Gay abandon over ruling at SC lawns
Once
news of the apex court’s judgement decriminalising gay sex spread, the
optimistic mood palpable since morning turned euphoric.
Published: 07th
September 2018 05:37 AM | Last Updated: 07th
September 2018 05:37 AM | A+A A-
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: An excited 67-year-old P
S Sahni reached the lawns of the Supreme Court early on Thursday to “feel the
moment after 30 years”. Associated with AIDS Bhed Bhav Virodhi Andolan
which took the battle against AIDS to the streets in late 1980s, he said, “Gays
were called sodomisers back then. Hope the tag doesn’t stay.”
In 2018, sexuality should be celebrated and courts should
speak of sexuality, he added as he waited for the verdict along with hundreds
of others.
Once news of the apex court’s judgement decriminalising gay
sex spread, the optimistic mood palpable since morning turned euphoric.
Activists, students, LGBTQI community members and supporters cheered, held
banners and showed victory signs to celebrate what they called the watershed
moment. Some reflected quietly, saying it was an “overwhelming and emotional”
moment.
Two Delhi University students standing quietly in the shade
opened up after the verdict. “The first thought was we are not criminals
anymore. It took a while for me to absorb the news,” said the MA student
requesting anonymity. Her coming out to her parents would be easier now she
hoped.
For Bhavya, a member of Nazariya - a collective advocating
for LGBTQI rights, the news brought a sense of peace. “This is how it should
have been from the beginning. It feels correct, dignified and there is a sense
of security.” This view was echoed by LGBTQI activist Noor Enayat. “It’s
relief, it’s joy but there is also an element of disbelief. More than that,
there is the element of getting back one’s dignity, a sense of being allowed to
love.”
As a transgender student at DU, Raabiya hoped the judgement
would pave the way for civil liberties.
Social activist Swami Agnivesh who reached the grounds soon after the judgement said he welcomed the verdict.
Social activist Swami Agnivesh who reached the grounds soon after the judgement said he welcomed the verdict.
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