Sexual identity labels and perceived health needs among sexual minority women in Mumbai, India

Significance: Sexual minority women (i.e., women who do not identify as heterosexual) in India not only face gender discrimination, but also discrimination based on sexual identity given the re-criminalization of same-sex sexual relations in India. Recent research on sexual minority men in India demonstrates the diversity of identity labels used, but women’s identity labels have not yet been documented. Understanding these women’s experiences is important for addressing both stigma as well as mental health and related issues in this marginalized population.

Objective: This project qualitatively examines sexual minority women’s identity labels and perceived health needs in Mumbai, India

Methods: This study included 12 in-depth interviews (10 lesbian identified, 2 bisexually identified women) and one focus group discussion (5 lesbian identified women, 1 bisexually identified) conducted in Mumbai, India. All were conducted in Hindi and English. Interviews and the focus group were recorded, then translated and transcribed in English. Themes from both the focus group and interviews are reported together.

Results: Identity labels of “women who love women” aligned primarily with Western labels. Main themes of perceived risk and protective factors based on an ecological model were reported and discussed. Gender identity was more salient than sexual identity for some participants, given the patriarchal climate of Mumbai. Participants emphasized macro-level (e.g., legal and criminal consequences) and interpersonal level (e.g., family acceptance) needs. Communities of sexual minority women, both in India and internationally, were positive factors and assisted some participants in identity formation.