Anand Chandrani,
gay rights activist, founder of
Sarathi
Yes, finally. What I feel right now cannot be classified as happy or sad. I’m mostly relieved. A huge burden has been lifted from our shoulders and so many lives will now be saved. I am totally out in the open and not worried for myself. But I used to come across everyday stories of suicide, of youngsters running away from home, being beaten and blackmailed.
Boys were forced into marriage to innocent girls. It hurt but now we’ll be ridden of these pressures gradually. Until now, people used to be scared of going to the police. Now, they’ll be able to muster the courage to file a complaint if they face harassment, and finally be in a position to assert their rights. Living in perpetual fear and shame will now cease.
Earlier, whenever people used to wish me on Independence Day, I would reply saying I’m still a criminal in my own country. After living through many Independence Days, I’ll now scream that I too am free.
I founded Sarathi over 12 years ago and remained positive that someday this will come true. I am happy for the young generation that they’ll be able to live with openness and freedom.
I can see that discussions about sexuality have now begun in drawing rooms and I’ve been getting calls from brothers and sisters of gay individuals asking if there’s a way they can support their homosexual siblings. Youngsters outside the community come to us and support our carnival every year.
Having said this, the fight has just begun. Today, the law has changed but social acceptance will come with time. We still haven’t got the right to marry our partners.
If one has the right to marry their partner, they will be bound in a legal relationship and won’t indulge in multiple relations. This will in turn reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and reduce the pressure on government regarding controlling these diseases.
However, children and
animal rights still need to be protected.
(As told to
Abha Goradia)
