‘What is sexuality?’
Your sexuality is your sexual identity, your likes, and preferences as to how you choose to express yourself sexually; what traits you admire in a potential partner, and so on. I believe we must make an active effort towards ensuring that this topic is not treated as a taboo and start making space for unconventional sexual choices as per society, so as to create a safe space for everyone regardless of their gender preferences.
Mental well-being
In Indian society, mental health illnesses have often been treated as something that scar one’s reputation and must not be discussed publicly. This has led many people who needed help, to shy away from going to see a therapist and get the help they required, thereby worsening their condition. Though we have made progress over a period of time as a society, and a lot more people have started giving mental health problems the same importance that they would give to any other physical ailments in their body; there is still a long way to go before we can fully normalize these problems even to the less fortunate sections of our society and make mental healthcare accessible to all.
Feeling Unaccepted
Feeling alienated due to one's orientation can take a toll on a person’s self-image and increase symptoms of mental and physical disorders like anger, depression and psychological pain. Not having someone to talk to and bottling up emotions may manifest into various sorts of physical illnesses in the body later.
Getting bullied for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Being bullied and picked on because of who you are scars people, eventually making them more prone to developing into disturbed individuals with trauma which they do not know how to deal with. Not having a supportive family or friends who understand you and can protect you in such situations can be way harder than we realize. Become an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether or not you belong to the LGTBTQ+ community it is essential that we make efforts to help normalize free expression of love by supporting any of our friends who might be suffering in silence.
Here are few things you can do:
● Educate yourself about different sexualities and try not to make them feel burdened with various questions.
● If you ever come across someone being bullied due to their orientation, do your best to put a stop to the harassment.
● Help them reach a reliable adult who can ensure their safety.
● Encourage them to believe in themselves and avoid any self-doubting questions by letting them know their feelings are as valid as anybody else’s and that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
● Discourage any hurtful comments/jokes your friends might make unintentionally by helping them become aware of the gravity of the matter.
In a world where we thrive from freedom of expression, it is only fair that we are given the right to express love to whomever we may choose to without being shamed for it.
By- Gauri Kumar
Gauri Kumar is an advocate for neurodiversity with Project Inclusion'20.
This is her first blog, make sure to like and share!
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