freedom to be

It is not often that I feel a sense of euphoria seeing the headlines of a newspaper. Typically I tend to be circumspect or skeptical about the actual impact in our lives. Today was one happy exception. The headlines read “INDIA’S GAY DAY - in a landmark ruling Delhi HC says homosexuality is not a crime”. I actually felt good and very happy. I have always wanted to take part in the queer day parade and openly show my solidarity for the community. After all, why should sexual preference, be held hostage to social norm. To my mind it’s the same bigots who oppose simple things like love marriage and inter caste marriage and the sorts.
When Jasmine and I were going around we were in mortal fear. Fear of getting caught or being found out by her parents or her brother. Her brother is a genuinely sweet guy but at the time he too held orthodox views and would play the role of BIG BROTHER. He was so bloody irritating and obnoxious. He was enemy number one for us at the time. But then life moves on. The guy even once apologized for the grief he caused us. But then that’s another story. Love marriages are still so strongly opposed in India. The cities are getting far better as in I see the reluctance slowly being come over. But beyond these pockets things might are not the same. While chatting up with a fort guide in Bharatpur, we came to section of the fort frequented by couples. This led me ask him on inter-caste marriages. He was clear. Inter caste marriages don’t happen in the town. There is a huge opposition to this resulting in ostracization, beatings and what not. We still haven’t grown up I guess.
But I guess with the pro gay ruling coming in our bigots will be forced to accept more such openness and will help in modifying their attitudes. Now I want to see parents opposing inter caste relationship between gay couples. That should be something.

Further links
http://girishshahane.blogspot.com/2009/07/gay-rights-and-religion.html
http://devdutt.com/did-homosexuality-exist-in-ancient-india