LGBT Movement in India: The Journey towards an Inclusive Society

Abstract

Equality in the society between the individuals irrespective of race, sex, religion, caste, place of birth or colour is a sign of a progressive society as it lays the path towards stability and harmony. Every human being has the right to be treated equally. However, Social hegemony2has tendency to exclude persons with “differences” which violates their inalienable Basic Human Rights. Till the year 2018, the LGBT community in India was suffering from exclusion. These people were considered to be either sex workers or criminals. They demanded a positive radical social change. The LGBT movement took the urge for tolerance and inclusion to a whole new level. The judiciary responded to their plea for equality first in Suresh Kumar Koushalv. Naz Foundation3 which culminated in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India4 where the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional rights of the LGBTQ+ people. In this backdrop, the present paper intends to point out the factors which led to inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community and led to social transformation.