VIPRA DAVE
India is one of the world's developing nations, but many people in India still hold conservative views, often using phrases like "It isn't our culture," "That is not what our ancestors have taught us," or "It's been this way for years, and we shouldn't change it." Some people pretend to be supportive, but deep down, they still harbor discriminatory thoughts. Slurs like 'gay' are still used with the intention to offend.
The other day, I showed a picture of a beautiful transgender woman to my somewhat orthodox friend, and he said, "We shouldn't go against the gender God has given us; it's not in our culture."
Today, I would like to talk about culture, and since around 80% of Indians are Hindus, let's discuss Hindu culture. Hindu mythology itself includes elements of intersex or transgender individuals in many religious texts like the Veda, Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, as well as many other regional texts.
Alain Danielou, a French historian, states that "The hermaphrodite, the homosexual, and the transvestite have a symbolic value and are considered privileged beings, images of the Ardhararishvara."
In the book 'Shikhandi' by Devdutt Pattanaik, the story of Shikhandi is mentioned. Shikhandi was the daughter of Panchala King Draupad and sister of Draupadi. She was brought up as a son and later became male biologically with the help of a Yaksha. Shikhandi played a major role in the war of Mahabharata.
The marriage of Ila/Sudumna and Budh also shows that Hindu mythology accepts queer marriages, and the Chandravansh dynasty was established because of a transgender union, whose descendants include Lord Krishna.
In Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, there's a verse that states: "पुरुष नपुंसक नारि वा जीव चराचर कोइ। सर्ब भाव भज कपट तजि मोहि परम प्रिय सोइ ||," which means, "Any male, any transgender, any female, or any living being, as long as they give up deceit and come to me with love for all, they are dearest to me," said by Lord Rama.
So, what about other members of the LGBTQ+ community, like lesbians, gays, bisexuals, etc.? Are they not a part of Hindu mythology? While Hindu mythology does not explicitly discuss them, it never denies their existence. The strong bond between "Sakhis" and "Sakhas" is often mentioned, although it does not directly address LGBTQ+ individuals.
Additionally, according to some Hindu mythologists, Dharmashastras (religious laws) are meant to change with Kala (time), Sthaan (place), and Patra (people).
Let's revisit our question: Have Indians truly accepted the LGBTQ+ community? No, many people prefer to remain ignorant. And should we blame our culture for this? You tell.
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