Remove Section 377: Delhi’s LGBT urge again

Many youngsters, who recently participated in the LGBTQ commemoration of Delhi High Court’s historic 2009 judgment, have pinned their hopes on removal of section 377 by the Supreme Court.

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

Many youngsters plan to tell their parents about their sexual orientation, once homosexuality is decriminalised by the Indian law.(Amal KS/HT)

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.

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“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-coloured flags in Central Park.

LGBTQ community commemorated the Delhi High Court’s historic 2009 judgment at Central Park in the Capital’s Connaught Place area on Saturday. (Amal KS/HT )

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 that I’m gay and proud of it.”

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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.