Introduction
The journey toward equality for the LGBTQ+ community in India has been one of resilience, activism, and gradual transformation in a historical and deep-rooted custom-driven conservative society. For centuries, members of the LGBTQ+ community faced criminalization, social exclusion, and discrimination. However, the community is not something new or vague that the nation has witnessed recently. Its origin can be traced back to the times of Mahabharat and Ramayana. However, the social attitude and perspective towards this community have undergone an unbalanced graph showing acceptance in the earlier times then shifting to disregarding them or frowning upon them to gain the era of legal and social acceptance. With the landmark decriminalization of homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)[1] India has taken a commendable step towards recognizing the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite this progress, many aspects of life for LGBTQ+ people including their civil and marital rights —such as marriage, adoption, and anti-discrimination protections—remain legally ambiguous and are yet to be clarified. The recent judgment in the case of Supriyo V. Union of India has up to an extent clarified the stance of the Parliament and the Indian Judiciary. Following the decision several steps have been taken at different levels to construe a more inclusive society for transgenders or commonly referred to as the third gender. This article traces the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in India, from the historical context of colonial laws to present-day legal battles and milestones. It seeks to examine the current status of rights around marriage and parenthood, evaluates the effectiveness of existing anti-discrimination protections, and discusses the potential for future reforms.
Historical Evolution of LGBTQ+ in India:
The community has existed since the homosapiens existed on earth. Several scriptures, manuscripts, and pictorial representations are evidence of their existence ages ago. However, the term LGBTQ+ became popular in later times. From about 1988, activists began to use the initialism of LGBT in the United States. Not until the 1990s within the movement did gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people gain equal respect[2].
Pre-Colonial Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ Identities
The concept of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations is not vague or new to India. Ancient texts, including the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, as well as Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art and literature, suggest that same-sex relationships were acknowledged in Indian society. Deities and mythological figures depicted in various forms hinted at the acceptance, or at least the existence, of LGBTQ+ identities. Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu were sometimes portrayed in androgynous forms, such as Ardhanarishvara (a composite of Shiva and Parvati) and Mohini (a female avatar of Vishnu). These narratives indicate that same-sex attraction was once culturally integrated and often respected in Indian society.
Colonial Era and the Introduction of Section 377
The arrival of British colonial rule in the 19th century marked a drastic shift in attitudes toward sexuality and gender expression. The colonial administration sought to impose Victorian moral standards, leading to the criminalization of homosexual acts under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, introduced in 1861. This law, modeled after Britain’s Buggery Act, penalized “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” with imprisonment and even life sentences. Section 377 effectively criminalized same-sex relations and contributed to a culture of silence, fear, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
The orthodox standards of British society had a deep impact on the Indian minds pushing them to see homosexuality and gender fidelity as a taboo in the society. Further the social stigma along with the fear of British penal laws created an atmosphere of fear and inferiority complex amongst the individuals belonging to the community leading them to further seal their true sexual identity.
Post-Independence Attitudes and Initial Movements for Change
In the decades following independence, societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals were largely shaped by conservative values and British moral standards. While the Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, guaranteed fundamental rights to all citizens, the LGBTQ+ community was often excluded from these protections in practice. Homosexuality remained a taboo subject and remained an offense under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, and discrimination in various forms—social, economic, and legal—persisted, compelling LGBTQ+ individuals to live in secrecy.
Despite the prevailing challenges, the late 20th century saw the beginnings of India’s LGBTQ+ movement. The AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s brought LGBTQ+ issues to public attention, albeit through a medical lens. NGOs, activists, and allies began advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly around health and anti-discrimination, setting the stage for future legal battles that would seek to dismantle Section 377 and secure constitutional protections. The biggest jump was overcome with the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. NALSA[3]. After this celebrated landmark judgement approach of general people as well as the legislature changed significantly towards building a more inclusive society.
Concept of Equality and the Position of the LGBTQ+ community
In India, several steps were taken to help the LGBTIQQ community such as providing welfare benefits, pension schemes, and housing programs, because they have faced discrimination and harassment, including arbitrary arrests, unfair trials, and lack of right to marriage, adoption and same-sex marriage.
Fundamental rights of the Indian constitution provide safeguards and articles concerning the equality of LGBTQ as every individual are:
- Article 14 states the rights to equality and equal protection for all citizens, including men, women, and transgender people. The word ‘any person’ in the article makes it a gender-neutral provision applicable to all persons, including citizens and non-citizens of any gender or origin.
- Article 15 states concerning protection against discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, and birthplace which implies that gender-based discrimination or discrimination based on sexual orientation is unreasonable.
- Article 19(1)(a) concerns that all citizens of India have the right to freedom of speech and expression. The term ‘expression’ is wide enough to include the expression of one’s sexual identity and preferences. Article 19 (1)(a) therefore protects the fundamental freedom of LGBTQ+ persons to express their sexual, orientation, through speech, manner of dressing, choice of romantic/ sexual partner, expression of romantic/sexual desires, acknowledgement of relationships, or any other means[4]
- Article 21 concerns the protection of life and personal liberty. This right protects gender privacy, identity, and integrity. Article 21 protects every person from being deprived of their life and personal liberty except under fair and reasonable law. In 2017, the Supreme Court unanimously in the case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India[5] recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which also protects the LGBTQ community from being unjustly targeted. They are free to live their lives, have freedom to choose their partner and live in a peaceful environment.
Legal Recognition of LGBTQ+ Rights
The landmark decision in the case of NALSA v. Union of India[6] was a celebrated win toward legal recognition of the community. From homosexuality being considered a crime to having legal recognition, the community has come a long way. The Supreme Court took the most constructive approach and affirmed that the Indian Constitution sure is a living document that adapts to the changing needs of the society. The court constructively held that the non-recognition of their LGBTQ+ identities was in violation of Articles 14,15,16 and 21 of the Constitution of India and affirmed that gender identity is an innate perception of one’s gender, not a biological characteristic. As a result, the court ruled that third-gender people should not be subjected to medical examinations or biological tests that would violate their right to privacy
As a result, the Supreme Court of India redirected the Government of India to treat the members of the LGBTQ+ community as a “Third Gender” as an economically and socially backward class. It was also specified that the government should make proper policies for the LGBTQ+ community in the light of Articles 15(2) and 16(4) to protect equal opportunity in education and employment
The court directed that the third gender would be placed as other backward classes (OBC) to offer them the benefit of reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
The Court held that the recognition of one’s gender identity lay at the heart of the right to dignity and that gender identity was a fundamental aspect of life. The Court also noted several international instruments supporting this proposition, including the Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Yogyakarta Principles) as well as cases from various foreign courts. The Court further recognized the interrelationship of the right to privacy and the right to gender identity and imposed a positive duty on the State to protect and recognize such rights[7].
Conclusively the court pronounced its judgment and held that “We, therefore, hold that values of privacy, self-identity, autonomy and personal integrity are fundamental rights guaranteed to members of the transgender community under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India and the State is bound to protect and recognize those rights”[8].
Marriage and Civil Union rights:
In India, LGBTQ+ doesn’t have any marriage or civil union rights. According to the last verdict of the Supreme Court of India on 17 October 2023 in the case of Supriyo v. Union of India[9], A majority view on a five-judge Constitution Bench decided that legalizing same-sex marriage, civil unions, or any other forms of partnerships is not legalized and left the matter up to the Parliament or the state legislatures to decide.[10]The constitution of India provides some limited legal recognition to cohabiting same-sex couples in the form of live-in relationships.[11] Even though several same-sex couples have married in traditional Hindu ceremonies these marriages could not be registered with the state as a result of this, these couples couldn’t enjoy the same rights and benefits as other married couples.
The several state courts, including Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand passed the judgments on an individual basis that live-in relationships between same-sex couples are not unlawful and deserve for legal protection.
On 16 August 2022, the Supreme Court of India stated in Deepika Singh vs Central Administrative Tribunal and Others that familial relationships may take the form of opposite-sex live-in relationships and same-sex relationships and that such “atypical manifestations” of the family unit are equally deserving of social security benefits.[12]
India does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, but there are some legal protections for same-sex couples:
- In October 2023, transgender people in heterosexual relationships can marry but not homosexual or same-sex couples have the right to marry under the current legal framework.
- The Supreme Court doesn’t provide the right to form civil unions for same-sex couples However, the court also established a committee to resolute the benefits that should be available to queer couples.
- Some legal recognition has been provided by the Supreme Court to same-sex couples for live-in relationships, along with social security rights and recognition as a “family unit”. Some states, including Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, have also ruled that live-in relationships between same-sex couples are legal and entitled to protection.
- On 28 August 2024, the Ministry of Finance clarified that persons in same-sex live-in relationships can open joint bank accounts and name their partners to be beneficiaries of an account in case of death.[13] The Department of Food and Public Distribution has also advised state and territorial governments to recognize partners in same-sex relationships as members of the same household for ration card purposes.[14]
Though the bench of all five judges agreed that homosexuality was neither an urban nor elitist concept, the evolution of society and societal attitudes towards equality for LGBTQ+ individuals reflect a transformative shift for marriage and civil Union today. There are no less multifaceted challenges surrounding the implementation of marriage rights for LGBTQ+ couples in India. Recognition of marriage and the civil union of same-sex couples requires the potential to embrace the diverse nature of human beings and protect the rights of all its citizens. This journey requires a synergy from every sphere of governance to prevail in equality and dignity. We should practice and nurture the inclusivity and compassion of society. We should accept homosexuality as an integral part of society.
Adoption and Parenthood rights
In India Adoption and parenthood rights are there for singles as well as couples but there are specific rules under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956, where someone can adopt a child and get their parenthood rights. Adoption is “to take voluntarily, (a child of other parents) as one’s child especially in compliance with formal legal procedures”[15]. Adoption is a legal process that transfers all parental rights and responsibilities from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. The child becomes the adoptive parents’ lawful child, and the biological parents are no longer recognized as the child’s legal guardians.[16] There is well defined eligibility criteria for adoptive parents such as, adoptive parents shall be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially capable, they shall not have any life-threatening medical condition and they should not have been convicted in the criminal act of any nature or accused in any case of child rights violation. A single female can adopt a child of any gender but a male shall be eligible to adopt only a boy child. In the case of a married couple, the consent of both the spouses shall be required. No child shall be given in adoption to a couple unless they have at least two years of stable marital relationship except in the cases of relative or step-parent adoption etc.[17]
Adoption and Parenthood rights of LGBTQ
The current legal status of adoption by homosexuals in India is undetermined and needs an urgent lookout. LGBTQ community is a sexual minority, where incompetence of their legal status makes them unable to exercise parental rights even by adoption or surrogacy, due to the complicated and strenuous process of adoption especially for LGBTQ they are often devoid of their right.
The legal framework for adoption in India is tedious which results in discrimination against LGBTQ people. The court ruled that the regulation violated Article 15 of the Constitution and discriminated against the queer community[18]. On October 17, 2023, the Supreme Court of India ruled that unmarried couples, including queer couples can jointly adopt a child. This was a small but praiseworthy step in favor of them. But still, there is no clear rule for the eligibility of heterosexual couples for adoption.
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 both state that an adoptive couple must be heterosexual and married.[19] As we know after the latest verdict of the Supreme Court in the case of Supriyo v. Union of India[20] which does not validate the marriage of the LGBTQ Community because of their verdict, this community could take advantage of adoption and parenthood rights.
However, the current legal framework in India does not explicitly permit or prohibit homosexual couples from adopting children. The Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015, state that the eligibility of prospective adoptive parents is determined based on their ability, suitability, and willingness to adopt, and the best interests of the child. The guidelines do not mention sexual orientation as a factor in determining the suitability of prospective adoptive parents.[21]
Anti-Discrimination Laws and Workplace Protection
Anti-discrimination is the state of unbiasedness for each and every member of the nation. Anti-discrimination law is a set of rules that prohibit discrimination based on certain factors, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. The goal of anti-discrimination laws is to create equal opportunities for everyone and to ensure that people are treated fairly and without prejudice[22]
Workplace protection term defines it safeguards the employees of the definite workplace from any discrimination, harassment, and abuse. It safeguards their protection. India has several workplace protection laws, including working hours where employees must not work more than 48 hours per week 9 hours per day, it also varies in different states. For example, in New Delhi and Mumbai, the daily limit is 9 hours, while in Karnataka, employees can work up to 12 hours.[23] Overtime work must be paid at double the regular wage.[24] Employees are entitled to paid leaves such as annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, etc.[25] Employers must provide a safe working environment, including protection from people at the workplace. There are various steps have been taken for the safety and security of the employees at the workplace.
Anti-discrimination laws And Workplace Protection For LGBTQ+
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, of 2019 is an important act that was preceded by three draft bills in 2014, 2016, and 2018 for the safety and protection of the LGBTQ community. This law prohibits discrimination against transgender people and protects rights in every employment sector, including unfair treatment, denial of employment, and termination of employment, and provides a certificate that allows transgender people to obtain a certificate of identity from the district magistrate to recognize their identity[26]. In the case of Southern Railway v. Rangachari. The 1962 Supreme Court case upheld that the Indian Constitution prohibits employment discrimination by the state. The act prohibits discrimination against transgender people in education, employment, healthcare, etc. India has various laws for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, but some more steps should be taken to ensure full protection. They are still facing a hard time for acceptance from society.[27]
Health And Social Rights (International Recognition)
India has ratified several international human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989) and the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) among others with relevant laws in place in conformity with their conventions. The Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights and is the foundation of India’s commitment to human rights.[28] The Constitution of India guarantees several rights which are related to health and social security, including, Right to health, Right to livelihood, Right to food, Right to shelter, Right to a clean and healthy environment, Right to social security other fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India include: personal liberty, equality and equal protection of the law, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, and right to freedom from exploitation. The Factories Act, of 1948 is another piece of legislation that regulates the health, safety, and welfare of factory workers.
Health and Social Rights of LGBTQ
The health rights of LGBTQ+ people include treatment with respect and equality along with the right to privacy. The right to have their gender identity affirmed with the right to protection if they are discharged due to discrimination.
Even after being with such health and social rights in India, still, this LGBTQ+ community in India faces a number of health issues, including mental health disorders, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare[29]. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They may also be more likely to abuse substances. However, they may be reluctant to seek help from mental health professionals due to fear of discrimination.[30] LGBTQIA+ participants reported experiencing discrimination in the form of humiliation, verbal assaults, and inaccessibility at entry gates by the guards and receptionists. Although such incidents are reported in all hospitals, more are reported in public facilities than in private and Trust hospitals.[31]
Sexual and gender minority adolescents experience multiple forms of bias-based bullying, which independently heighten health risks, and this study extends previous work on gay straight alliances to highlight a wider range of potential positive contributions to adolescent health.[32]
There are several ways providers can welcome members of the LGBTQ community, such as:
- Educate every medical staff and provider to be comfortable in discussing sexual orientation, gender orientation, and sexual practices.
- Try to maintain an open mind and avoid judgment regarding sexual orientation and practice.
- We should include the option in addition to the spouse and include transgender as an option in any paperwork formalities.
- Provide patient brochures on sexually transmitted infection prevention, substance abuse, safe sex practices, and hormone therapy.
- Celebrate LGBTQ in social and official places to create awareness and respect towards them.
Future Legal Reforms and Policy Proposals- A Step Towards an Inclusive Society
Keeping in view the recent judgment in the case of Supriyo v. Union of India, addressing concerns and acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ challenges it is possible to create a more inclusive and welcoming society. Though the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in India has evolved considerably, there still remains a need for comprehensive reforms to address gaps in legal recognition, protection, and societal inclusion. Several key areas emerge as focal points for immediate actions by the legislature.
The Supreme Court in Supriyo v. Union of India acknowledged the ongoing legal challenges for same-sex marriage recognition. The petitioners argued that excluding LGBTQ+ persons from the right to marry under laws such as the Special Marriage Act (SMA) violates constitutional principles of equality and personal autonomy. Although the court acknowledged these concerns, it ultimately left it to the legislature to decide on granting formal marriage rights to LGBTQ+ individuals. The Legislature should take necessary measures to explicitly include same-sex marriage or establish a framework for civil unions, ensuring that LGBTQ+ couples receive similar rights and benefits, such as inheritance, tax benefits, and next-of-kin recognition in healthcare. After all the recognition of same-sex marriage poses no harm to society but only grants a healthy and happy life to the community.
The government should also take proactive steps to protect LGBTQ+ individuals against discrimination. This could include enacting a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that prohibits bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity across various sectors, including employment, housing, and education. Proposals for reform also suggest mechanisms for redress, such as equality commissions similar to POSH committees in workplaces to ensure protection and equality.
Concerning adoption and parenthood rights the legislature should modify adoption laws to permit joint adoption and guardianship for LGBTQ+ couples.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, while a positive step, has limitations that future reforms could address. A simplified process for legal gender recognition and extending protections to non-binary and gender-fluid individuals ensuring inclusive access to healthcare, identity documents, and social services for all gender-diverse individuals.
Mandatory LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for healthcare professionals and the establishment of anti-bullying policies in schools to protect LGBTQ+ students would create an inclusive and terror-free society. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face familial coercion and violence, sometimes intensified by societal stigma. The judgment recommended policies to protect individuals from forced marriage, conversion therapy, and familial violence. Proposed reforms could direct police and judiciary to adopt guidelines ensuring safe spaces and non-interference in the lives of consenting adults in LGBTQ+ relationships. This would involve sensitizing law enforcement to the rights and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ persons, enabling them to protect victims without bias.
The legislature should make policies to align national laws with international standards, including the United Nations conventions that emphasize human rights protections without discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality. Increased representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in policy-making bodies and advisory roles is critical to advancing reforms that reflect the community’s unique challenges. Establishing dedicated committees within government bodies or working groups on LGBTQ+ issues would facilitate the creation of informed and relevant policies that promote equality and dignity.
Lastly, the government should organize inclusive sex education programs to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities from a young age. The social stigma encircling the community should be targeted at its roots to create an inclusive society.
Each of these proposed reforms would play a role in creating a more inclusive society, where LGBTQ+ individuals can live freely and equitably.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward recognizing LGBTQ+ rights has been marked by several significant milestones, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the recognition of the transgender community as a “third gender” in NALSA v. Union of India, and the recent policy changes, for instance, allowing LGBTQ+ couples to open joint bank accounts and appoint partners as nominees. These steps like inclusive financial autonomy, anti-discrimination guidelines in workplaces, and certain healthcare protections underscore a slow but steady shift toward legal and social acceptance.
Yet, despite these advancements, achieving true equality for the LGBTQ+ community in India requires more comprehensive reforms. Legal recognition of same-sex relationships, encompassing rights to marriage, adoption, inheritance, and healthcare decision-making, is still absent. While these symbolic gestures like joint bank accounts are valuable and appreciated, their rights remain limited without a broader legislative framework that addresses the full spectrum of civil rights concerning the community.
To bring about genuine inclusivity for LGBTQ+, India must take decisive steps to protect LGBTQ+ individuals’ rights at every level, allowing them to lead lives of equality, security, and dignity.
Authored By:
- Vaidehi Sharma, a student of the University College of Law, Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
- Rajnandini Panwar, a student of the University College of Law, Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
- Poorva Chouhan, a student of the University College of Law, Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
[1] AIR 2018 SC 4321
[2]< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ> accessed on November 6, 2024
[3] AIR 2018 SC 4321, (2018) 10 SCC 1
[4] https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Docs_2__1_.pdf accessed November 7, 2024
[5] (2017) 10 SCC 1, AIR 2017 SC 4161
[6] AIR 2014 SC 1863
[7] https://privacylibrary.ccgnlud.org/case/national-legal-services-authority-vs-union-of-india accessed November 7, 2024
[8] National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India AIR 2014 SC 1863
[9] W.P. (C) No. 1011/2022
[10] Ahsan, Sofi (17 October 2023). “States free to enact laws recognising same-sex marriage in absence of central law: Supreme Court”. Bar and Bench – Indian Legal news. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
[11] Mathur, Vaishali (June 2020). “Homosexual Live-in relationship in India: Socio Legal Dimension in reference to Right to life or Social stigma”. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 24 (8): 14989–14995. ISSN 1475-7192.
[12] SC Redefines Concept of Family: Same-sex Couples Entitled to Protection of Law”. NewsClick. 29 August 2022
[13]https://www.barandbench.com/news/lgbtqia-couples-can-open-joint-bank-accounts-name-partner-as-nominee-central-government#:~:text=The%20Central%20government%20has%20clarified,India%20(Writ%20Petition%20Civil%20No.
[14] F. No.1 (3)/2018-Comp.Cell(E-348552) Government of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Food & Public Distribution. Dated: 23/08/2024
[15] Merriam-Webster, Meaning of the word ‘Adoption’, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, (Mar. 5, 2020 6:40 PM.),
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption.
[16] Jain Pragya et.al, “Parental Rights and Adoption Laws”, International journal of law and management & humanities 2021,4(2). [ISSN 2581-5369]
[17] https://cara.wcd.gov.in/parents/eg_ri.html
[18] https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/same-sex-marriage-verdict-can-unmarried-partners-gay-couples-now-adopt-in-india-13260442.html#:~:text=FP%20Explainers%20October%2017%2C%202023,the%20adoption%20laws%20in%20India:
[19] https://juriscentre.com/2023/10/16/a-legal-study-on-issues-faced-by-lgbtq-during-adoption-in-respect-to-human-rights-and-adoption-laws-in-india/#:~:text=Limitations%20in%20the%20acts,Religious%20Beliefs
[20] W.P. (C) No. 1011/2022
[21] https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10416-can-homosexual-couples-adopt-in-india-.html
[22] https://oxford-review.com/the-oxford-review-dei-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dictionary/anti-discriminatory-legislation-definition-and-explanation/
[23] https://www.jibble.io/labor-laws/india-labour-laws#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20employment%20laws%20are,specified%20by%20state%20labour%20laws.&text=Around%20INR%20(Indian%20Rupee)%20178,and%20the%20skill%20levels%20demanded.
[24] https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-occupational-safety-health-and-working-conditions-code-2019
[25] ibid.
[26] The transgenders person (protection of rights) Act,2019
[27] https://theprobe.in/stories/lgbtqia-rights-the-fight-for-queer-friendly-workplaces-in-india/#:~:text=The%20Transgender%20Persons%20(Protection%20of,their%20preferred%20names%20and%20pronouns.
[28] Fairfinanceindia.org. https://fairfinanceindia.org/bank-guide/featured-themes/human-rights/#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20of%20India%20guarantees%20fundamental%20rights,religion%20and%20right%20to%20freedom%20from%20exploitation.
[29]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563176/#:~:text=The%20healthcare%20provider%20should%20ensure,Use%20of%20appropriate%20language
[30] Gaur PS, Saha S, Goel A, Ovseiko P, Aggarwal S, Agarwal V, Haq AU, Danda D, Hartle A, Sandhu NK, Gupta L. Mental healthcare for young and adolescent LGBTQ+ individuals in the Indian subcontinent. Front Psychol. 2023 Jan 20;14:1060543. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1060543. PMID: 36743255; PMCID: PMC9895954.
[31] Arora L, Bhujang PM, Sivakami M. Understanding discrimination against LGBTQIA+ patients in Indian hospitals using a human rights perspective: an exploratory qualitative study. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2022;29(2):2104678. Doi: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2104678. PMID: 36017877; PMCID: PMC9423841.
[32] Lessard LM, Puhl RM, Watson RJ. Gay-Straight Alliances: A Mechanism of Health Risk Reduction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Adolescents. Am J Prev Med. 2020 Aug;59(2):196-203.
