DECADES IN THE MAKING
From protests in 1998 against the screening of Deepa Mehta’s ‘Fire’ to the SC finally scrapping Section 377 in 2018, here‘s a brief history of queer activism in India
1998 Fire sparks protests
Shiv Sena activists vandalise posters of Deepa Mehta’s film ‘Fire’ during a protest against its screening in New Delhi. The film starred Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das and depicted them as being in a relationship. The protests also triggered a public debate on homosexuality and freedom of speech in India.
2008 Delhi’s 1st Queer Pride
People participate in the Delhi’s first Queer Pride March in 2008. The march happened while the Delhi high court was hearing a petition filed by the Naz Foundation against Section 377. A year later, the high court read down Section 377.
rage against gGlobal SC Day verdict of
LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) activists gathered in protest across many cities across the world to protest against the Supreme Court decision that recriminalised homosexuality. Shortly afterwards, review petitions against the ruling were filed by Naz Foundation and the government but were quashed. 13 Activists protest LGBT activists protest against Supreme Court's judgement on Section 377 at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on December 15, 2013. The SC overruled the Delhi HC verdict and left it to Parliament to repeal Sec 377