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Being ‘a’ Gay to Being Gay- Homosexuality in Indian Cinema

Written By: Humzaad
October 20, 2020
  • Full Read
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For years, cinema has struggled to portray the LGBTQ community in their creations. From being stereotyped as the loud third gender Hijda (eunuch) characters to depicting gay men as effeminate characters hitting on other male casts, Bollywood and mainstream cinema have created set notions for homosexuals and transgenders which is far from the realistic portrayal, and are more often a subject of mockery and ridicule in the narrative.

From Dostana, to Student of the Year to Bollywood has always struggled to come out of its closet and accept the heteronormative portrayal of the community. But over the years, things have also evolved to a certain extent because when we see a movie like Shubh Mangal Savadhaan making big at the box office, we also realize that the Indian audience is more woke and acceptance of such characters.

Till actors continue to crossdress and act/dance in movies and on stages during award functions (insert here movies like Kya Cool Hain Hum, Humshakals) and the audience continues to find such acts funny and comical, we cannot at any point in time claim acceptance or respect for all genders and sexual orientations. Casual sexism continues to exist in all forms and is propagated by people of all backgrounds and classes this way.

Though the portrayal of homosexuality and homosexual characters still remains a joke in most mainstream movies, references to homosexuality in regional cinema remain more closer to reality, some of them portraying the struggles of the community with acceptance of self and society. My Brother Nikhil, Aligarh, Surviving Subu, Evening Shadows are among some other movies, who highlighted the social stigmas and dilemmas of being gay.

While the portrayal of gay characters compared to lesbians has been more while depicting homosexuality in Indian cinema, this is only a reflection of how the society is still not ready to accept its women openly embracing homosexuality among other things. Remember the uproar that Deepa Mehta’s movie Fire had caused during its release in 1997 for its depiction of same-sex love?

Here are 5 movies which made a mark for its portrayal of lesbian relationship

Mitrachi Goshta

Actress Rohini Hattangadi and Ujwala Jog played lesbian lovers in Vijay Tendulkar’s Marathi film ‘Mitrachi Goshta’ (My friend’s story) in as early as1981 where this concept of same-sex love was unheard of even. It portrays LGBT issues and the relationship between two friends, Sumitra and Nama.

Margarita with a straw

Margarita with a Straw is a 2014 Hindi movie directed by Shonali Bose. It stars Kalki Koechlin as an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who relocates to America for her undergraduate education and discovers her sexuality following her complex relationship with a blind girl, played by Sayani Gupta.

Angry Indian Goddesses

Freida (Sarah-Jane Dias) is a fashion photographer who invites a group of friends to her family’s home to announce her marriage but won’t say who her betrothed is. Later, the ladies learn that Freida will marry Nargis which was illegal in 2015 when the movie was made.

141

 ‘141′ a 2015 movie is directed by Bavaji.V and featured Farooq Khan and Tanya as lead characters. This Kannada film portrayed a lesbian relationship between an Indian and a Russian/American womanand how they have to face the wrath of society. This was a very brave attempt for the Kannada film industry and stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Sancharram

2004 Malayalam movie ‘Sancharram, The Journey’ portrays the relationship between two young girls. Directed by Ligy J. Pullappally, and a true-life story, this film is set in a small community in Kerala and is the story of two young women, Kiran, a Hindu, and Delilah, a Catholic.

|Also Read Bisexual Women and Casual Bi-erasure|

bisexualsbollywoodcinemafilmsgayhollywoodhomosexualhomosexualityindian movieskollywoodlesbianmollywoodmovies

Humzaad

Humzaad is a content writer who wishes to bring an alternate reality of the world to light with her writings. She talks about taboos and shunned topics often brushed under the carpet or discussed in hushed tones. Every writer has an alter ego and this profile is hers. Her writings often come with a trigger warning.
On other days you will find her gardening or making art. You can reach her at humzaadthewriter@gmail.com

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Infano Care

All About Contraception: Birth Control Methods You Didn’t Know About

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin
July 12, 2021 | 05:22 PM |
1,106

Highlights

  • Birth control or contraception is a method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy.
  • One can choose from many different types of birth control methods but this choice should also be made depending on what works best for your body as some may work better than others at avoiding conception.
  • Different types of birth control options available.
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Since July 11 was World Population Day, we thought it is best if along with all the Gyan on why we need to control the population or how important population management is, we also spoke about basic contraception or birth control methods that everyone should know about to avoid unwanted pregnancies and conceptions.

What is birth control?

Birth control or contraception is a method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy. One can choose from many different types of birth control methods but this choice should also be made depending on what works best for your body as some may work better than others at avoiding conception. Choice factors also include cost, effectiveness, availability, protection from STIs, certain health conditions, long-term vs short-term protection, and personal beliefs.

Types of contraception/ birth control methods

  • Natural Methods,
  • Long-acting reversible contraception
  • Short-acting barrier contraception
  • Barrier Methods,
  • Emergency Contraception,
  • Permanent Methods (Sterilization). 
contraception birth control methods

Let’s look at each one of these along with their cons.

Natural method

Pull out or withdrawal method: This withdrawal method requires the partner with a penis to pull out of the vagina before they ejaculate/orgasm. This requires that the person be able to practice self-control and be in tune with their body, making this a risky and unreliable method of contraception, especially considering that it’s not just cum, but pre-cum as well, that contains sperm. 

Cons: While pulling out is slightly more effective than not using any method at all, there still is a high risk of pregnancy since it requires the partner with a penis to be very aware and in control of them during sex in order to pull out on time. Pre-cum also contains sperm and could lead to pregnancy even if the person pulled out before ejaculation. 

Calender method:

This method is based on tracking the ovulation for the person with ovaries by identifying the most fertile days of the month when the chance is high to get pregnant (fertile). This is often based on basal body temperature, cervical mucus or is tracked around the 10th to 14th day of a normal 28-day menstrual cycle. To avoid getting pregnant, sex should be avoided these days or use a barrier method of birth control. An ovulation testing kit or fertility kit monitor can also help in determining if ovulation is taking place. Now there are many accessible phone applications that help you track your periods and provide insight on your most fertile days (in case you are trying to get or not get pregnant). Infano’s app is a great choice to track periods and fertility dates.

Cons: Though this is a contraception method with zero cost, this method requires careful tracking of a person’s menstrual cycle to determine their fertile days and is accurate only if the person has a very regular cycle. This method has low effectiveness and does not work for an irregular menstrual cycle. 

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

These are birth control your doctor inserts one time and you do not have to remember to use birth control every day or month. LARCs can last for 3 to 10 years, depending on the method. This includes an intrauterine device or IUD like Copper Intrauterine Device (copper T) also known as a non-hormonal, non-barrier method.

 Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Devices (LNG-IUDs) are

Cons: It does not protect against STIs and periods may become heavier and longer

Other types of hormonal implants are inserted by a professional in the fatty part of your arm and can stay for years. It can be removed at any time at your convenience by a professional tool and is a good long-term hormonal solution.

Short-acting hormonal methods 

These are birth control that needs to be taken take every day or month. This includes hormonal pills, mini-pills, patches, which can be stuck on different parts of your body, shot or injection referred to as Depo-Provera is administered by a professional every 3 months, vaginal ring inserted in the vagina for 3 weeks at a time, and can then be reinserted.

Barrier methods

Condoms: External condoms are usually made out of latex, external condoms are made to be placed on a penis to prevent bodily fluids from being exchanged between sexual partners. Internal condoms are made out of polyurethane and are inserted into the vagina.

These are also the only methods to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and only need to be used during sexual intercourse. There are no side effects and are available in pharmacies or stores over the counter.

 The diaphragm can be inserted into your vagina by you or your doctor. It acts as a physical barrier preventing sperms from getting in and can be accompanied by spermicides to increase its efficiency.

Cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm but blocks the cervical opening to prevent sperm from coming in. It can also be accompanied by spermicides. It needs to be fitted by a doctor first.

Cons: Can sometimes slip off or break if not used properly (make sure to use water-based lubricants if using latex condoms). Some people are allergic to latex (non-latex condoms are available but might be harder to find)

Emergency Contraception

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse”.
The copper IUD can also serve as an emergency contraception method if it is inserted within the first 7 days after the unprotected sex occurs.

I-pills are recommended for use within 5 days but are more effective the sooner they are used after the act of intercourse. These can be taken after unprotected sex or missing the oral contraceptive pills doses. 

Cons: The side effects of taking emergency contraceptive pills are similar to those of oral contraceptive pills. That includes nausea, vomiting, slight irregular vaginal bleeding, and fatigue. These effects are only temporary and should subside once the effect of the EC pills wears off. Taking EC pills has no harmful effects on fertility.

Permanent birth control methods

These prevent pregnancy for the rest of life through surgery or a medical procedure. These include female tubal ligation or occlusion, male vasectomy.

Tubal ligation involves cutting, sealing, or blocking the fallopian tubes which allow the egg to move from the ovaries to the uterus. People who get this procedure done still ovulate and get periods. It is irreversible as a method, so one must be sure they do not want biological children before taking such a step.

Vasectomy involves the cutting or sealing of the vas deferens which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. It is often a reversible method and takes around 20 minutes to perform as it is not invasive. Culturally, however, many men refuse to undergo this procedure believing it has an impact on their manhood.

The type of birth control chosen should depend largely on the health of the individual, desire to have children now or in the future, and to also prevent sexually transmitted infections. If this seems like a difficult choice to make or decide, it is best to consult a doctor.

Sources: womenshealth.gov, theaproject.org

birth controlcontraceptionpregnancysexstd

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

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