The members of this homosexual community were compelled to live a life full of fear of reprisal and persecution as the Indian Supreme Court unanimously ruled to decriminalize homosexual sex in a landmark judgment for gay rights. The Supreme Court on Thursday held that section 377 of the penal code, which criminalizes consensual sexual acts between adults of the same sex, was unconstitutional. “Criminalizing carnal intercourse under the section 377 of Indian penal code is irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary,” said the Judge.
This judgment has brought tremendous joy to the LGBT community who had suffered a lot of mental pain. We had gone through a much mental torture, faced many bad situations but today all our pain has ended. Our struggle has triumphed. We got married in 2010 in the United States when the law was not sanctioned but in 2014, our relationship got legal recognition as US court approved the law. Today, our marriage is recognized in India too. Even though the law has been approved, we are aware that society will still have time to accept us.
It will always be very painful for us that our society cannot accept us but now our relationship has been accepted by law which has created big hopes within us. The court’s decision will certainly change the situations for us. Right now we have the same feelings what Indians had felt when India got independence in 1947. Now we do not have to hide our relationship with anyone. Our community can freely survive in the society. Earlier we were considered as criminals by the law. But now we do not have to worry about anyone or anything. From today onwards our life will be a new beginning.
Never gave up on the struggle
We had accepted the relationship which was not acceptable in society. With such a relationship we had to face many difficult situations in life. Despite being in progressed country like US, we had to face so many social problems, the taunting and non-acceptance attitude of people. Especially Indian citizens used to trouble us a lot. When we returned to India, the issue of homosexuality had become very worse as if it was a big crime. But we never gave up on our struggle.
Society’s attitude will take time to change
The society’s opinion toward us will change eventually; we hope that society will accept us. The court’s decision may change society’s negative thinking about us but it will take time. With the court’s decision, we do not have to worry about the community, the relatives anymore. When we first came to Pune, we were not getting any room to stay as we were a gay couple. It was a very tough journey, but not now we will be able to enjoy equal rights like all Indians.
Life will flourish
At our work place also we faced many criticism but we always preferred neglecting them and continue our work. From this court decision, every gay person has got freedom; they don’t have to worry about social life. There is no need to worry about hiding identity or what the society will say.
The community should stop discrimination
On the basis of one’s sexuality, the society should not discriminate with anyone. Let everyone enjoy their freedom of speech. Love is a very good feeling, it should not be misinterpreted. Our love is not different than yours so society should stop discriminating.
Sexual intercourse with minor children and animals is crime
During the decision, the Supreme Court has stayed the other penal provisions in the law for unnatural sex with minor children and animals. This decision is welcome and important as we had always opposed to these things.
(Words crafted by Amol More)
