Law changed, but society didn’t: Lesbian couple

LUCKNOW: On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court bench pronounced a unanimous verdict scrapping the provisions of Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalised ‘ unnatural sex’ between consenting adults.

The law was abolished four years ago, but a fully inclusive society remains a distant dream for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community that continues to face stigma, violence, and grievous indiscrimination.

“Legislation can only change the law, not people’s views and behaviour. It will take many more years, before the stigma of being gay or lesbian is eradicated totally. While many people are unconcerned, others will continue to judge and discriminate against us,” said Karishma (name changed), 21, who is in love with a girl and has come out openly as a lesbian to her family.

She lives with her parents in Lucknow and met her partner two years back in a joint meeting. Karishma works as a health care giver in a private hospital. However, her companion Vaibhavi (name changed) completed her high school and is yet to attain the age of 18. “As I grew up, I realised that I have a genuine affection for girls rather than boys,” said Karishma. “Though my physical features are of a girl, I’m a boy from inside,” said Vaibhavi.

Karishma recalled how she once posted a photo of herself and her partner on social media, which drew flak from her neighbours.

“It was an image of us getting married in front of God. The society shunned us, and people rarely spoke to my family after that incident. Neither my parents nor others supported me. My father, a painter, did not show up at home for seven days, and later blamed me for this,” she added. Karishma is often compelled to marry a man because her parents still believe she has a mental disorder that would be resolved if she marries a man.

The duo is adamant on spending their lives together. “We will battle for our rights. Our families and society should accept us for who we are,” said the couple.

KARISHMA WORKS AS A HEALTH CARE GIVER IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL. HER COMPANION IS YET TO ATTAIN THE AGE OF 18