#Section 377: Here¡¯s How The '7 Sisters' Painted North-East In 7 Rainbow Colours

The Supreme Court of India on September 06 delivered a historic verdict in which it read down Section 377 as no longer a criminal offence in the country.

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code considered consensual sex between homosexuals as 'unnatural' or 'against the order of the nature'. Though, the Delhi High Court had decriminalized homosexuality in 2009, the order was repealed by the apex court in 2013.

Lawyers, activists, LGBT members burnt midnight oil to challenge court's order citing that Constitution must recognise love and not just sexual acts (Menaka Guruswamy). As soon as the verdict was announced, ecstatic Indians took to streets to display gestures of love, harmony and peace. Celebrations and drum beats could be heard in every major city.

Perhaps, our seven sisters also painted the North East in seven rainbow colours. Despite facing flood like situations, the citizens didn't refrain from celebrating the momentous occasion.

1. Assam

Assam has been going through a roller coaster ride. First the National Register Of Citizens then swelling of the Brahmaputra river. However, a group of 30 people in Guwahati's Dighalipukhuri area made a modest gathering to raise a toast. They were asked not to make much noise as a candle light march was taking place nearby for an accident that had taken place a day before, the Indian Express reported.

Teenagers aged between 18 and 30 laughed, cried and hugged each other.

Photo: Indian Express/Tora Agarwala

"When I was a teenager, I used to hate my mom for not accepting me. Today, I want to kneel down in front of her.¡± His mother hugged him, as everyone cheered. Later he added, with his mother by his side, ¡°My mother doesn¡¯t understand everything about all of this ¡ª but what she does understand is equality.¡± said a 28 year old to Indian Express.

Another finance professional shared how they were glued to their TV screens since the morning for the verdict to come. Assam has a robust network of the LGBTQ+ community but many of them believe that this is only the first stage of victory. How will the decision be implemented is what they want to see.

Most of the transgenders in Assam were left out of the NRC because the state doesn¡¯t have a Transgender policy.

2) Manipur

Photo: Indian Express/Tora Agarwala

The LGBTQ+ community in Manipur¡¯s capital, Imphal gathered to cut a cake at the Manipur Press Club. Social organisations like Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA), Empowering Trans Ability (ETA), Maruploi Foundation and All Trans Man Association (ATMA) felt as if they had come out of a cocoon. While not many know that Manipur was the first North-east state to have a Pride Parade in 2013. It was replaced with Miss Trans Queen Contest North East until 2016.

3) Nagaland

Keven, a LGBTQ+ activist based in Kohima said that most of their meetings until now were organised in silent spaces. They are organizing a celebration on the 9th and 10th of September. ¡°In a Christian society like ours, the SC verdict means a lot. 377 verdict, I hope, will give people a sense of confidence,¡± she was quoted as saying to IE.

4) Meghalaya

Photo: Indian Express/Jimmy Leivon

Shillong hasn¡¯t done even a single Pride Parade until now because reportedly, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Amendment Bill doesn¡¯t even recognise the third gender. Shamakami is the only LGBTQ+ organization in Meghalaya. Its founder chairman, Rebina Subbah is optimistic that after the historic judgement they will surely make a Pride Parade happen this year.

A ¡®street celebration¡¯ is expected to take place at 4 pm today in Shillong¡¯s Police Bazar.

5) Mizoram

33 year old, Goosh Vangchhia, who is known to come out as the state¡¯s first gay man in public said that though he is certain that there may be many preachers who will be speaking negatively about the judgement in the church, he is sure that the Christian state of Mizoram will transform with the judgement. ¡°Everyone should be equal. That¡¯s what the Bible says. After all, it¡¯s all about the love that Jesus is preaching.¡±, Express reported.

6) Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura

There wouldn¡¯t be any public celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. These are the only two states which do not have any active LGBTQ+ organisations. ¡°I¡¯m from Arunachal Pradesh and here the people don¡¯t even know that we exist. After watching the verdict today, I came out to many of my friends. And they understood. I was depressed for very long ¡ª but today, I cannot even define my happiness,¡± said a 20-year-old from Itanagar.

Hence, these people would organize a party with friends and celebrate with ¡®cake and alcohol¡¯.

¡°Stigmatising homosexuals and transgenders are so common in Tripura that no LGBTQ+ community/collective has ever had the chance to grow in the state. I recall the abuses, body shaming, slander and insults when I grew up. The Supreme Court verdict is a reply to all of them.¡± said an elated transwoman civil engineer, Shivani Acharjee.

Photo: Reuters

This is an opportunity for even the communities ¨C who opposed equal rights to the LGBTQ community ¨C to welcome the judgement and join the larger battle for equality in India. Remember, it¡¯s not only about faith or caste; it¡¯s about food, profession, gender and many other individual choices that are guaranteed by the Constitution of India.