Legalization of gay sex brings cheers to LGBTQI community in Punjab

AMRITSAR: Decriminalization of gay sex by the Supreme Court (SC) of India on Thursday has brought a smile on the faces of gay rights activists in Punjab who believe that- though late, a colonial-era shackle has finally been removed by the court giving gay couples to live with pride in the society. At the same time, they not only expect from the government to form laws to protect them but also expects from society to accept them with open hands.
"The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment today, upholding the principle that constitutional law is the supreme authority in a democracy like India.Section 377 of the IPC has no place in a modern, Constitutional democracy" said Bikramjit Kohli while talking to TOI on Thursday.
A resident of Chandigarh, Kohli, Soft Skill Trainer, is a son of a retired army officer and runs an NGO "Campaign for Diversity and Inclusion" which works on sensitization and increasing awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI).
He Had also been active in organizing the first-ever Chandigarh Pride March commonly known as Gay Parade in 2013 which is now an annual event, held every year in March.
He said, he was not surprised by the judgment especially after the National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA) and Right to Privacy judgments by the same Court, which recognized the sexual orientation as part of fundamental right. "Reading down Section 377 was the next logical, and necessary, step" said he adding that it was an important victory in the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQI community.
"A major hurdle has been crossed, but it is also just the beginning – the battle has just begun," he observed.
However, he said the societal acceptance of same-gender relationships was still a long way to go. Therefore, proper education and sensitization is the next step.
Convenor of the non-official members of the Executive Council at Chandigarh Transgender Welfare Board Dhananjay Chauhan Mangalmukhi, 48, said, "Awareness is must for the rights of LGBT community and since 2005 we have been doing our best to create awareness in the society about sexual orientation and gender identity."
Dhananjayh is also president of Saksham Trust which holds annual Gay parade.
She observed that from now onwards there would be no bullying, harassment or even torture against LGBT community in schools, colleges and universities.
"Government may have to form a law to protect the LGBTQI community as it had made anti ragging law", she said, adding that she was hopeful that after getting legal approval no one would discriminate with them.
Dhananjay who is first transgender student of Punjab University is double MA in social work and human rights and is now preparing for PhD in social works. She hails from Uttrakhand but has been living in Mani Mazra since childhood.
"We are expecting a lot more changes to come for good in future for our community, our students wouldn’t have to drop studies due to discrimination and bullying in schools etc, we were also singled out during medical treatment which will not happen anymore," she said.
LGBTQI activist from Ludhiana Mohini who is also president of Mansa Foundation Welfare Society said "This was a most awaited decision, today we are free from social stigma, our lives have changed for good and we feel proud."
She said as the news of SC’s verdict broke, the community broke into celebrations.
"Earlier we used to take part in Gay Parade in Chandigarh but now I am thinking of having the same in Ludhiana too," she said.