Only if my family changes its mindset
In the two years that I have been using a popular dating application, I have never mustered the courage to 'swipe right', to match with another guy. Obviously, I am very happy with the landmark judgment passed by the Supreme Court of India decriminalising gay sex, but I am still sceptical about how to go about it in my life. I am a 25-year-old investment banker, who has yet to come out of the closet, The idea of breaking the news to my family and actually coming out sends shivers down my spine. I cannot imagine the horror, the ridicule I will face from my family. But I have been very lucky to have found supportive friends, who have encouraged me to declare I am gay. Somehow, I could never garner the courage to do so. I have always been attracted to men since my schooldays, but realised my orientation only in junior college. Even when I was hanging around with my female friends, I always eyed the guys. However, when they caught me looking at another man, I would brush them off saying, “I was checking them out for you.” My life changed for the better when I finally came clean before friends on a drunken night. Much to my surprise, I was applauded and will never forget the support I received from them. I am really lucky to have such lovely friends, who are always there for me. I always was a 'girlish' boy and loved to hang out with women, never intending to touch them inappropriately. When I was using the dating application, I was so ashamed to show them I was interested in men, so I created a profile with a pseudonym. One day my father caught me playing 'house house' with my younger sisters, playing the mother's role, with a dupatta draped around me. My father beat me with a bamboo stick and his leather belt, warning me not to think of any game other than cricket or football. When I told him I was not interested in outdoor games, he got me a video game of army assassins and asked me to play that instead of running around with girls. In the light of the judgment passed by the apex court, I really hope my family changes its mindset about same sex relations. Only then can I could consider coming out of the closet. @Flipkart
Here’s to celebrating the cancelled order that has delivered dignity, equality, individualism and freedom. #Section377 #LoveIsLove #NayeIndiaKeSaath
@CafeCoffeeDay
No excuses, no regrets. #LoveIsLove #377
RANDEEP HOODA @RandeepHooda
Supreme Court shows the way to a new progressive India.. Love is all we need #LoveIsLove #LoveWins #Section377 #377Verdict
HARISH IYER @hiyer Verdict at 11:15. #LoveIsLove
SHANKAR MAHADEVAN @Shankar_Live
We have had 99 problems already, 377 wasn't one. At last LOVE prevails. A valiant move towards a great change in our society in India. #Section377 #LoveIsLove #PrideIndia
RANVEER SINGH
@RanveerOfficial
LOVE FOR ALL #Section377 #377Verdict
DIA MIRZA
@deespeak
Equality for India!!! Equal love. Equal rights. #RIPSection377 #Pride #LoveIsLove
ANUSHKA SHARMA @AnushkaSharma 6h
A huge step forward today for love and the right to love. #Section377 #377Verdict
BHUMI PEDNEKAR
@psbhumi
Today is a historic day! And I'm so proud of my nation. Paving the path for a future without any discrimination and hate. Freedom to choose and love #377verdict