Pre-colonial South Asian Sexual Cultures and Post-colonial Sri Lankan Rural Young Men Asserting Their Same-Sex Rights

Abstract

Introduction South Asian societies once embraced rich traditions of same-sex intimacy before the imposition of Victorian colonial morals and legal norms. However, remnants of these Victorian-era values persist in contemporary Sri Lanka, contributing to homophobic attitudes toward same-sex relationships. These attitudes are further reinforced by the Penal Code, inherited from colonial legal systems. This paper explores the contrast between pre-colonial sexual cultures and post-colonial sexual rights advocacy, focusing on how contemporary rural young men assert their sexual rights. Methods This study adopted a qualitative, inductive research design grounded in constructivist ontology and interpretivist epistemology. Data were collected through textual analysis, a qualitative survey (n = 30), and in-depth interviews (n = 10), using purposive sampling. Fieldwork was conducted between January and December ,2023. Thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. The study also incorporates an analysis of visual and pictorial narratives relevant to the subject matter. Results Findings underscore the contrast between pre-colonial and post-colonial values regarding same-sex relationships. The study reveals how young Sri Lankan men have historically faced discrimination under the British-imposed Penal Code, particularly concerning non-heterosexual intimacies such as sodomy. It further documents how rural young men advocate for their intimate rights in today’s socio-legal environment. Conclusions This paper illustrates the richness of Sri Lanka’s pre-colonial sexual cultures and examines how these traditions were later stigmatized and criminalized under Victorian-era sodomy laws. These colonial legacies continue to influence contemporary Sri Lankan society, which remains resistant to non-heterosexual desires and relationships. Policy Implications Future research should explore how youth activism engages with indigenous sexual norms to challenge colonial legacies. Legal reform efforts, including the decriminalization of same-sex relationships, should be informed by the region’s inclusive pre-colonial sexual traditions. Additionally, national policies on sexual and reproductive health education should promote LGBTIQ + inclusivity by drawing upon Sri Lanka’s broader South Asian cultural heritage.