On September 6, 2018, in a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court decriminalized Section 377. People from and outside the LGBT community celebrated the decision and the pride took over the country. Several heartwarming stories surfaced, that showed just how important this judgement was and how it had changed the lives of those, who had thus far been considered criminals for just being themselves.
facebook / arnab nandy
One such amazing story of love and acceptance was Arnab Nandy's. When he entered his house, he was welcomed by his parents with a wide smile and a tight hug. Coming out of the closet is, more often than not, a challenge because of the lack of understanding and acceptance of people from the LGBT community.
But, Arnab calls himself privileged. His parents come from a conservative background and he did not want them to face the taunts of the society. In a beautiful Facebook post about love and gratitude, Arnab said that "Sexuality is a part of your identity and not your identity. Everyone takes their own time to accept themselves thereafter its a journey of self-awareness and owning your personality traits. Two years ago I lived a life which was not letting me live like a free bird."
He wrote that it hurt him to keep this hidden but he took time to tell them, and then when he felt the time was right, he mustered the courage to let them know about his lifestyle. "The reaction was not negative and I feel privileged." he wrote. "Today, as I entered my home mom and dad, gave me a tight hug and said in their happy face 'Congratulation Son now it's legal' and I couldn't help but let out tears of joy (I¡¯m getting this sudden tear burst even while writing this). I learnt that my mother started sensitizing the folks around her."
Arnab and his parents rejoiced after the Supreme Court verdict where they jumped with joy. He also learnt that his mother and father had been working towards sensitising people around them.
A bad law partially scrapped is definitely progress, but more than that, it is love and acceptance that will make all the difference.