Straight outta India

That homosexuality is still a criminal offence under section 377 of the Indian penal code is a sad reality. Perhaps what is even more sad is my observation that many Indian medical educators, if not most, and that largely includes practising doctors, are homophobic. They believe that homosexuality is a mental deviation that needs treatment. This observation was reaffirmed when I talked to students from colleges throughout southern India.

In my sophomore year, much teaching focused on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the health of the Indian population. I was shocked to notice my professor declaring, “In Western countries, it primarily spreads among homosexuals. Of course, in our country, we don't have any homosexuals.” I protested, declaring that homosexuality is very much prevalent in our country. He was indifferent, and my colleagues were annoyed.

Later, I approached the professor and asked him what he thought of homosexual people. He declared his belief that there is no such thing as homosexuality and that it was an American invention. To see if this was echoed by others, I tried talking to a couple of professors under the pretext of having a friend who was homosexual. With the exception of a psychiatrist, the response was anything but different.

This would not be surprising for most citizens in India, who have grown up in overtly homophobic communities that fail to understand a distinct and highly oppressed subculture. And the moral rightwing authorities in India would stage a protest against anything that would “destroy their culture.” (Cinemas that screened Fire, a film depicting a lesbian relationship, were ransacked. Ironically, the Kama Sutra, which originated in India, contains stunning images …