LGBTQ,a topic that is highly debated and a very controversial issue. The concept of homosexuality and related identities have sparked a lot of global discussions and debates,and India is no exception to this.

There are people who believe LGBTQ is a foreign concept and it goes against our culture .In fact, when I heard about it ,it sounds crazy. But when I began to explore ,I realized that it's quite important and  decided to explore what our culture heritage says about homosexuality . Here we'll look into the historical and mythological characters and references in our country to gain a deeper understanding of this topic.

THE KAMA SUTRA 

Kama Sutra, the famous ancient Indian book,which talks about the human sexuality, also has a part where it talks about the same sex attraction and behavior . Chapter nine of Kamasutra,which discusses many different but taboo topics of today,such as oral sexual acts,homosexuality and sexual activities among the transgender people. 

It describes a category of men called, Tritiya Prakriti or third nature,who are seen as having both male and female qualities .

In chapter Purushayita, there is a mention of Swairini , which means an independent women who engages in sexual activities with other women by acknowledging that existence ,the book goes on to say that it's okay to be attracted to someone of the same sex, and if they both agree and like it,they can explore it togather. 

The Kama Sutra  even mentions about 8 different types of marriages,including what is called as “Gandharva Vivah” which recognizes same sex marriages. 

RIG VEDA

In the Rig Veda there is a story about two guards named Varun and Mitra who are referred to be as Mitra Varun. They are believed to be the same sex couple who represent the two halves of the moon.

Historians and scholars have also identified a lot of evidence for same sex relationships and eroticism in ancient Indian art.

For example:  The Erotics cultures of Khajuraho and Konark Temple.

These cultures portray a lot of sexual activities, including same sex relationships between men.

SHIKANDI - The Mahabharata's Transgender Warrior. 

Shikandi is a famous character for Mahabharata who born as a female, but raised as a Male.  He was a skilled and respected warrior. 

who bravely fought many battles. In the Kurukshetra war that happened between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Shikandi played a significant role in the victory of Pandavas. 

However, what made Shikandi's story even more fascinating was his relationship with his wife . Shikandi's wife was aware of his gender identity and accepted him for who he was. Their relationship is often cited as an example for Same sex relationships in India. 

》According to Matsya Purana, there was a king named Bhagiratha, who was said to have been born from the love of two queens. 

》According to Bagavada Purana, Lord Vishnu had taken Mohini Avatar,a form of women and defeated a demon. Then Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who was in Mohini Avatar made love with each other and gave birth to Lord Ayyappa. 

These stories are sometimes interpreted as a celebration of homosexuality . However, not all scholars agree on this. It's important to remember that interpretation of ancient texts can vary from people to people . Also in many Tamil literatures, which was written to Lord Perumal, like Thiruvaimozhi the male Aalwars considered themselves as females and wrote Love poems for the God . 

And finally in the Islam community, we have historical characters            Ala-ud-din Khilji  and Malik Kafur. Yes, the same characters that we have seen in the movie Padmavat. 

Historians say that Malik Kafur and Khilji may have had a romantic relationship. 

Despite the ongoing debate about their relationship, it's a well known fact that Malik Kafur was an important figure in the governing of Delhi sultanate and leading various battles  that expanded the empire. 

Even if we discard all these debates of past,let's not forget that this culture was never afraid of evolving. There is no one written books in this culture which tells you this is what you should do,and this is what you shouldn't do.

India has one of the highest suicidal records of homosexual people. Homosexuality is not a mental health problem .

IT IS REAL.

Let's start accepting that. And people who identify themselves as Homosexual have a really tough time in the society. 

Let's say if they want to live together, they can simply live together na ?

Why do they need to legalize it?

Without the recognition from the government, no matter how long they live together ,they'll be simply considered as individuals . They can't use each other's name for insurance, bank details,Aadhaar card , ration card, a passport or anything They'll never be considered  as a family by the government . Even if they want to adopt the child or go for surrogacy, they can't do it as a couple, only one person in that relationship can legally be a parent . How sad is that? A lot of Homosexuals who have means are migrating to other countries simply to live a normal life, and those who do not have that kind of privilege are living a life of hell here. I don't understand why is there even a debate about this. Same sex marriages are the need of the hour. I hope the judicial system will realize this soon.