Introduction
“Coming out” to the world is a big step in accepting who you are. Sexual orientations such as homosexuality define someone and cannot be changed in any way whatsoever. People wish to explore this concept, experience new emotions, and venture into the unknown. For homosexuals, fitting in is about finding like-minded people or a community you belong in, so there is no need to be ashamed, and it’s time to start accepting who you are inside.
Who is homosexual?
A 19th-century German sexologist coined “homosexuality”[1], defining sexual attraction between two same-sex individuals. The interest can be physical, sexual, intellectual, or even in other realms, culminating in a relationship. Homosexuality is an acceptable sexual orientation in the 21st century. Homosexuality is a concept prevalent in humans and a common sight in the animal kingdom. In recent years, New York’s Central Park Zoo hosted two male chinstrap penguins named Roy and Silo. They have been inseparable for six years, and they display bonding and perform sexual activities while ignoring their female mates. Similar behaviours are seen in birds, sheep, dolphins and many more creatures in the wild.
Know More About How to Know If You Are Bisexual
Is it shameful to be a homosexual?
It is not shameful to be a homosexual[3], and it’s essential to know the steps to “coming out.” They are as follows:
Step 1 – The sexual orientation of homosexuality might be confusing at first, and an individual might think again and again if they are homosexual. Denial and confusion might be the go-to emotions during this phase.
Step 2 – After struggling with these emotions, they accept reality and understand what they are. Although the distress of realizing homosexuality decreases, they may feel isolated. It is due to being alienated, not knowing if people close to them would understand, or because of society’s tolerance of this sexual orientation.
Step 3 – Coming out to family, friends, and loved ones could be difficult, but it’s something to be done. They might take some time to process, but they will come around. There are answers during this stage, questions regarding sexual orientation, and finally, they accept homosexuals as their sexual orientation.
Step 4 – Forming a community or meeting people through this is essential. They could help people understand more about homosexuality and how to embrace it completely.
Step 5 – After accepting and understanding homosexuality, they incorporate it into every aspect of life. They feel more confident among people and take their sexuality entirely in public.
Explore More About Emotional Challenges for L.G.B.T. Community – The Contribution of Victorian Morality in It
Coming out of the closet, accepting homosexuality:
Society is a living and breathing organism[2]. There are several opinions, many of which might contradict your beliefs. It has deemed heterosexuality the traditional sexual orientation, and hence “straight” people never had to go through the strenuous process of coming out.
Being a homosexual, you might be separated or looked at differently. However, coming out of the closet is vital in accepting your sexual orientation. Even though you lose a few people on the way to understanding yourself, you will gain a community of like-minded people. Homosexuality was considered a criminal offence in India under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. It was introduced by the British in 1861 and made homosexual acts punishable by law, and this law effectively criminalized the LGBTQ+ community and subjected them to harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community in India faced discrimination in various forms, including social stigma, loss of employment opportunities, and denial of housing and medical services. They also faced physical violence, including sexual assault and police brutality, and were often subjected to so-called “conversion therapies” to change their sexual orientation. In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court struck down Section 377 and declared homosexuality legal. It was a landmark ruling widely celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. However, discrimination persists to this day in society. So when coming out, it’s always best to prepare for multiple reactions that might not appeal to you. Some people might need more time to process the information, but they will eventually come to your aid.
Know More About Explaining Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in a Simple Way
What should you do if you are in a homosexual relationship?
Love is a construct that is the same in all relationships. Whether it be heterosexual couples or homosexual couples, they have the same problems, pleasures, and struggles. Just like any relationship, when it comes to homosexual relationships, there is a “honeymoon phase,” “the transitioning phase”, and the “getting-to-know-each-other” phase. So in homosexual relationships, here’s something you can do to strengthen the bonds between each other.
Respect the process
In many situations, even though one individual in the relationship came out as a homosexual, the other might not have. The coming out process is quite personal, and the pace is different. So it’s always good to respect each other’s boundaries, support them when they come out to family and friends, and understand their process. It will strengthen your bond.
Be a part of a community
Finding like-minded people facing your problems could be empowering in certain circumstances. They may understand you better than others because they face the same issues. So, keep an eye out for your favourite people.
Open up to your partner
Similar to other relationships, homosexual relationships require deep intimacy to survive. The problems of “coming out” and sharing feelings with your family or friends could bring you down. However, practising intimacy and creating bonds and new experiences is essential with your partner. Not only does this strengthen bonds, but it also gives you a sense of acceptance that you’ve chosen the right path.
Read more about How Do I Know My Sexual Orientation?
Conclusion
Society might not be on board with you announcing your sexual orientation. However, “coming out” of the closet and proclaiming to the world who you are is one of the main facets of accepting who you are. It’s not shameful to be a homosexual, but it’s something that you have to celebrate. Keep people who support you close, seek the aid of your community, and accept who you are and what you’ve become.
Talk To Our Experts
References
- https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/same-sex-couples-how-to-strengthen-your-relationship/
- https://www.washington.edu/counseling/thinking-of-coming-out
- https://www.icliniq.com/articles/sexual-health/homosexuality