We, at Medicircle, observe June month as “Pride Month. Speaking about the history of “Pride Month”, it was first observed by Bill Clinton in the year 2000. The official sign of the “Pride Month” flag is colorful in nature and signifies all the countries worldwide. The LBGTQ is considered to be given equal rights and respect in society. 

Every Thursday, we at Medicircle conduct a special series called Bindas Bol with Dr.Kumar Kamble. We have conducted special series with Dr.Kumar Kamble in sexual awareness, de-addiction series, and now Pride Month series for June. Dr.Kumar Kamble is not only a professional sexologist but also a de-addiction specialist. Dr. Kamble has special expertise and experience in working with the King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years. 

At Medcircle, we are presenting the Ask The Expert Series on Pride Month titled Bindas Bol with Dr. Kumar Kamble. Today, we are going to discuss Pride Month and its importance. Also, we are going to discuss LBGTQ and its existence which must be looked at with respect and equal rights. 

Dr.Kumar Kamble is an expert Psychiatrist, De-addiction Specialist, Sexologist, Speaker, Mental and Sexual Health Educator. He is also associated with the Umang Clinic. He has worked with King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years as a Medical Office Coordinator. Based on his rich clinical expertise in de-addiction, we have come up with the next series on De-addiction. 

Important facts about Pride month 

Dr.Kumar Kamble says, “It's a privilege to be part of Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated every year in the month of June. The main reason behind this celebration and emergence of Pride month is to give recognition to LBGTQ which means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning (queer). The LBGTQ is part of our society and it is celebrated in connection with their recognition and existence.”

History of Pride month 

Dr. Kamble says. “In America, there was a protest against the gay community to discriminate against them. There was a backlash in the community which further led to a great step in the LBGTQ community. The community raised and voiced their concerns in the month of June and this is celebrated as Pride month. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also took various steps to accept the Pride month.”

The essence of Pride month 

Dr. Kamble states, “There are a lot of sexual diversities observed in the month which are natural and must be accepted. There should be pride in each and every sexual diversity. Using the term “LBGTQ” results in labeling humanity which must be avoided. Humanity must be given importance irrespective of its sexual attributes. Every sexual desire is natural and should be labeled as a specific community. We are equal and all the same. There is no difference between the LBGTQ community and us. This is the essence of Pride month.”

Sex education in children 

Dr. Kamble informs,” Sex education should be given importance. It should be normalized among children. We should create awareness about attraction and sexual education in school. It is normal to be attracted to the opposite and same-sex. This basic concept should be inculcated among the children. The attraction towards the same or both sex should not be categorized. It is basic and simple sex education which must be educated to the children.”

Myth busted about same-sex attraction

Dr. Kamble says, “There was a research and study conducted between same-sex attraction and opposite-sex attraction. Their mental attributes were examined. It was concluded that there is no difference in mental evaluation and analysis among both groups. Both the groups were mentally healthy and stable. There is no difference in any of the health parameters of both groups. Same-sex attraction is not a mental illness. According to DSM (Diagnostics Statistics of Mental Health), homosexuality was considered an illness initially and they concluded after research that homosexuality is normal. The well-known agency World Health Organization also considers homosexuality as a normal phenomenon.” 

Law about homosexuality 

Dr.Kamble informs,” Based on law, there are many changes about homosexuality rules. There are positive welcoming changes for same-sex attraction personal choices which gives it a legal stand and natural phenomenon. This is not an illegal and unnatural phenomenon.”

Normalizing the LBGTQ is very important this Pride Month 2021

Dr. Kamble states,” Sexual education in school should be mainstream. Awareness among children is a must about sexual education. We must educate the future generation about the same. We can take small steps to bring about changes in our behavior by not labeling the LBGTQ. These small simple changes can make a big difference to the world. These efforts can be helpful in the future. Also, it is important to note the media portraying same-sex attraction. There are many movies which are coming up and act as eye-opener positively.”

Marriage can be a hurdle for LBGTQ

Dr. Kamble says, “We should know what we want rather than what we don't want. It is important to know your attraction and desires for the opposite or same-sex people and then take an initiative about marriage. Convincing the parents is important in regards to the same. This can save the life and happiness of a person getting married. Every relationship must be given importance in regards to emotional connection, care, and attraction.” 

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)