It’s a huge day for the LGBTQ+ community in India! Section 377, which criminalised gay sex by terming it unnatural, has finally been scrapped. For years activists and members from the community have been fighting in hopes for this very day. While people from the community and others close to them know just how significant and life-changing this judgement is, there are also a few who’re unaware why it’s such a big deal. While some people may be ignorant towards this, there are also those who might just be unaware. So, here’s hoping to put things into perspective.
For years, Section 377 was used as a way to harass, blackmail and discriminate against members of the community. It was something that made a whole section of society feel like there was something wrong with them and that no matter what they do, it will never be enough. It criminalised love and most importantly, freedom to love whoever they want. You could think of it as a sword that hung over the head of people who identified as members of the community. It created fear and also to an extent, acted as a source that generated hate, oppression and stigma towards the community. It really brings into perspective just how much one law can affect a whole section of society.
This verdict is huge because it removes that dangling sword. It opens up the door for people to finally be free, live and most importantly, love. For those who lived in fear, it’s like the light at the end of the tunnel is finally here. It now opens up the possibility to have a conversation about a future and puts an end to discrimination. We are free to love and hold our partner’s hand without having to worry about being locked up or treated like criminals. A 157-year-old law that brought nothing but pain and suffering is at long last, gone.
About this, Sushil Charles, Celebrity Hairstylist said;
Feels like a burden’s taken off! Finally! This has been a long time coming! I’m so proud to be a part of history that’s been created today. To all the people who fought for us and for those who will see this light through, this win is for all of us! A special shoutout to the Supreme Court, you finally kicked some serious arse! Go pride!
Celebrity Make-Up Artist & Hairstylist, Elton Fernandez said;
Imagine being truly in love and waking up everyday knowing you have to hide, conceal and feel shame or remorse simply because you could be targeted for the natural good your heart feels. Living a parallel life is no real fun. Today, that freedom is rightly ours; not just to love, but to live and thrive, to be proud of our nature and to stand for equal human rights, to forge new paths and careers, to be brave and know that LadyJustice has our back, to forgive those that have wronged and continue to wrong us because they have known no better. The future is now paved with dignity and that fills me with joy and happy tears.
When you really think about it, you had an entire section of the society that had to follow a law which told them they couldn’t love someone. Now that it’s gone, we’re free and for that, we have to thank the many people who’ve been fighting tirelessly to make this happen. They are the true heroes behind this historic decision. It’s also important that while this is a huge victory, as a society, we’re far from done. We have to keep the conversation going and ensure that we help spread the message of love, equality and freedom. We’re moving in the right direction and we have to make sure we stay on course. That being said, this is a time to celebrate and that is exactly what we’re going to do!
What are your thoughts about this verdict and what do you think we need to do moving forward? Let us know in the comments below.
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