Sexuality offers us a world that we can re-interrogate and renegotiate and yet we would like to stay bound to the understanding that we have had over the last hundred years. The world is changing and we need to start addressing that change so that women and men who inhabit this new world have more options available to them and are able to live lives that are not restricted and can move towards a future that is charted by them in accordance with their desires and dreams.
Sex refers to the biological characteristics, which define humans as female or male. These sets of biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive as there are individuals who possess both, but these characteristics tend to differentiate humans as males and females (World Health Organization). And to this I added that sex can be altered or constructed in case someone wishes to do so.
Gender equity means fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. In the development context, a gender equity goal often requires built-in measures to compensate for the historical and social disadvantages of women.
Gender equality entails the concept that all human beings, both men and women, are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles, or prejudices. Gender equality means that the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued and favoured equally. It does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transperson: The situation of LGBT persons in India is different from that in the West. This is especially in reference to the persons from economically weaker sections. Culturally in India Hijra, is M to F transgender community who is accepted to be different, however it is interesting to note that they are not considered homosexuals. The terms like gays, lesbians, bisexuals and homosexuality are only in use in approximately 10% of the persons from community and non-community alike. In the state of Karnataka of south India, it is interesting to note that there are very few people who are out, except the Hijras who are visible. The percentage is even lower in case of lesbians and bisexual women, they are rarely seen. With the HIV/AIDS movement the so-called MSM community is still becoming visible. MSM is a term coined after the HIV/AIDS scenario as the entire LGBT community was not targeted for these interventions
Heterosexuality is those punitive rules (social, familial, and legal) that force us to conform to hegemonic, heterosexual standards for identity. The term is a short version of ‘normative heterosexuality.’
One of the biggest obstacles for this community is heterosexuality and its influence on the Indian society. The joint family system of India is culturally very strong and it can affect a person’s decision making to a large extent. Decision about marriage usually rests with the family especially if one is a girl, which is a big obstacle.
Another major obstacle is that homosexuality is criminalized by the Indian penal code (IPC 377) which leads to threat by family, police and society. However in the recent times there has been a lot of debate regarding decriminalizing homosexuality and it has opened up public and private spaces for such dialogue.
The major forms of oppression are torture by the family, taking them to quacks/psychiatrist to cure them of homosexuality. There is ridicule, stigma for a person if he appears effeminate from the family, educational institutions, neighbors and friends. If a person comes out to the family as a person who is LGBT, they would also have to go through the same oppression and would be usually forcibly married off. Sometimes there is sexual abuse and torture of the person in the name of curing the person.
There is much difference in the situation between women and men as there are different traditional values, though girls might be out to the parents, parents request/force them not to be out as the society labels bisexuals or lesbian women as sex maniacs, mentally ill etc. there are many suicides amongst lesbian women in India, however people are not ready to look at the situation as a crisis for women who love women. The gay/bisexual men on the other hand are freer to move around, live together without being out to others etc. In the Indian society women are generally controlled at the parental home first and later in the marital home. This may not be the case with elite upper class women. Whereas men own assets like land, property etc and are comparatively more at liberty to lead their lives.
Sexuality according to WHO (2004)
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.
Sexual health according to WHO
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled. (These definitions do not represent an official WHO position, and should not be used or quoted as WHO definitions)
Sexual stigma, sexual norms and the regulation of sexuality
In India cultural beliefs play a significant role in expression of ones sexuality and religion provides legitimacy to it. The concept of sex, and speaking about sexual act is taboo and is therefore considered sinful when spoken about. There is sufficient curiosity about physical and emotional changes amongst adolescent. However it is considered socially unacceptable to educate children and young adults on this matter. This leads to people exploring their sexuality undercover in very unsafe circumstances leading most often to irresponsible behaviour and abuse. Sexual norms are created around procreation and having sex for pleasure is unacceptable. This becomes evident from the fact that Indians do not tolerate homosexuality, bisexuality and even asexuality unless it is legitimized by religion.
Women are further denied the freedom of expressing their sexuality and are considered “bad character” when a woman tries to express her sexuality even with her husband. Though there has been women loving women, but it is seldom out, remaining within the four walls of homes (read joint families). Stigmatization of positive sexual education causes confusion amongst young adults leading to sexual abuse and unsafe sexual behaviour. Sexual norms are defined by the society around procreation and not for pleasure, expression of ones sexuality outside the framework of heteronormativity is stigmatized, especially women.
Sexual stigma and regulation of sexuality has lead to sexual abuse amongst young adults and even older women. People explore sexuality outside heterosexuality, often leading to diseases and death. Stigma and discrimination of homosexual and bisexuals will not stop unless there are efforts towards inclusive education. Immediate steps would be in providing education on sexuality in schools. Make policy makers understand the negative effects of sexual stigma and regulation of sexuality on young adults.
Sexual Rights
World Health Organization (WHO) Working Definition of Sexual Rights
Sexual rights embrace human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international human rights documents and other consensus statements. They include the right of all persons, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, to the highest attainable standard of sexual health, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services; seek, receive and impart information related to sexuality; sexuality education; respect for bodily integrity; choose their partner; decide to be sexually active or not; consensual sexual relations; consensual marriage; decide whether or not, and when, to have children; and pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life.
The responsible exercise of human rights requires that all persons respect the rights of others. (WHO 2004)
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