“Kids need parents, regardless of their gender.”
India has a population of around 2.5 million people who belong to the LGBTQIA+ community according to government estimates. Even though the community is huge in number, it has always been a victim of discrimination and harassment.
The decriminalization of Section 377 in 2018 was widely celebrated. It was a ray of hope that things will slowly turn around for the LGBTQIA+ community in India. But it was just the beginning. There are still a lot of things that need to be done. Even after two years, they struggle for basic human rights such as education, healthcare, marriage, and adoption.
Why is Same-Sex Parenting a taboo in India?
There are many poems, books and movies written around the subject of parenting. Raising children is a very rewarding and joyful experience in a person’s life. But when it comes to same-sex parenting, it is considered a taboo in the Indian society. Just because two people of the same gender are in love and want to have children. It is considered unnatural. Homophobia is deep rooted in the minds of people that they fail to recognize basic human rights.
Why Is Homosexuality Against Indian Culture: https://youtu.be/6K2uz60Qv-A
What are the Problems in Same-Sex Parenting?
In a country like India where single parents and live-in couples face so many challenges and struggles in society, LGBTQIA+ parents are not even considered a part of the communication. Although single parents can still opt for adoption, it is not the same for same-sex parents. They can adopt as a single parent but this deprives the other partner of any legal right over the child.
On one hand, the members of the LGBTQIA+ community aren’t able to adopt a child and on the other hand orphans in India are increasing day by day. According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), India has about 29.6 million orphaned and abandoned children. ( Read more: https://www.giveindia.org/blog/abandoned-children-palna/ )
It’s appalling that the law would have orphaned children to be raised without a family rather than being raised by homosexual couples. And now, they are not allowed to have their own children through surrogacy. The right to surrogacy is only reserved for married Indian couples. Everyone should have to right to be a parent. It is unfortunate that same-sex couples are denied of it because of their gender identity or sexuality.
What are the pros and cons of Same-Sex Parenting?
Homosexual couples are still classified as “inferior families” even though several studies have proven that LGBTQ parents absolutely fit to take care of a child, just like straight parents. Some might say even more so.
My Two Mums (The Myths of Gay Adoption) | Lynne Elvins | TEDxBristol: https://youtu.be/NAcuH7n-dLc
There are many benefits of growing up with gay parents. They tend to more be motivating than opposite-sex parents. These couples turn to adoption as their options are limited when it comes to having a child. They have struggled to adopt and have worked really hard to become a parent, which makes them more motivated, and involved in their children’s life. According to a 2010 study on gay parenting, it was found that the children of homosexual parents are growing up to well-adjusted and have good self-esteem. ( Read more: https://news.usc.edu/5011/Sociology-Study-examines-gender-roles-of-children-with-gay-parents/ )
It has been proven that same-sex relationships are more stable than traditional ones, thus providing a better example for their children. LGBTQ parents are more likely to teach their children to be more accepting towards others ad not to judge too quickly because they might have struggled with this while growing up. They are also more open-minded as they are not confined to everyone else’s point of view. According to a paper published in 2007, interviews with 46 adults with at least one gay parent were conducted and 28 of them spontaneously said that they felt more open-minded and empathetic than people raised by straight parents. ( Read more: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-19519-007 )
Kids of homosexual parents would be more sympathetic accepting towards people of the LGBTQIA+ community. And if they know someone who is struggling to come out, they can help and support them as they know what their parents went through. In a study published in 2012, a group of 49 teenagers and young adults with gay parents were interviewed and not one of them rejected the right of gays and lesbians to marry. ( Read more: https://www.livescience.com/17913-advantages-gay-parents.html )
While we look at the positives, we must also look at the negatives. Being part of an LGBTQ family, it is a given that people in society will view you a certain way. So it is important for the parents to teach their children how to respond to that. Society will always have an opinion about you. Parents will always try to protect their children from this but it is important that they grow and learn from their own experiences in life.
It is a common misconception that children will face problems with same-sex parents because of their sexual orientation. But seeing the advantages of growing up in an LGBTQ household, it’s clear that it’s a myth.
A person’s ability to be a good parent doesn’t depend on whether they are gay or straight.
Children thrive and benefit from a healthy and happy environment regardless of the gender of the parents, whether it’s a mom and a dad, two moms, or two dads. A family is a family and children deserve a stable home to grow up and be whoever they want to be. And as parents, it’s their job to care for them and love them no matter what.
It’s time we redefine what is considered a family.
How we as a society can support the LGBTQIA+ community?
Anyone regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation can support the LGBTQIA+ community. You can be an Ally. An ally is supports and accepts the LGBTQ people and fights for equal rights.
To support LGBTQ+ people you need to educate yourself and the people around you. Once you learn more about their community, history, culture, struggles and activism, you will be able to understand them better. There are many books and documentaries you can refer to. Making an effort to learn new things is very important. Once you are aware, you can spread this information with others.
You may know people who aren’t as understanding and supportive of the LGBTQ+ issues as you are. They might be homophobic or discriminatory. Even if it feels difficult, the right thing to do is take a step forward and speak up. It might be awkward, but when you talk about it, it educates others. It lets them know what they are saying is offensive. It may even change their outlook about the whole situation.
If someone comes out to you, the first thing to do is to tell them you accept them. You should let them know that you will always support them. And as an ally, you must stand-up for them.
- State Of Pride: https://youtu.be/_J48BIRaG7A
- Satyamev Jayate Season 3 | Episode 3 | Accepting Alternative Sexualities: https://youtu.be/UIUQJN1B0aQ
How can we learn from other countries?
Slowly and gradually many countries have come around this topic of homosexuality and have been given the right to marry and adopt like straight couples. But in India, it still remains a struggle for the LGBTQ+ community. Although the youth is more open minded, most people aren’t. People have to hide their sexuality and are unable to express themselves openly.
In urban India, awareness has been created about LGBTQIA+ through various platforms like social and print media. Activism has played a huge role in gathering people and spreading awareness. Even then, homosexual people face discrimination on a daily basis. But in rural India, there is no such thing as activism or awareness. People are harassed and tortured because of lack of information on the subject.
As of now, only 29 out of 195 countries in the world have legalized same sex marriage. In these countries, homosexual couples enjoy the same rights as any other. Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001. In 2019, Taiwan became the first Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage. We need to learn from countries like these and legalize same sex marriages in India. After all they are human beings and deserve equal rights like everybody else. ( Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/06/13/countries-where-same-sex-marriage-is-officially-legal/39514623/ )
LGBT Youth Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm
Phenomenal 👍
Thank you