PUBLIC PERCEPTION DOES NOT HINDER DUTEE’S LIFE

New Delhi, July 1: Star Indian sprinter Dutee Chand concedes that her revelation of being in a same-sex relationship last year led to people looking at her “differently” but insists that it doesn’t bother her one bit.

The 24-year-old Dutee, considered the fastest Indian woman right now, has asked those in same-sex relationships to be courageous and stand firm.

“One may fall in love anytime and with anyone. One does not decide that based on caste, religion or gender,” Dutee said in an online interaction with US Consul General in Hyderabad Joel Reifman.

In May last year, Dutee had revealed that she was in a relationship with a woman from her village in Odisha. She had said that “coming out of the closet” was better than “hiding” her personal life.

“My partner supported me every time and I have chosen her for my life. People may look at us differently or call us by any name like gay, lesbian etc. That does not matter so far as we get to spend our lives with each other,” she added. —