What Has Changed Since The Section 377 Verdict Last Year?
#LoveIsLove was trending on Twitter, people were happy and celebrating the occasion, rainbow flags were in the air - yes, it was the day the Indian judiciary proved that everybody, regardless of gender, has the right to live the way they want.
On September 6, joy knew no boundaries, when in a landmark decision the Supreme Court of India lifted a colonial-era ban on gay sex. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Mishra heard the issue on section 377.
While the law has indeed been rectified, social acceptance is still a struggle. Why it is so difficult for us to accept this? Why is loving someone from the opposite sex considered ¡®natural¡¯ but loving someone from your own, ¡®unnatural¡¯? Who decides it and why would you decide it for somebody else?
These questions need extensive thought and constructive dialogue. But change has begun, and gradually more hope is shining through the clouds, as far as LGBT rights are concerned.
What is Section 377?
Section 377 refers to the 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
The law affected the rights of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or allied) community.
Even after gay sex become legal, there is still a long road for the community like marriage rights. But, at least it's a step in the right direction.
So, on its first year anniversary, let's take a look at all the good things that have happened and positive changes that have taken place in society.
1. Indo-Pak lesbian couple tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony. Read More
Photoshoots are always dreamy, but this Indo-Pak lesbian couple's shoot was the DREAMIEST! They got married a beautiful ceremony in California and both looked equally stunning. Bianca donned a ravishing ivory saree with heavy gold embroidery. She also wore a gorgeous pearl necklace, mang tika and bangles, while the other bride wore a stunning black sherwani with colourful embroidery.
2. Asian Games gold medalist Dutee Chand opened up about being in a same-sex relationship. Read More
AFP
Born in an impoverished family in Jajpur district, Dutee Chand became first India athlete to win a medal in athletics in Asian Games since 1998. In May, speaking to the Indian Express, Dutee said "I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person¡¯s choice."
3. Two woman lawyers who helped overturn Section 377 came out as a couple. Read More
On September 6, it was not only a national victory when section 377 was decriminalised, it was a personal victory too for this lawyer couple. The two public-interest litigators, have been fighting for years to slash the regressive law that not just reinstated their fundamental rights, but also those of the people belonging to the LGBTQ community across the country.
4. Online dating was easier for LGBTQ community after Section 377 verdict. Read More
India Today
After the section 377 verdict, the members of the LGBT community were progressively empowered and encouraged to not only report cases of sexual harassment, but freely enjoy dating too.
5. Mumbai's TISS set an example by starting a gender-neutral hostel. Read More
Representational Image-BCCL
After the Supreme Court of India decriminalised section 377, Tata Institute Of Social Sciences - that has always shown its support for the community - set a precedent in practicing what it preaches. A gender-neutral hostel emerged in its premises, which is also Mumbai¡¯s first gender-neutral space.
6. A boy came out to his parents and the response he got was heartwarming. Read More
FACEBOOK / ARNAB NANDY
After decriminalising section 377, several heartwarming stories surfaced on the Internet, and one such amazing story of 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.
His parents came from a conservative background and he did not wanted them to face the taunts of the society. However, coming out to them turned out to be a relief to him, and his parents' response was more than encouraging.
7. After Section 377 verdict, Apurva Asrani celebrated '11 years of togetherness' with his boyfriend. Read More
For Aligarh writer Apurva Asrani, September 6 was a special day for reasons more than one. The Supreme Court passed its historical verdict on Section 377 on Thursday, partially scrapping the archaic law and decriminalising gay sex. He celebrated 11 years of togetherness with his boyfriend, and posted pictures commemorating the same.
8. Heidi Saadiya became Kerala's first transgender broadcast journalist. Read More
BIJU MUTHATHI/ FACEBOOK
When Heidi Saadiya reported about ISRO's Moon lander 'Vikram' separating from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, she did not just announce a historic achievement but also created history by becoming the first transgender broadcast journalist from Kerala.
Saadiya made her debut on TV as a reporter for Kairali TV, a Malayalam news channel where she has joined as a news trainee.
9. Transgender couple from Kerala decided to get married. Read More
They will be the fourth couple from the transgender community to marry after Surya-Ishan, Tripti-Hrithik and Tista-Dipan. Surya and Ishan were the first transgender couple to marry and they celebrated their first anniversary in May.
10. Bihar became the first state where one can't deny transgenders the right to buy a house. Read More
In order to eliminate any discrimination against transgenders, Bihar has now become the first state in the country where one cannot deny transgender persons their right to rent or buy a house.
Confirming the development, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said those who deny accommodation to members of the transgender community on the basis of their gender may have to face a jail term of up to 6 years.
11. In a huge step towards gender inclusive education, 27 schools in Delhi certified as trans-friendly. Read More
Representational Image-AFP
In a big leap towards more inclusive and homogeneous system of education, 27 schools which include 25 government schools have been certified as 'trans-friendly' or transgender inclusive.
The development happened after more than eight months, the heads of the schools in Delhi were first introduced to transgender identity and rights and they were sensitised to the requirements and support needed by the transgender students.
12. 15 transgender couples got married at a mass wedding in Chhattisgarh. Read More
ANI
Fifteen transgender couples tied the knot at a mass wedding function in Chhattisgarh. Conceived by Raipur-based transgender and social activist Vidya Rajput and her team, this was the first such event for the community in the country.
13. Sanjana Singh became first transgender to get a government job in Madhya Pradesh. Read More
ANI
Sanjana Singh, a transgender woman, was appointed the Personal Secretary (PS) to Krishna Gopal Tiwari, Director, Department of Social Justice and Disabled Welfare (DSJDW), Madhya Pradesh government.
Things have changed a lot after the section 377 verdict, but still there is a long road for the LGBTQIA+ community. As human beings, before anything else, we must lend them the support they need and deserve. After all, #LoveIsLove