Author(s): Madan Mohan Laddunuri

Abstract: With its diverse culture, customs, religions, beliefs, and faith, India stands out as the world's largest democracy, guaranteeing its citizens' fundamental rights to equality and opportunity, as well as the freedom of speech and expression, their right to practise their religion, and their right to a free and appropriate education through its very constitution. Our constitution's equality clause (articles 14 and 15) prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. The right to life and personal liberty is guaranteed by Article 21 of the constitution, which is the most important justification for repealing the antiquated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which had outlawed homosexuality since the 19th century. The basic rights protected by our constitution's articles 14, 19, and 21 were breached by Section 377 of the IPC. Even though it wasn't that early, on September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision by overturning and finally ending the prohibition of section 377 in India. Even gays have the same right to privacy and to live with dignity in society as do heterosexuals. The historical ruling allowed homosexuals in India to be accepted as natural persons and to enjoy the freedom to live and love as they choose.The topic of homosexuality was forbidden for a very long time, but only after this ruling did Indians begin to talk more openly about it in public. The Indian population is becoming more aware of homosexuality, which is assisting in coping with, adjusting to, and accepting homosexuals into an inclusive society. However, prejudice and other negative attitudes toward homosexuals are present due to various cultures and lifestyles incorporated into most religions, which causes conflict in the community. The stigmatised traditional social constructs, authoritarian parents with homophobic beliefs, and the vast majority of people who lack knowledge and understanding of sex and gender studies can all contribute to homophobia. The purpose of the study is to determine how Indians feel about homosexuals in the present. It seeks to uncover peoples' knowledge and comprehension of homosexuality and to examine their covert homophobia. An online cross-sectional survey using the questionnaire approach served as the study's foundation. The need to comprehend, recognise, and articulate the issues in-depth was brought into effect, and the snowball sampling method was developed with questions relating to sex education, knowledge of homosexuality, attitude toward homosexuality, and relevant details to study and analyse the perception and views of the Indian Society regarding homosexuals. Googleforms was used to get the information. The participants' awareness of homosexuality was fair and positive. They proclaimed support for and positivity toward homosexuals. According to the study, the adult and adolescent populations (between the ages of 18 and 35) made up the majority of the survey's participants. Most of the respondents were members of the educated class who are Indian university graduates. The findings showed that while the participants were well aware that gays exist and that societal acceptance of them is pluralistic and equally just, fair, and valid, personal and cultural homophobia nonetheless persisted in them. The problems won't disappear overnight. They are the result of long-standing stigma. We must let go of our naivety, dismantle conventional homophobic notions, embrace reality, and work for a more equitable, libertarian, and just society if we want to live in one. To help with their inclusion in society, practical advice like effective parenting and a friendly attitude toward gays should be put into practise. Prioritize taking measures to incorporate "gender and sex education" into the curriculum so that kids are taught about it from the start and develop a universal acceptance of homosexuals as a normal part of society. Expanded understanding and awareness of the issues facing gays should be promoted through workshops, seminars, webinars, and other forums. To accelerate the revolution in the rights and freedoms of homosexuals, information must be made available to the general population. Although there is a long battle ahead, it is not insurmountable. Everyone has a right to article 21 under the Indian constitution, regardless of gender. The homo community deserves to live in a just, equitable, and respectable society. In order to proudly live in a free and brave India, they must be accepted wholeheartedly.

Keywords: LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender& Queer), IPC (Indian Penal Code), Homosexuality, Homophobia, India

Article Info: Received: 15 Nov 2020; Received in revised form: 15 Dec 2020; Accepted: 20 Dec 2020; Available online: 31 Dec 2020

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.56.99