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Of Colours and Dissent: Delhi Queer Pride Parade 2019

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Delhi Queer Pride Parade 2019 witnessed a colourful celebration of love and inclusiveness, on Barakhamba Road. The march was also led against the regressive Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019. 

24th November, 2019 witnessed the famed Delhi Queer Pride on Barakhamba Road. The pride had dual motives this year, to celebrate love and inclusivity as well as protest against the regressive Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, commonly called the Trans Bill. 

The march began from the intersection of Tolstoy Marg and Barakhamba Road till Janpath, and went even further. The entire road was lit up with rainbow coloured balloons, pride flags, and high-spirited people. 

Posters against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, the allegedly homophobic government, and depicting the struggles of the community were seen in abundance.

In a majority of states across our country, LGBTQIA+ rights and dignity are not fully protected by the law, and, in fact, there are fierce movements that seek to oppress and marginalise them and their social relationships. One such movement, being the Trans Bill. 

For many LGBT+ people, Pride is the one time of the year when they can be out and proud about who they are, and whom they love. It’s the one time of year that they can stand boldly in the streets with other queer individuals, proclaiming that “we are fully human”, and deserve to be celebrated and uplifted just like everyone else. Even in cities that are seen as LGBT+ friendly, it is still an incredibly subversive experience to get to march in parades or attend festivals where hundreds upon hundreds of LGBT+ people are letting their lights shine before all people without fear. Pride is often the beginning of the process of healing from the trauma inflicted on us by our heteronormative, patriarchal society.

A student from University of Delhi (DU) under the conditions of anonymity said, “Pride is the time where I can take out my mom’s saree and try it, not behind my bedroom’s closed door but out in the open in the streets, and be loved for it.”

The streets witnessed various scintillating performances on the beats of the dhol and drums playing. The parade was echoing with slogans like “Pyaar karne ki azadi, Modi se azadi” and “Jai Bheem”.

The major concern of the pride was to raise awareness against the resistance being faced by one part of the LGBTQIA+ community due to the Trans Bill. 

India’s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019, contradicts the rights and protections laid out in the country’s supreme court’s NALSA verdict of 2014. It also upholds the humiliating process of submitting an application to District Magistrate for a legal recognition of one’s transgender identity, which means to first register as a transgender, then submit proof of surgery to get identification as male or female. The bill also says that sexual violence against a trans persons will be subjected to a  punishment from 6 months to 2 years, in comparison to 7 years crimes against heterosexual women. It also rejects reservation and affirmative action for trans, intersex and gender nonconforming people in health, education and employment.

Student unions like All India Student Association (AISA) were also seen being part of the parade along with students from all over DU and other universities. 

However, the Pride didn’t only see participation from one age group. People from all walks of life had come together for pride, from school children to middle-aged men to the elderly. 

Delhi Queer Pride is a time where everyone steps out of the shadows and declares that they will no longer be forced to suppress their truest selves because of the heterosexual fragility and fear. 

Feature Image Credits: Noihrit Gogoi for DU Beat

Chhavi Bahmba 

[email protected]

 

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Arts & Culture

10th Delhi Queer Pride Parade in Photos

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Barakhamba Road at Delhi seemed to have been transformed into a gay wonderland drenched in rainbow flags, colourful balloons, and intelligible slogans along with its cheerful and ‘gay’ crowd, as it witnessed the 10th edition of the Delhi Queer Pride Parade. The parade held on 12th November celebrated the queer community of our country and, more than that, pressed their manifesto demanding equal rights for the community.

Every year, the pride walk provides a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to rejoice in their queerness, while it is an avenue for straight allies to show their solidarity and support. Here are some captivating glimpses from the 10th Delhi Queer Pride Parade.

 

In dark times, we must stay strong. With this resonation, people across Delhi met to sing, dance, and celebrate in an attempt to create a safe space where voices were raised and freedom was demanded. The pride walk was dedicated to people across all sexualities and genders who face discrimination and violence in their lives.

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The LGBTQ+ community majorly fights against the dated colonial laws, in particular Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that was reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2013. Under the effect of this law, any consensual homosexual conduct between two adults is illegal and thus punishable. Being queer is often labelled as a choice and a lifestyle – here, an attendee of the pride walk raises a fitting reply to such schools of thought.

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Since pride parades create a safe space for the queer community, they provide a stage for members to dress how they want to with no sort of judgment or enforcement of any gender rules and norms. This helps members of the queer community to raise their voice and be proud of themselves and their identity, especially because they are constantly branded as ‘outlandish’, ‘abnormal’, ‘meetha’, and ‘chhakka’ in their daily lives. To see them take pride in themselves in a stereotypical and orthodox society like ours speaks of the heights of their courage.

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Though the Queer Pride Parade is held every year, each year it seems fresh and empowering for its people. This year, the march held from Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar saw a spree of engendering queer folks who seemed to say a big “screw you” to heteronormativity. While some sang and danced their queerness out, the others appreciated them and captured these liberating glimpses. What was even more delightful was that the police personnel stationed throughout the length of the path also appreciated the queer community.

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While the queer community members live in the constant fear of being ostracised and even disowned by society and, moreover, by their own families, for one day, all fears are put aside and courage is mustered to come forward and openly be themselves. Protesting voices raise their claim to live with dignity and security. Love is love, irrespective of gender and sexuality. It should not matter whether it is homosexual, bisexual, transexual, asexual, pansexual, intersex, non-binary, genderqueer, or so on.

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The rainbow walk ends in front of Jantar Mantar each year and here, the Delhi Queer Pride manifesto is read out. The true festivities begin with innumerable and lush performances. Attendees go home with aching cheeks from all the smiling and cheering they’ve done throughout the day.

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While the LGBTQ+ folks are fighting for legal recognition, it is equally important that our social and cultural spaces are inclusive to the community and that the queer population is embraced as equal children of Mother India. Proper sensitisation and open discussion is necessary to raise knowledge and acceptance. Moreover, heteronormativity needs to be challenged and inclusivity needs to become the norm. Pride is a moment of celebration where the stigma and shame the queer community receives is rejected and everyone exists how they wish to, free of social expectations.

Satrangi Salam!

 

Image Credits: Ayush Chauhan and P.V. Purnima for DU Beat

Varoon Tuteja
[email protected]

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Arts & Culture

Pride Despite Prejudice – A Look at LGBTQ Pride and Progress

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On 28 June 1969, LGBTQ people in New York initiated the violent Stonewall Riots to protest against the discrimination they faced as a community. They are often identified as the turning point in LGBTQ history as they led to the start of the gay liberation movement. A year later, on its anniversary, gay pride marches – the first of their kind – took place in four cities across the United States. Eventually, the movement grew and countries all around the world began to organise pride marches towards the end of June to commemorate the riots. Consequently, June came to be known as Pride month, with everyone wanting in on the action.

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Credits: Passport Magazine

On 24 June 2016, the area around Stonewall Inn was declared a U.S. national monument, the first to have queer significance. In June of this year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the first LGBT Memorial in the U.S. This memorial will be placed in New York’s Hudson River Park and will be designed by Anthony Goicolea, a Brooklyn-based artist. The Governor established the LGBT Memorial Commission last year after the Orlando Pulse shooting which targeted 49 LGBTQ people.

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Credits: Huffington Post

This is only one example of the way June is celebrated across the globe. Millions of people marched in support of LGBT rights and also held ‘resist’ marches in light of Trump’s actions. There is wide disparity in the actions of leaders around the world – two years ago, Barack Obama took a historic step to legalise same-sex marriage throughout the United States, while the current administration strives to undo all that progress and even refuses to acknowledge Pride month. Today itself, German legislators legalised same-sex marriage, while east European governments threaten their openly gay citizens. Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage earlier this year, while Indian political leaders continue to promote archaic ideologies on the matter of equality.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of reason to rejoice. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marched as an ally, the Greek Finance Minister showed his support at the parade in Athens, and Tel Aviv Pride was the biggest event of its kind in West Asia. Over three million people showed up in Sao Paulo, unafraid to be flamboyant and vibrant. People in Serbia and Ukraine marched despite protests and fears of retaliation. Landmarks around the world, such as the Empire State Building in New York, the Madrid City Hall, and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi lit up in rainbow colours to support the cause.

Credits: iTravelTelAviv
Credits: iTravelTelAviv

We may be subject to discrimination all around the year, but this June has certainly been a celebratory month. Happy Pride!

 

Feature Image Credits: BuzzFeed LGBT

Vineeta Rana
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Good news – your TV is getting more diverse!

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We live in times of political turmoil and multicultural clashes fuelled by polarising and divisive rhetoric, even as the people of the world become more diverse and their identities less water-tight. This diversity and crossing of cultural, linguistic and other social boundaries is evident in the television most of us watch today – and that’s great news! In today’s context, when there is suspicion surrounding the “other” communities, and when they are being portrayed as external threats to cultural mores and security of nations by the political classes, this representation is not only a statement but also works to normalise the existence of these communities.

The annual Where We Are On TV report by GLAAD, which tracks the representation of LGBTQ+ characters on television, shows promising times ahead for diversity in media. While 2016 was the year of the Brexit, the shootings in Pulse, Orlando, and Trump’s election, it was also the year that television saw the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ series regular characters on broadcast television with respect to popular American TV shows. While there are still harmful tropes and stereotypes surrounding representation of the community, the report by GLAAD notes that there are visible efforts by most platforms to include characters that are also “…LGBTQ+ people of color (who have long been underrepresented), transgender men, characters living with disabilities, and people who live at the intersections of multiple marginalised identities.”

As someone who identifies as a queer woman, I understand the immense satisfaction of having your identity validated by a TV show, or seeing people you relate to making it big in the mainstream media. There has been a notable increase in the number of TV shows with LGBTQ+ characters in recent years, evident by the splashes it makes on social media. In the past few months, I have had the great pleasure of watching several TV productions of diverse genres, in numerous languages, and with LGBTQ+ characters from all walks of life. Skam, a Norwegian TV phenomenon that took the social media by storm in late 2016, was an absolute treat as it portayed a heartfelt coming-of-age of the 17 year old Isak Valtersen who had to come to terms with not just his sexuality but also his troubled relationship with his mentally ill mother. Another major character on the show was the mentally-ill bisexual love interest of Isak. Eyewitness, a USA Network adaptation of a Norwegian show, showed two teenage boys battling internalised homophobia and coming to terms with their relationship, while also embroiled in a police investigation for a triple homicide they witnessed.

Isak and Even in the third season of Skam
Isak and Even in the third season of Skam

 

Merlí, a Catalonian show about an unconventional philosophy professor in a high school, has a major plotline involving the relationships between the professor and his gay son, and the relationship of the latter with his best friend. Popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Orange is the New Black, Shadowhunters and Supergirl also have major LGBTQ+ characters and plot lines.

 

Merli, the Catalonian TV about an unconventional philosophy professor
Merli, the Catalonian TV about an unconventional philosophy professor

 

While it’s important to be conscious of the struggle of marginalised communities for their rights and identities, their increasing representation in mainstream media is most certainly a joyous realisation, and one that will, hopefully, fuel the fight for diversity and soon pervade into other realms of society.

Feature Image Credits: US News

Shubham Kaushik

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DUB Speak

The experience of being bisexual and blithe

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I came out almost accidentally over a year ago, after at least six months of intense mental conversations with myself. I remember the exact moment I felt the words come out of my mouth for the first time, to a friend I’d recently reconnected with after years of no conversation. “I’m pretty sure I’m bisexual anyway”, I said. He nodded in acknowledgement, and we continued our chatter as if what I’d just revealed was a perfectly normal statement. The astonishing part in all of this is that it was, in fact, a perfectly normal statement.

I don’t have qualms about sexuality. Ever since I gained understanding of the concepts of equality, I’ve believed that everyone deserves to be loved. Being bisexual was difficult to figure out, but only because it involved an analysis of my actions and feelings since childhood, as well as a re-evaluation of what I’d established as my identity for so long. There were several stages – from ‘I only like men’ to ‘I like women only physically’ to finally, ‘I can see myself marrying a girl’. The discovery was groundbreaking, in the way scientific inventions are. It offered me a fitting definition and a new perspective. I came out to all my friends one by one, and I couldn’t have wished for better responses. The best thing is that it didn’t stop there. My friends are supportive, silently and unwaveringly but also vocally and emphatically. We joke about stereotypes but appreciate our identities. My boyfriend laughingly exclaims that he’s always up for threesomes, and in the same breath gushes with pride for my openness about my sexuality.
While I’ve yet to come out to my parents, the conversation I had with my brother within a month of labeling myself as bisexual is one of my most treasured memories. We’re not the closest siblings, and we’ve never talked about it since, but the knowledge that someone I immensely look up to knows who I am, is liberating.

Coming out can be hard and traumatic. Luckily for me, I have a support system that can’t be rivaled. The stigma attached to the LGBT community, especially in India, is still highly prevalent. However, not every queer’s life has to be full of distress. There are people who care. People in your family, people in your college, friends you’ve known for years, and a worldwide community. This is what most people do not have the opportunity to realise – that it is possible to be queer, accepted, and happy.

Image Credits: www.whatsuplife.in

Vineeta Rana

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DUB Speak

TRANSGENDER: Accepting the non-conformist

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Our history and heritage, as we all know, shapes the kind of moulds we put our personalities into. There are legends and there are facts and then there are those stories that families keep under lock and key, hidden behind the boulders of the past. Our acceptance of the Transgender depends on a series of reactions that history has recorded. It would be incredibly hard to look at the world now and believe that the earliest records do show that transgender humans were greeted with great veneration as they were seen to be able to serve and understand a very complex mindset of both men and women, a different kind of ambidexterity.

However, what we find in records is often the surface of a much more intrinsic core and so is the case with transgender people. It is not knowledge that an outsider possesses but with an inclination to tap into the sentiments of this population, it gets easier to understand the struggles they go through.

The definition and interpretations of the transgender has gone through quite a few revisions over the years. In basic terms, it is a person who has been born with the physical orientation of a certain gender but the person’s mentality and if I may say so, soul alignment inclines towards another gender. Can someone, anyone ever stop to imagine the plight that they have to go through their entire lives? Getting through life, boosting yourself everyday to get people to like you is hard enough but leading a life in which people rarely understand you is a whole different level of a triumph.

The ‘hijras’ in India are popularly known to comprise this population and are considered to be a sign of blessing at weddings and festive gatherings but the acceptance here comes out of an attempt dipped in superstition due to the fear of bad karma and dharma.

As civilizations have moved on from the matrilineal societies to staunch patriarchal societies, we only now can feel the tiniest bit of a movement and at the moment, that’s all it is. Learned Indians are not ready to accept humans just like you and me because they have not been blessed with the same sexual and mental orientation that their body should coincide with. We often describe their minds to be too complex for our liking but we can’t really blame them because they’ve constantly been gushed with judgmental atrocities.

When we don’t quite understand a situation, the vital thing to do is to think rationally for a second, put yourself in their situation (repeated because we don’t quite seem to get it). Things we can’t seem to fathom are not problematic and definitely do not invite antagonism but gentle acceptance of a difference. Celebrate the courage that some people have to be able to make a public realization of how they actually should belong and go ahead and make that change.

Image Credits- cake.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/01/31/best-of-tumblr-gender-nonconformity-art

Baani Kashyap
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DUB Speak

“I’m a gay teen and many of you may think we are different”

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If you aren’t familiar with the term already, LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Described by many as a colonial baggage that has outlived its relevance in the present times, the infamous Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 is a silent reminder of the sheer failure of the system to be inclusive and progressive. We got in touch with one such teen who narrated his side of the story, as a student who is part of the sexual minority. Read along as he describes the concept of homophobia, his experience as a DU student and more..

“It’s the 21st century and the LGBT (Lesbian is excluded because of the legal recognition and rights given to them recently, although they still face rampant discrimination.) population in India is still almost non-existent; well that’s according to the government who turns a blind eye towards the LGBT community and the Supreme Court which said in its 2013 judgement that “the LGBT population constitutes only  a minuscule fraction of the country’s population” and reinstated section 377 in the statute books.

I’m a gay teen and many of you might think that You and I are very different. Well that’s not true because at the end of the day we are all humans except for the fact that you don’t have to live a dual life.

It wasn’t easy in the beginning, when I realised that I was gay. Being made fun of, the gender stereotypes and the countless myths and taboos are some of the things associated with being gay. I used to ask God “why me?” hoping that I would turn out to be “normal” and that this is just a phase.  This was, until I read about being gay on the internet which gave me an assurance that it’s normal. I’m lucky that I had access to the internet, which showed me a ray of hope. I clearly remember reading a quote which said, “being straight is not normal, it’s just common.” It made me realise that I was not alone and that there are millions of others just like me. I even read stories of gay people from all across the world and the LGBT rights movements across North America and Europe.  

I live a dual life and I’m good at it because I have never been bullied or called names, although I may have garnered a little bit of suspicion from some people. It’s basically living a lie; I have to pretend to like girls and hide my feelings towards a person of the same-sex. One instance I can recall in this regard is that I made a girlfriend just so I could show those ignorant homophobes that even I can get a girl. This act proved my “manliness” to my peers and put a stop to all those jokes and suspicions. They thought that I’m a late bloomer.

My experience at DU has been good so far. I haven’t encountered any discrimination/homophobia but also haven’t met many LGBT people. Maybe that is because they are in the closet just like I am. In my first year at DU, I came out to two of my close friends. They took it positively and hugged me together, twice. In fact, one of them only asked me to write this article. Coming out isn’t easy. That’s because you have to run a thousand simulations of how the person to whom you are coming out will take it. Then you have to predict how this person will take it or go with your gut feeling. After all this, find the right time to tell them. After telling them, see their first reaction and if its negative then say I’m kidding and it’s a joke or make up some lame excuse. So basically it’s a long process. After coming out, the person may ask questions, but that’s good because it shows their interest and that they care about you.

India is a free country, yet I’m not allowed to live openly and freely. There is always the fear of someone finding out. But now I have got used to it; it does not affect me as much as it used to. I have a long term goal which is to move out of this country and live freely, without any fear. It’s not like I’m unpatriotic, it’s just that I deserve better. Why should I suffer in this country when I can live a better and dignified life abroad. The reason I want to leave this country is simple- India is homophobic and ignorant. The country has no laws protecting the gay community; instead there are archaic laws like section 377 that still exist in the statute books.

However, there has been a change in the Indian society, people have started discussing the issue of LGBT equality. The media has played a significant role in highlighting the problems faced by the LGBT community. In the parliament a private member’s bill was proposed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to drop section 377 from the statute books. It was rejected for discussion, but at least it’s a start.

To be honest I don’t think India might adopt marriage equality and employment rights for the gay community anytime in the near future. Also, with the pace at which things are moving in this country, I feel its best if I move out of the country and live a better life.
The opinion expressed is a solely personal account of the writer, who wrote this with the promise of anonymity. LGBT rights is an important issue for discussion and such voices need to be heard. Does the mainstream even know about their existence? If not, we all should.

Featured image credits: : www.aljazeera.com 

Compiled by:

Riya Chhibber
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News

Petition for LGBT Rights: An ‘Enactus Ramjas Initiative

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The Supreme Court of India, which is considered the ‘final guardian and interpreter’ of the Indian Constitution sent shock waves across the world as it overturned the judgement of the Delhi High Court(2009) which declared Section 377 unconstitutional. The SC verdict infringes the ‘right to life and personal liberty’ that the Constitution of India promises to each and every citizen irrespective of their place of birth, caste, creed, religion, race or sex.

The SC’s move has moved all spheres of society, Delhi University being no exception. Enactus Ramjas, in collaboration with NGO ‘NAZ Foundation’ plans to start an online petition to restore the rights of personal liberty to the LGBT community. They also wish to forward the demand for withdrawal of the judgement criminalising sexual intercourse between same sex people.

In order to muster maximum support from the youth of DU, a Facebook page in name of ‘E-queer-LIBRIUM’ has been launched that works towards sensitisation towards the gay community. The group provides a platform to reflect the voice of discriminated and reach out to the concerned authorities. Not only is Enactus Ramjas supporting the LGBT community in their legal battle for equality and justice, but also the members have started an innovative plan called – ‘TransCreations’ where the  transgenders are given an opportunity to work in the jewellery designing project of Enactus Ramjas. The jewellery designed is then sold online, in college fests and in select jewellery shops as well. “The workers are thus guaranteed an alternate respectable income, which is a small step towards making them socially acceptable, independent and strong.” said Robin Kumar, President, Enactus Ramjas.

Thus, while the fate of this minority group hangs on a loose thread, it is important for us to observe solidarity and create an atmosphere conducive to each and every member of the society.

Relevant links :

Official FB Page of ‘E-queer-LIBRIUM’ – https://www.facebook.com/equeelibrium

Official FB Page of the Trans’Creations’ Programme-https://www.facebook.com/Transcreations?fref=ts

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Emerging dilemma as SC stands for ‘equality’

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If there is one institution that people see as something that is truly beyond reproach and has the integrity to do what is right, it is the Supreme Court. The hallowed chambers of this court are a place where the right to equality is truly sacrosanct. In light of the media spectacle surrounding the verdict on Section 377 and the condemnation of the entire world that accused the Supreme Court of being out of date, the court decided to answer its critics. The SC has decided to do away with standards of reasonable doubt and remove conventional defenses such as self defense and the insanity plea. In the spirit of equality however it has decided to impose these on everyone equally. The court believes that this move ensures that nobody can now claim that the moves of the court were illegal or against the notion of equality.

1)      The ‘it is not natural’ defence

The idea that anything or anyone unnatural go scot-free is something that the courts are not okay with. Hence they have decided to crack down on all those who defy natural and stray from the natural order. Under this, all individuals with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, breast implants and artificial joints can now be prosecuted. This is a bold move that ensures that individuals do what is natural and avoid any sort of deviant behaviour.

2)      The ‘it is against our culture’ defence

The SC believes that we must hold our culture on the highest possible pedestal and the law must take the backseat. With the cultural fabric of this nation withering away and the youth getting drawn to the ways of the west, the courts decided to take a stand. So people can now be held criminally liable for listening English music, going to modern hospitals rather than babas who practice ayurveda, not wearing ghoonghat or putting sindoor and commiting any other act that is not compatible with Indian culture.

3)      The ‘Baba Ramdev said it’ plea

This in essence is the replacement for the ‘Insanity Plea’. It’s not just limited to Baba Ramdev, rather all Yoga teachers turned moral experts turned political activist preachings are admissible in a court of law as evidence.  In accordance with this all schools shall no longer be teaching sex education, rather Yoga education is going to be the way forward. As per this law everything any baba says is true and sacrosanct and forms the fabric of our otherwise immoral society. As a result of this plea, Asaram Bapu and his son have just been released from jail. Also the system of community service has now been removed and all homosexuals can go to Baba Ramdev who claims to have found the cure for this deviant behaviour.

4)      The ‘religion’ appeal

The SC believes in equality and upholds the idea of secularism. In keeping with this spirit the SC decided to bring back the ancient religious laws. The first step was a historic one and ensures that all atheists are now criminals that can be imprisoned for life. All views that defy religion like abortion, use of condoms, committing one of the seven sins and many other such views are now regarded as illicit and criminal views that go against the state. Also the punishment for these acts will be decided by religious leaders and not the SC , so sharia law, crucifixion, sati are now all fair play.

5)      The ‘it is a disease’ defence

Many opponents of the LGBT community felt that not being straight is a disease and hence it should be criminalized. So in keeping with the court’s strong belief in equality it has decided to criminalize all people that are sick. Basically all individuals that are disabled or terminally ill can now be sent to jail.

These moves by the courts will surely make a statement. The SC also felt that people are actually getting more offended by the tag of being called a Criminal. They feel that many great leaders are criminals in this country and they continue to live their life normally. So why is the LGBT community getting so offended by the criminal tag. It’s time that they take inspiration from the many criminals of this nation like Salman Khan and live life to the fullest because all men are equal in the eyes of the law, even criminals.

Editor’s note: Bazinga is DU Beat’s fake news column. This piece is supposed to be a satire and is not aimed at offending supporters of the LGBT community. If in case you are not a supporter,  it was surely written to offend you.

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Why Homosexuality in India is Still A Taboo

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World renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev claims to have a “cure” for the “disease” called “homosexuality”. He has discovered some asanas or body postures that can make the diseased person “normal” again.

It is sometimes hard for me to believe that I’m living in the 21st century. That, in the century that is characterized by technological advancements, globalization and liberal thinking, most people still prefer to reside in the stone age and refuse to come out of their shell, or den, in this case.

Homosexuality is said to be a condition of body and mind, wherein one is attracted to members of the same sex. It is as natural and normal as the transformation of a caterpillar to a fluttering butterfly. But the majority of narrow minds in the Indian Diaspora make it very difficult to establish homosexuality as an accepted form of existence. The problem lies in the Indian family ethos. Advertisements on AIDS and condoms on TV are hurriedly changed, met with awkward silences and glowering eyes of parents. Thus open talking about homosexuality of the child is unthinkable. The child finds it very hard to put forth his points, confide in his parents in such a discouraging atmosphere. In rare cases, when people muster up courage and openly declare their homosexuality, they are met with vivid expressions of horror, disbelief, in -acceptance, guilt and shame (in the same order). The fear of stigmatization is a constant reminder of the pitfalls that may follow. This is a major reason why most families choose not to support their children and force them into marriages and seek all sorts of “treatments”, not caring about wants of the child, thus pushing him/her into an abysm of despair.

Another problematic area is workplace. Homosexuals are more often than not ridiculed at, discriminated against, paid less compared to their counterparts and are never incorporated into the wider social group. Gay couples and marriages are laughed off as unnatural and they are subjected to worldly prejudices, escalating to discrimination. In fact, in many serials, Gay mannerisms are introduced to add the necessary spice and humor.

But, as they say, change is inevitable, and slowly but surely, people are changing their attitude towards this topic. Landmark legislation was the reading down of section 377 of the IPC that criminalized homosexual activities, and now the Indian legal system recognizes gay affiliations. Gay parades now feature annually Delhi Calendar. They have played and continued to play a major role in emancipation of the LGBT community and in spreading ethical awareness about the very same. Several organizations, like the NAZ FOUNDATION, have vehemently supported this cause and have subsequently made admirable efforts to improve the current, prevailing situation. And thus, comes back my realization, that I live in the 21st century and not the Stone Age.

A society is judged by the people who live in it. We all must broaden our horizons, break away from age old myths and embrace a more progressive and happier tomorrow.

Image credits: Firstpost 

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