365 days minus 377: gay community says this calls for celebration

The appeal against decriminalising Section 377 — the HC order said consensual homosexual activities between adults cannot be construed illegal — is still in the Supreme Court.

There will be more word play on Bollywood. At a gathering at Azad Maidan in Mumbai,transgenders will take part in a fashion show titled Laaga chunari mein daag.

“Transgender people want to send out the message that some of us may be commercial sex workers and some may be forced to beg but we could be journalists,doctors or even pilots if you give us a chance,” said Abheena,a transgender activist. She said it was possible to talk more openly since the High Court judgment.

This is a sentiment echoed across the board. “The young are finding it easier to come out,while there is more discussion outside queer circles,” says Vikram Doctor of Gay Bombay and Queer Azaad Mumbai.

Queer Azaad Mumbai,an informal collective of groups and individuals formed in 2008-09,has lined up skits,songs and drag shows.

Kerala,the state with the highest rate of lesbian suicides,will host its first Queer Pride Parade in Thrissur on that day.

“We ask that our families value our desires as natural and normal,allow us the freedom to choose our expression in terms of attire,romantic and life partners and not to force us into heterosexual marriages against our wishes,” said Deepa,a spokesperson for Queer Pride Keralam.