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Gay
and lesbian travellers
While overt displays of affection between the members of the opposite sex, such as cuddling and handholding, are frowned upon in India, it is not unusual to see Indian men holding hands with each other or engaged in other close affectionate behaviour. This does not necessarily suggest that they are gay. The gay movement in India is confirmed almost exclusively to larger cities and Mumbai is really is really the only place where there's a gay 'scene'. Since marriage is seen as very important, to be gay is a particular
stigma - most gays stay in the closest or risk being disowned by their families.
As with relations between heterosexual western couples traveling in India - both married and unmarried - gay and lesbian travellers should exercise discretion and refrain from displaying overt affection towards each other in public.
Legal status
Homosexual relations for men are illegal in India. Section 377 of the national legislation forbids 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature' (that is, anal intercourse). The penalties for transgression can be up to life imprisonment. Because of this gay travellers could be the subject of blackmail - take care. There is no law against lesbian relations.
Publications & Groups
Bombay Dost is a gay and lesbian publication available from:
105 Veena Beena Shopping Centre, Bandra (W) Mumbai
The People Tree, 8 Parliament St, Mew Delhi
An Classic Books, 10 Middleton St, Calcutta.
Support groups include:
Bombay Dost (address above)
Pravartak
Post Bag 10237, Calcutta, West Bengal 700019
Sakhi (Lesbian Group)
PO Box 3526, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi 110024
Sneha Sangama
PO Box 3250, RT Nagar, Bangalore 560032.
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