Remove section 377: Delhi LGBT urge again

My parents are not aware that I’m gay, yet I’m here because I want to support others (in the LGBTQ community). Agar mummy-papa ko pata chala ki main gay hun toh mujhe maar dalenge,” said 18-yearold Dev Singh.

He, and many others, gathered in Connaught Place on Saturday to commemorate Delhi High Court’s historic 2009 judgment to decriminalise homosexuality, which was, however, reversed by the Supreme Court under Section 377. Viraj Shooken, 23, echoed the sentiment. “I want to make a career first, and then tell my parents about my sexual orientation, so their chances of accepting me are higher,” he said with hope, as he joined the others holding a banners with quirky slogans, wrapping themselves in rainbow flags.

Hopeful that the Supreme Court will reconsider section 377 soon, Himadri Roy, associate professor, School of Gender and Development Studies, IGNOU, said, “It’s difficult for parents and society to accept when one reveals about his or her sexual orientation. I’m fortunate my father and brother supported me but it’s not the same with everyone else.” A testimony of this is Rahul Kumar Thappa. “I was 21 when I told my parents I’m gay. They have not accepted it yet. No one in my family supports me. With help from friends, I’m not afraid to say I’m gay and proud of it!”

Many await the removal of section 377 to come out of the closet. “We face discrimination everywhere, and I feel it might be the same at home if I open up,” says a Delhi University student, who didn’t wish to be named.

I’m fortunate that my father and brother supported me but it’s not the same with everyone else HIMADRI ROY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, IGNOU

PHOTOS: AMAL KS/HT