InnerWhispers
Is Being Gay a Mental Illness? What Science and Indian Law Say
No, being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is not a mental illness. What medical bodies and Indian law say, and why conversion therapy causes harm.
Key takeaways
- Medical and psychiatric bodies, including the Indian Psychiatric Society, say being gay is not an illness.
- Conversion therapy does not work and can cause serious harm. In India it is treated as professional misconduct.
- Mental health problems in LGBTQ+ people are linked to stigma and rejection, not to who they are.
Many LGBTQ+ people in India have heard it from a relative, a neighbour or even a doctor: "This is an illness. It can be treated." It is not true, and believing it can cause deep harm. Here is what science and Indian law actually say.
What medical science says
- The World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders decades ago.
- In 2018, the Indian Psychiatric Society stated clearly that homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder.
- In the WHO's current classification (ICD-11), being transgender is no longer listed as a mental disorder either.
Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual is a natural part of human diversity.
What Indian law says
- In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that consensual same-sex relationships between adults are not a crime, and said sexual orientation is a natural part of a person's identity.
- The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 protects everyone's right to mental healthcare without discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- In 2022, following directions from the Madras High Court, the National Medical Commission declared conversion therapy by doctors to be professional misconduct.
Why conversion therapy harms
"Conversion therapy" means any attempt to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, through counselling, medicines, religious rituals, pressure or punishment. It:
- Does not work. There is no reliable evidence that orientation can be changed.
- Causes harm, including shame, depression, anxiety, trauma and a higher risk of suicide.
- Often damages family relationships, because the person learns they are only loved if they change.
If someone is pressuring you into "treatment" to change who you are, you have the right to refuse.
So why do some LGBTQ+ people struggle with mental health?
Higher rates of anxiety and depression among LGBTQ+ people are linked to stigma, discrimination, rejection and having to hide, not to their identity. When people are accepted by family and friends, their mental health is much better.
Like anyone, LGBTQ+ people can also experience anxiety, depression, OCD or other conditions. These deserve proper, respectful treatment, without anyone trying to change their sexuality.
What good care looks like
Affirming care means a professional who:
- Accepts your identity and never tries to change it
- Focuses on what you want help with
- Understands the pressures of stigma, family and society
- Keeps what you share confidential
That is the care we offer at InnerWhispers, online across India or in person in Warangal. Book a session, or read our guide to being gay in India.
Frequently asked questions
Is homosexuality a mental disorder?
No. The World Health Organization and the Indian Psychiatric Society do not consider homosexuality a mental disorder.
Is conversion therapy banned in India?
In 2022 the National Medical Commission declared conversion therapy by doctors to be professional misconduct, following directions from the Madras High Court.
Can being gay be cured?
No, because it is not an illness. Attempts to change sexual orientation do not work and can cause serious harm.
Affirming care
Our professionals support you as you are. No one here will try to change your sexuality or gender.
Learn about our support
