Time to pick something good from India’s old history

Like many others in the queer community, the journey I took was not at all smooth. Today, I am in Canada but that does not stop me from rejoicing over this momentous occasion. This judgement is historic. I feel this judgment will put the queer community in the spotlight. This is a much-awaited judgement which will finally help change perceptions of people over time. Mostly, it will help the next generation to feel less lonely. I feel dearly about this idea as I was constantly bullied in class for not falling in typical masculine category. Nor my voice or my preference fitted that category. Yes, I am expressive and gesticulate a lot. I was constantly told to behave in a way, they deemed right. I knew I was different but that didn't stop me in anyway. I did want I had to do but I hope things would be different for the upcoming generation. I hope they are able to enjoy and appreciate what I and others in queer community did not enjoy. Coming out in not easy, mostly to your loved ones. I had to come out twice to my parents. When I say twice, I mean that was the only time we discussed about my sexuality. The very first time, I told my parents, they thought in a quest to be different I am just making this all up. But the second time I told them again, it struck my family. While, my mother blames herself and my upbringing as the reason for it; my dad and I had a strained relation after this. I hail from an army background. So the concept of masculinity and expectations are high. And I never passed that expectation. Meanwhile, for my relatives and cousins, I am that gay relative/cousin. At one point, I got used to it. During my work life in India, I was constantly addressed as a gay colleague and always asked for advice on clothes. There was this constant stigma or to say image created around queer community, I was constantly put in that mould. But in Canada, it is not the case. They understand the diversity and embrace it. India has what it takes to respect diversity. It has to overthrow the negative impact of the colonial-era law which got struck down by the court. The country has to have an inclusive approach. For centuries, India had celebrated homosexuality and now it is time, India picks something good from its ancient and medieval times.