# LGBTQ+ and Bangladesh


Homosexuality and other sexual orientations that are not traditional heterosexual were condemned in most western countries even half a century ago. Think about Alan Turing, the father of computers, who was cast aside, subdued, denied of his recognition, and forced to undergo violent therapies to alter his natural sexual orientation by the British govt. Why, the British, who always claimed themselves to be one of the most civilized people on earth (even though they massacred, tortured, siphoned resources from all over the world) found it quite alright to deny a gay man of his rights 70 years ago?
The same answer a Bangladeshi would give now in 2022—our culture and religion do not allow LGBTQ+.

But the world has moved since then, it is no longer in the shadow of ignorance. American Psychological Association removed homosexuality as a mental disease nearly 50 years ago. We now know homosexuality is not a perversion, it is merely a different orientation which is perfectly natural. In fact, the most convincing evidence of this reasoning is that so many species in the wild show homosexual behavior sometimes or throughout their life. We also now know a homosexual person feels the same as a heterosexual feels when they are in love—the hormones are the same. It is not merely a physical need but an emotional one too. It is innate. This is why other members of LGBTQ+, specifically transgender people undergo operations to change their sexual organs to match their hormones, meaning, their sexual identities.

But I want to cast aside the scientific reasonings. I want to appeal to humanity, humility, and morality—all the good qualities we humans developed over the millions of years. Sure, we are often violent and territorial. We invoke pain and suffering on others and the world leaders of today continue to do so. Even then, we wouldn't be able to survive as a species with sheer greed and hatred towards others. Without altruism, humanity would not come this far and collapse. How altruism helped develop the human race is a topic for sociology but I want to simply address it to make a point—live and let live. LGBTQ+ people are just like you and me, they cry, laugh, love, feel in the same way. They have the same basic human rights and no dogmas should bar their way of life.
Cultures change, as people change. Cultures aren't static. So aren't religions. As we grow more tolerant towards difference, our cultures grow richer and better. It's not the other way around.

Accepting LGBTQ+ people in Bangladeshi society will not really change any structural integrity (if there is any) as many fear—mostly because people have wrong ideas of what LGBTQ+ is like. They do not snatch your partners, do not force themselves on your children, they do not have overly active sexual drive. They are not sex machines. They are just people, only slightly different that has nothing to do with crimes and mania or anarchy in society. And we have to remember, anyone can commit a crime. And most sex crimes are done by heterosexuals. Not because they are hetero, but because they are criminals. We can see examples from other countries. Accepting LGBTQ+ hasn't really changed their society at all. They still have the same laws, social etiquettes, and norms. Ours will also be the same.

Not accepting them, however, is a crime. An act of repression and state-sanctioned brutality. We have sinned for so long for shunning a section of our community, perhaps it is time we start repenting.
Bangladeshi law that identifies homosexuality as illegal came from the british law of the colonial period. The british law changed in Britain long ago, it's our time to change our law as well.