Understanding Undergraduate Student’s Knowledge and Perceptions of Homosexuality: A Qualitative Approach

  • Eli Nasrin Farhana
  • Jinamoni Saikia
  • Tulika Borah
  • Sampreety Gogoi
Keywords: Homophobia, youth, knowledge, perception

Abstract

Homophobic attitude among youth remains a major concern worldwide. While India, where the youth constitute a significant population, makes it more critical and hence addressing this issue become imperative. When young people adopt a positive and inclusive mindset, they contribute to fostering social harmony, innovation, and economic growth. Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ youth are often subjected to unequal treatment and discriminations. These discriminatory behaviors are often ingrained to negative attitude, prejudice and lack of knowledge.This qualitative research paper was aimed to explore the current knowledge and perceptions of undergraduate youth towards homosexuality. The study was conducted among 104 undergraduate students in two colleges of district of Jorhat, Assam.The findings of the study reveal that individuals who recognize homosexuality as a natural, biological phenomenon and a normal variation of human sexual orientation are more likely to develop positive attitude. And on the other hand religious beliefs, certain moral and social values sometimes act as a contributing factor of homophobic attitude. Addressing homophobia, is not something can be done overnight, it needs collaborative efforts among many stakeholders. Although, the National Education Policy(NEP), 2020 can not explicitly address homophobia, but its focus on gender inclusivity, fostering constitutional values like equality can reduce it over time.

Author Biographies

Eli Nasrin Farhana

PhD Scholar, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013

Jinamoni Saikia

Professor and Head, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013

Tulika Borah

Associate Professor and Senior Scientist (AICRP), Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013

Sampreety Gogoi

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013

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Published
2024-05-06
How to Cite
Eli Nasrin Farhana, Jinamoni Saikia, Tulika Borah, & Sampreety Gogoi. (2024). Understanding Undergraduate Student’s Knowledge and Perceptions of Homosexuality: A Qualitative Approach. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(1), 2953-2958. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i1.1444
Section
Articles