Differences in Attitude towards Homosexuality and Religiosity among Young Adults and Adults

Abstract

With the decriminalization of Article 377 of the IPC, a wave of euphoria washed over the LGBTQ+ community in India. Over the years various nations in the West have displayed a growing sense of acceptance towards non-heterosexual relationships and other gender identities. For an Eastern society like India to decriminalize section 377 which considered homosexual relationships as criminal, was certainly a revolutionary measure. Despite the legal acceptance, we remain a society much reserved in our culture and traditions. Being a diverse nation, we also face the issue of various opinions clashing when it comes to the LGBT + community. One of them is the aspect of religiosity on the overall lifestyle of the people. The aim of the current research is to assess the difference between attitudes towards homosexuality and religiosity among young adults and adults. The total sample taken was 60 (N=30 for age range 18-25 and N=30 for age range 25-40). Standardized scales were used to measure the two variables of attitude towards homosexuality and religiosity. The findings of the study revealed a negative correlation between attitudes towards homosexuality and religiosity. However, the results were not significant. The result also depicted that young adults differ from adults in attitude towards homosexuality.  This suggests that young adults are more accepting, which can imply progress in the coming years towards a more favorable scenario for the LGBT+ community. Through the means of desensitization programs and awareness programs the acceptance can be increased.