Reacting to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code being read down by the Indian Supreme Court

Karthik Damarsetti
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read

Words fail to capture the depth of my emotions as I grasp the news that Section 377 has been read down and deemed to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India. I feel like crying and laughing at the same time. I feel like dancing and singing to my heart’s content. I want to scream and shout and yell but I want to go and shy away from all the spotlight.

Today was just the cracking of the wall that prevents complete assimilation/ acceptance of the LGBTQ+ peoples into the Indian mainstream. A long way to go we have as conscious citizens of India — today’s reading down of an archaic law was a momentous event nonetheless.

Accepting that LGBTQ+ peoples have the same fundamental rights as any heterosexual person is just the first step we have taken. As many people come out as they get a boost from the confidence from today’s judgement, we need to set up social structures that help them in times of need — when they are rendered homeless when parents and family kick them out of their houses, when gay/lesbian couples are targeted because of societal stigma, when transpeople are ironically ridiculed to beg for their lives and yet are seen as bearers of blessings.

We need to have helplines that youth can get in touch with as they begin their process of coming out and self-acceptance. We need safe-havens where LGBTQ+ people can meet up without any fear of being targeted, where they can celebrate their Pride. We need rewritings of employment laws where LGBTQ+ discrimination is unlawful and diversity is encouraged . We need to seek out implementing Housing laws where LGBTQ+ peoples can stay in rented spaces or buy properties. Once the society has accepted that LGBTQ+ folks the basic necessities of living — a housing, an employment and safe spaces to meet up, we can look at Civil unions and marriages for the peoples.

Hopefully today, 6–9–2018, marks a new beginning for the LGBTQ+ people in India’s history and we are able to achieve complete equality within a generation and the following generations don’t have to face the same stigma and ridicule that have been prevailing from centuries.

P.S. The irony of today’s date (6/9 = 69) is not lost on us. :P

A Different Normal

Life — perspective from both within the bounds of Reality and without, into the open arms of Imagination and dreams…

Written by

Categorical Cynophile | Determined Diplegic | Gauche Gay | Ironic Inspirer | Learning Linguaphile | Maladapted Meliorist | Ostentatious Over-thinker

Life — perspective from both within the bounds of Reality and without, into the open arms of Imagination and dreams…

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade