Abstract
Gender neutrality is indeed one of the severe issues in India. Even in 2024, women aren’t the only victims; men face harassment, too, but society does not recognise domestic violence or sexual violence against men. Women harassment cases are more noticeable. The culture where we live considers men superheroes; they ask men not to cry over things and not to play with specific types of toys like dolls, etc. Society starts setting that standard from childhood, which impacts a child the most. It is not only the fault of parents but also societal norms. Men are taught not to cry even though they feel bad or hurt. Society has such a stereotype for men, not only for men but women, which considers women as objects, and that is why crime against women happens. It is one of the reasons.
Equally, laws are enacted to protect women from such harassment, but women can also take advantage of that law. If the scenario changes where a woman harasses a man, then? Society has set a standard for men, and men cannot exceed that standard. We usually consider men as emotionless individuals who do not know how to respect a relationship, but what if sexual abuse or domestic violence happens against them?
My research paper studies all those aspects: what gender neutrality is, the status of gender neutrality in India, and how men and transgender women face harassment but have no authority to protect them.
My paper discusses the provisions of rape laws and other requirements which can protect women but not men. It also discusses the historical journey of gender roles in India. Legal framework for gender neutrality, the challenges and opportunities, suggestions to improve the whole situation, intersectionality and the relationship with gender neutrality, comparisons with other countries, the impact of non-governmental organisations, future of gender neutrality and case laws to support my article.
KEYWORDS: Gender neutrality, male and transgender harassment, sexual abuse, legal reforms, gender impartiality, Indian society, transgender rights