Euphoria over SC verdict on gay sex

Activists in Bengaluru are celebrating Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement decriminalising homosexual love.

For some in the LGBTQ community, the news is still sinking in, especially since it has taken so long to have Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code scrapped.

Rōmal Lāisram

“The good thing is that it still criminalises bestiality,” says Rõmal Lãisram, founder of the Queer Arts Movement India. He likes lines from the verdict: ‘Sexuality can’t be confined to a binary’ and ‘Section 377 has inflicted tragedy and anguish and has to be remedied.’

Priyank

‘More to be done’

Priyank, pastry chef

We are really excited and happy many things are behind us. There is a lot more to be done at the grassroots level. We hope to archive the Queer movement from the 1990s, set up an asylum for abducted children and those thrown out of their families for disclosing their identities.

Priyanka R

‘Independence Day’

Priyanka R

First transgender radio jockey

“Many of us gathered at Town Hall and it was crazy. All sexual minority communities here are celebrating Independence Day today. It is a big day for us to know we are finally valued and accepted.To know that Section 377 has finally been scrapped is a indeed beautiful moment. It was a big struggle through the years and it has finally paid off.”

Rahul Pillai

‘It’s a new India’

Rahul Pillai, HR professional

“I feel alive and my faith in humanity has been restored. I feel like I belong to a large community. I feel equal and celebrated. The biggest struggle has always been with family and community members. There were times when I was judged for the person I was and it was difficult. We were closeted for years and we lived in fear. But now we feel proud. There is no holding back. It’s a new day, a new beginning and a new India for me.”

Vidya Pai

‘A sense of safety’

Vidya Pai, entrepreneur

The verdict is an opening for a civil rights push which will follow. Honestly, the verdict is far less dramatic compared to what happened in 2009 and 2013. While in 2009, it was a deep win for us, the verdict in December 2013 was a huge shock. The verdict is what any civilised society would deliver. So many will now talk to their families with their heads held high. There is a big sense of safety.”