While acceptance of homosexuality has not been fully entrenched in India, there is a shift in stance of the society and state regarding it. The factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude include religion, international discourse, individual rights, legal pronouncements, advancement of medical
understanding, etc.

Reasons for the attitude opposing homosexuality:

At the core lies the question that is it the natural expression of sexuality or merely a product of closet desires? Those opposed to homosexuality generally consider it to be the latter.

• Religion: Major religions such as Islam and Christianity consider homosexuality to be a sin explicitly.Further, religious groups of all major religions support criminalizing homosexuality.
• Traditional values: Indian culture espouses marriage, procreation and continuity of traditional values. People suppress homosexual tendencies to prevent ostracization by family members.
• Social stigma: For many Indians, homosexuality is still a taboo and a Westernized concept.
• Legal provisions: Section 377 of IPC criminalizes homosexuality and thus strict legal provisions have also shaped the attitude.
• Political reasons: The political class has shown apathy to LGBT rights in India mainly due to prevailing attitude in the society which can affect vote bank.
• Homosexuality has been considered a medical problem and claimed to be treatable with indigenous therapy.

However, off late, there has been considerable shift in the attitude of some sections of the society which led to the filing of PIL to quash the law criminalising homosexuality.

Reasons for the changing social attitude towardshomosexuality:

• Globalisation: With the free flow of information and ideas, the liberal attitude towards homosexuality held found in the developed world is being adopted by Indians as well.
• Social media: Social media networks are important platforms to accommodate homosexuals who need a support system.
• Film industry: The film industry is also increasingly depicting favourable attitude towards homosexuals.
• Support from organizations: Organisations like Humsafar Trust, Naz Foundation etc. support decriminalising homosexuality. They are aided by the favourable judgements by the higher judiciary, like in 2017; the SC stated that freedom to express sexual orientation is guaranteed under Article 21.
• Open social support: There is increasing youth support through participation in events like gay parade in Delhi, Bangalore etc.

Thus, both legal and social attitudes regarding homosexuality are witnessing change. There is a need to support legal rights of the LGBT community and develop positive social attitude towards them to prevent marginalization.