The Queer/Sexual minority which inter alia includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (hereinafter LGBT) people is not a new phenomenon in todays scenario. LGBT share a particular experience of their own sexual desires, as potentially directed toward a person of the same gender. They have transformed these experiences, desires, and practices into a social identity, a sexual orientation, which serves as a marker of individual selves and of a group.
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexuals, are considered as homosexuals whereas Transgender is used as an umbrella term. It can be used broadly to describe individuals that do not conform to the gender role expectations of their biological sex. The social stigma associated with non-conventional sexual orientation, gender behaviour or cross-gender identity still leads to social isolation for sexual minority. In many parts of the world including India, being member of sexual minority is not seen as a right, but as a wrong. Homosexuality is considered a sin or an illness, a social or ideological deviation, or a betrayal of ones culture. The systematic exclusion for sexual minor people from law and society is not contemporary practice but it has been coming from many ancient societies, laws, culture and Justice Systems. The most striking aspects of crimes and practices against LGBT individuals are the extent to which these crimes go unreported.
Research data have revealed that the social and legal situation of LGBT people, however, continues to be worrying. Homophobic and transphobic hate speech and hate crimes are result of apathy towards them from all corners. Many hate crime victims also prefer to suffer the trauma of victimisation in silence rather than to expose themselves to any risk of being attacked a second time. Other reasons include the fear of being out.
The book concludes with some strong and viable recommendations, which are requisite to ensure safe and proper place to LGBT in society, inculcating humane approach in to laws and criminal justice system. Educations and awareness programmes through various means and various places can bring positive changes.
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