India's LGBT community marches freely after gay sex decriminalised

Published November 25, 2018
Thousands of people wearing garish outfits rallied in Indian capital on November 25 at the first Gay Pride parade after the landmark ruling by country's top court legalising gay sex. —AFP
Thousands of people wearing garish outfits rallied in Indian capital on November 25 at the first Gay Pride parade after the landmark ruling by country's top court legalising gay sex. —AFP

Thousands marched proudly through Delhi's street Sunday in the first gay pride parade since the India's highest court decriminalised homosexuality.

Participants waved rainbow flags and placards emblazoned with “Love Wins” and “Adios 377” — a reference to the colonial-era law banning gay sex that was struck down in September.

Organisers said the pride march was the biggest since it began in 2007, with revellers chanting “We Got Our Freedom!” as they celebrated the historic ruling.

“It's the first time we are not marching as criminals,” said Deepti, one of the organisers from the Delhi Queer Pride Group who goes by one name.

“People are marching with freedom and zero burden,” she said.

“It's the first time we are not marching as criminals,” said Deepti, one of the organisers from the Delhi Queer Pride Group. —AFP
“It's the first time we are not marching as criminals,” said Deepti, one of the organisers from the Delhi Queer Pride Group. —AFP

The Supreme Court in September struck Section 377 — also known as “unnatural offences” — from the statute books in India, sparking emotional scenes on the steps of the courthouse.

The law, introduced by the British in 1861, carried jail terms of up to 10 years and though rarely enforced was used to harass and intimidate India's gay community, critics said.

The controversial law was briefly repealed in 2009 but was reimposed on appeal by religious groups in the Supreme Court in 2014.

India is now one of more than 120 countries to have effectively decriminalised homosexuality. —AFP
India is now one of more than 120 countries to have effectively decriminalised homosexuality. —AFP

India is now one of more than 120 countries to have effectively decriminalised homosexuality.

“This parade is about happiness, happiness and happiness,” Deepanshu Goswami told AFP as jubilant participants flew coloured balloons.

But the gay community still faces stigma in conservative India, where homosexuality remains frowned upon in traditional parts of society.

“It will take one more generation for a social acceptance but the fear factor is gone. I'm enjoying my life as a free citizen now,” he said.

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...