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Abstract

This research applies a literature review-based framework of analysis towards the subject matter of the stigma towards same-sex attraction in India. The research question it proposes is ‘What were the contributing factors to the delays in the decriminalisation of Section 377 in modern-day India, and does the stigma towards same-sex attraction continue?’. The basis of this research lies within the legislation of India, in particular the now removed law Section 377 from the country’s colonial Penal Code. This research specifically explores what maintained the longevity of the law up to its decriminalisation in 2018, and thus what factors internal and external to India reinforced such a stigma towards same-sex attraction. It brings alight the role of religious and cultural ideals not only exported from colonialism, but also the centuries long role of Hinduism through the continual importance of caste to Indian cultural values. It has established the importance of inequalities within the country that are intersectional and help establish how sexuality in India and its stigma cannot be looked at in isolation to caste and gender. Thus, many academics works are analysed with relation to the question of why the law Section 377 and the stigma towards same-sex attraction has been held on with an iron fist in India. It has understood that the question of whether the changing in legislation following 2018 has established a path to a more progressive India free of such a stigma is disputed. Whilst the media has and continues to be a space for progression and representation, work continues to be required to have a consistency of acceptance and active anti-discrimination in the social and family spheres of India.  

Course: International Development Studies and Languages - BA (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2024-02-08

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14382.html