Abstract

The landmark 2018 judgment by the Supreme Court of India, which read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, marked a historic victory for the LGBTQIA+ movement. However, legal decriminalization did not translate into full social, political, or economic inclusion. This study explores the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in India following the verdict, focusing on the persistent challenges related to discrimination, lack of legal recognition of same- unions, access to healthcare, education, and employment. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys, and legal analysis, this research examines how societal attitudes, institutional frameworks, and public policies intersect to shape the lived realities of queer communities. The paper also evaluates recent policy developments, advocacy efforts, and judicial interventions, offering a critical lens on what meaningful equality entails in the Indian context. The study concludes by suggesting a rights-based roadmap for inclusive reforms beyond decriminalization.