get very less opportunities compared to the rest. Same sex marriage have been legalized in many parts of America and some parts of Europe and Australia.

Asia is way behind when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same sex marriage is still criminalized in most of the countries of Asia, especially in the middle east. These communities have very limited and restricted, or absolutely no rights in most parts of middle east. In fact same sex relationships are highly punishable and can be given death penalties too. According to the law in Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arabs of Emirates and Yemen, death penalty will be applied for same gender sexual activities.

In India same sex marriages are still not recognized nor are these couples given any rights. In the 2010’s India has started accepting LGBTQ+ communities but despite all the movements and efforts, homophobia is still present in a significant amount of the Indian population. Same sex sexual activities have been decriminalized in 2018.

The Indian law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Despite all these changes there’s still a long way for the LGBTQ+ community to be completely socially accepted in India.

All across the globe pride parades are held to support and spread awareness about the LGBTQ+ communities. These are usually held in the month of June. June is considered as the pride month.

History of the community

Formation of the LGBTQ+ community and its movements began as a result of centuries of persecution by the church, state and medical authorities. The community has been ill treated and discriminated since the very beginning. The LGBTQ+ movements are a response to these unfair treatment.

There is evidence of homosexual activity, even though it wasn’t accepted by the public, in almost every cultural documents. In fact, such figures also exist in Indian epics like Mahabharata, Bhagavata purana. One such figure is Shikhandi from Mahabharata.

Shikhandi was neither a man nor a woman. She was born as a daughter to King Drupad but struggle with her assigned sex throughout her life. Another such figure is that of Ardhanarishvara. It was a male-female figure of Lord Shiva together with goddess Parvati. Half of Ardhanarishvara is of a male and the other half is of a female dressed as Parvati.

These figures show that LGBTQ+ community has been present and part of our culture since the ancient times. Yet, the community is frowned upon in today’s time.

Different terms

Some of the terms of the community are-

Agender- It is someone who isn’t connected to the traditional system of gender.

Androgyny– It is a gender expression used for those who has both male and female anatomy.

Asexual– Asexual individuals are those who have no or very little interest in sexual behaviors.

Bicurious– Bicurious are those who are curiously attracted towards people of the same gender. Bicurious people aren’t sure of their sexual preferences and are curious and trying out.

Bisexual– It is an expression used for those who are attracted to both men and women.

Cisgender- Cisgenders are those whose sex at birth and gender identity match in the expected way.

Demisexual – Demisexuals cannot experience sexual attraction until romantic feelings are involved with someone.

Drag king– drag kings are females who dress up as male for performance.

Drag queens– Drag queens are those males who dress up as females for performance.

Fag(got)– it is a slang term used for gay people. It is seen as an offensive term in some cultures and should be avoided.

Femme– it is generally used for someone who identifies themselves as feminine be it mentally , physically or emotionally.

Gay– Term used for those who are attracted on to people of the same gender, be it male or female. It is also used as an umbrella term for anyone who is not straight.

Gender binary– the concept that only two genders exist.

Gender identity– It is how one sees oneself and how they label themselves.

Heterosexual– heterosexual are those who are attracted to only the opposite gender.

Lesbian– lesbians are those who are sexually attracted to only other women.

Pansexual– pansexuals are those who are attracted to people irrespective of their gender. The attraction is based on personalities.

Third gender– third gender is used for those who neither identify themself as male or female.