On July 17, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict on whether or not to decriminalize homosexuality in India. The Supreme Court will strike down the Indian Penal Code’s Section 377 (which criminalizes ‘unnatural sex’) the moment it is convinced the section violates the fundamental rights of citizens. Even in the 21st century, the LGBTQ community faces frequent and varying degrees of discrimination, and it would be a very big move towards justice if the section is scrapped.
But will only scrapping Section 377 be enough if society does not learn to be more sensible? The discrimination needs to stop, rules need to be made, but along with that the people’s mindsets need to change.
For example, taking dowry is a crime. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 exists to stop the practice, but still India witnessed 24,771 dowry deaths between 2012 and 2015. What I’m trying to get at is this: along with a strict law, the system should be smooth enough to examine if the law is being followed. Additionally, children and youth should be made aware of false and discriminatory beliefs about any one community.
From our politicians and top leaders down to the ‘common man’, many believe that homosexuality is a disease. These people prevent progressive laws and ideas from entering our society. Even if homosexuality gets decriminalized, the stigma against it also needs to go.
Just because heterosexuality is common doesn’t mean homosexuality is a disorder. We need to learn how to embrace progressive visions and laws. We must think about providing equality for all. Instead of making fun of people for whom they love. while being silent on topics like domestic violence and marital rapes by stating the latter two as private matters.
Hoping for the best, I would leave by quoting some lines written by me
“They were mocked at, They were laughed at.
You know the reason;coz, they were both of same SEX!
They loved each other
They lived in each other
Everything seemed so simple, so beautiful!
Needed nothing else
Just each other.
Days passed, months passed
Everything seemed awesome
The look in their eyes when they looked at each other.
The warmth of their hug when they hugged each other.
But wait,Everything wasn’t that simple.
They lived in 21st century, but they lived in India.
And here, two opposite poles are meant to attract.
Were they magnets??
They were humans, they are humans
Should humans need a reason to love??
Love, it’s a pure word
But the people have made it so conditioned.
They were asked, who’s the boy in your relationship??
Who’s more dominating.
Oh! Okay.
Love in India requires a boy,a girl,Domination.
Is it love?? or is it Slavery???
But, they were strong souls
Called as criminals in their own home.
They didn’t part.
They continued their love story beyond forever.
Still waiting for the day when each one of us could understand the basic difference between Sex, Gender, Sexuality.
Waiting for the day, when they won’t be mocked at.
Waiting for the day when Love would WIN. “