Homosexuals, People like us.

The world has myriad types of people with different lifestyles, practices, customs and traditions. While we have learnt to accept them, we have not totally accepted a certain group of people yet. Homosexuals refer to couples of the same sex who have sexual desires towards each other. Homosexuals are still ostracized by most people because they are believed to go against the norm. Some people shun them away saying they are hedonistic and loose people with no family and children to take care of. It might be true that homosexuals do not have their own child, but some homosexuals in US adopt children thus having their own family to take care of. Homosexuals with no families contribute their valuable time in doing community services and helping the people in need which is something many heterosexuals fail to do. Moreover, not all homosexuals are loose and hedonistic. There are some who hold important job positions and responsibilities, contributing to the economy. Infact, it’s the heterosexuals who indulge in sexual behaviour publicly most of the time.

Homosexuals are normal people like everyone just with a different look to their sexual needs. They need not be chased away and driven to the margins of the society because of this. Criminalising the act of homosexuality exactly does this. It is a fact that HIV is prevalent among homosexuals than heterosexuals, criminalizing will not help the situation because “normal” people might be homosexuals behind closed doors too. The issue of health should be rather educated in them to improve the situation.

Some people might argue that decriminalizing the act of homosexuality will lead to more promiscuous behaviours in public and also gives gays and lesbians groups and lobbies a platform from which they can promote and champion their cause which could be harmful to the society. They might also become overt and push for further societal approval for their activities. This might be true but homosexuals are too much oppressed by the public and this will only make situations worse.

By accepting them, most likely, they will be more encouraged to conform to common social values, such as responsible sexual behaviour, as well as play a part in contributing to civic life. Thus there is no need to be fearful of them being harmful society. There is currently the Section 377 to send the signal that homosexuality is still unacceptable. If decriminalizing is seen more harmful then just let homosexuals be homosexuals. It is choice of lifestyle so let it be so and let them continue at the privacy of their homes without interfering with the laws.

Reference: ST forum page dated 3 May.