Summer in my veins

In a landmark decison on 2ndJuly 2009 High Court declared "It's not a CRIME to be a gay". The Delhi High Court has ruled that sex between two consenting adults is not an criminal act, going against the 150-year-old British law which described a sexual relationship between same gender as an " offence".

India, where sex is something which is not to be talked openly leave apart the topic of homosexuality. "There aren't any," is the typical Indian response to homosexuality in India. Even if they face the question of homosexuality in their homes, neighbourhood the response

remains the same.

A few years ago if boy would have "come out" to his parents- to the parent it was a shock, the would have taken him to a doctor as if he was ill and emotionally blackmailed him into getting married( one such famous case being our very own Prince Manvendra Singh Raghubir Singh of Rajpipla)- which would have ruined three lives but atleast it saved their "reputation" in society, friends, neighbours and in some cases even the employers would have boycotted him and would have looked at him as if he was a joke. Why don't we see it this way that if a person is a good humanbeing, is good in his work, is a good citizen then why should be it my concern what he does in his bedroom. And for a matter of fact why should be it a matter of concern to anyone?. When we don't bother about those men who beat their wives mercilessly. But it is fine in our male dominated Indian society to beat a feeble being then to be sensitive, kind and calm. But thanks to this law and all those who worked hard towards it, now the Gay couple can walk with respect without being ridiculed or made fun off..though 'legally'.

Many of our famous fashion designers like Suneet Verma, Rohit Bal, Wendell Rodericks have openly accepted about their sexuality, they have excelled in their areas of work and are an icon in their own ways. Infact i believe they are more sensitive and receptive emotionally . So how does it matter to me or to anyone else if their sexual preference are different.

By amending Section 377 (the court ruled that the law outlawing homosexual acts was discriminatory act of violation of fundamental rights) of the Indian Penal Code will certainly bring some respite to the many gay couples who can now walk freely holding hands without being harassed by policemens. It will help the couples freely visiting doctors to discuss their problems at the same it will help in checking HIV.

Few years back when the movie 'My brother Nikhil' was released, it didn't attract many viewers and I couldn't find a company to watch the movie besides the movie was not a hit inspite of a sensitive theme dealt delicately. The movie dealt with the sensitive issue of an AIDS patient who happens to be a homosexual, a very controversial topic in our culture. Leading gay rights activist and the Editor of India's first gay magazine Ashok Kavi has welcomed the judgement but said "the social stigma will remain. It is (still) a long struggle.

Though the court has made it 'legal' But the big question is, will society accept homosexuals? In India, most of us live with our parents. Some of us even work with our parents. So, a lot is at stake. You could lose your inheritance if you came out clean. It's a long way to go...but we can begin by being little sensitive and open about the whole issue..!