The document explores the complex facets of homosexuality, discussing biological, psychological, cultural, legal, and social perspectives. It highlights historical and contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in India, where Section 377 criminalizes homosexuality. The document also addresses the impact of media representations and calls for acceptance and rights for homosexuals in society.

1. IntroductionSexual orientation HomosexualitySexual identity

2. Reasons of HomosexualityIs it biological / genetic or learned behavior/ psychological?No concrete evidence yet. “…even we doctors are uncertain about the subject.” - Dr. Watsa

3. Biological perspectiveScale of sexuality

4. The twin brother study

5. Study of the hypothalamus of gay men.

6. Preference for same sex partner by adult rams.The other perspectiveHomosexuality- a learned behaviour

7. Role of parental and family dynamicsHEALTH RISKSProne to STDsAnal cancer

8. Chlamydia trachomatis

9. Giardialambia

10. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

11. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (In India, 10% of 2.3 million homosexuals are HIV infected)Viral hepatitis

12. Syphilis

13. Bacterial vaginosis (and many more)2. Mental healthPsychiatric illness3. Shortened life span

14. Treatment therapyConversion therapies

15. Shock therapy

16. Behaviour therapy

17. Administration of nausea- induction of drugs

18. Do these therapies work – NO !! “……This question has been asked very frequently of whether one can actually change his/her sexuality, but to the simpler form, the answer is no…” - Dr. Watsa

19. Gay and Lesbian Movements1950’s – Daughters of Bilitis and Mattachine society

20. 1968 – Metropolitan Common Church

21. 1969 – the Stonewall Riots

22. 1970 – University of Chicago Gay Liberation Front

23. 1992 – Lesbian Avengers

24. In India – Demand for the amendment of Sec 377 of Indian Penal Code.Cultural Perspective Earliest recorded evidence of a homosexual couple – Egyptian male couple in around 2400 BC

25. Two most prominent and ancient occurrences of homosexuality include Roman homosexuality and Greek Homosexuality.

26. Most European nations did not accept homosexuality openly.

27. In ancient America, a common accepted concept of sexuality (homosexuality) was called the Two Spirit Individual.

28. In East Asia (especially Thailand) has not only accepted the concept of homosexuality but also allows open display of one’s sexuality.Cultural Perspective In India, there is no explanation to clarify what a sexual misconduct is and what kind of a relationship would it ideally apply to.

29. The Manusmriti disapproves of homosexuality and prescribes a number of punishments both for lesbianism and gay relationships.

30. Some of the punishments prescribed by the Manusmriti are as follows:

31. A lesbian relationship between an older woman and a younger one – the older one’s head is shaved off or two fingers cut and ride the donkey through the town.

32. Two men in a gay relationship are punished to bathe, dressed in his/their clothes.

33. Middle eastern Islamic cultures do not approve of homosexual relationships but they’ve had their share of homosexual relationship both in the past and in recent times.

34. Persia was the only Arabic nation that allowed and recognized male houses of prostitution.Religious PerspectiveAlmost all religions discourage homosexual activities.

35. Christianity considers homosexuality a sin. The Bible lays down death penalty for the one who engages in homosexual activities.

36. Islam is against homosexuality. The Quran considers homosexuality as sinful and unnatural. It believes such behaviour should not be desired by men and it does not even acknowledge lesbianism.

37. Hinduism was open to various ideas of sexuality in the medieval times. But the Manusmriti does not accept homosexuality.Literature and ArtHomosexuality is said to be an inspiration to some literature as well as artworks.

38. Kamasutra and Khajurao reflect the medieval period’s open acceptance of homosexuality.

39. IsmatChugtai’s ‘The Lihaf’