LGBTQ+ Discrimination in India: A Struggle for Dignity and Equality Introduction Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community continues to be a persistent issue in India, despite legal advancements. LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), and others who fall outside of heterosexual and cisgender norms. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018 by the Supreme Court, social, economic, and cultural exclusion still dominate the lives of queer individuals. This article explores the multifaceted nature of LGBTQ+ discrimination in India, the affected groups, systemic challenges, and the way forward. What is LGBTQ+ Discrimination? LGBTQ+ discrimination refers to the unfair treatment, violence, marginalization, and exclusion faced by individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes verbal abuse, bullying, denial of employment, lack of access to education, homelessness, physical and sexual violence, and social ostracism. In I...
Introduction Caste-based discrimination is a deeply entrenched social issue in India. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and numerous legal protections, millions of Indians—especially Dalits (Scheduled Castes)—continue to face exclusion, violence, and systemic marginalization due to their caste identity. This form of discrimination is not limited to villages or remote areas; even in cities, caste-based prejudices persist in subtle and overt ways. The injustice is structural and historic, perpetuating inequality generation after generation. Historical Background of the Caste System The Indian caste system is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago and was traditionally divided into four varnas: Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Outside this hierarchy were the so-called "untouchables," now referred to as Dalits. They were assigned the most degrading tasks, such as cleaning human waste, skinnin...