‘All we want is for society to get used to us’

Section 377, and what is happening with it, is just the tip of the iceberg. It makes a difference to our lives, but a small difference.” That’s how activist Chayanika, of the group Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA), feels about the recent reading down of the act that has, for so many years, been used against the queer community. When members of the community come out in solidarity today, it will be to jubilate the fruition of a seven-year struggle against 377. But, as Chayanika adds: “We celebrate and welcome the judgment of course, but there is a lot that still needs to be done,” she adds, referring to the change and acceptance that is required in society, in the larger scheme of things. “We need to take to the streets, and assert ourselves for who we are and what we stand for — anti-discrimination and recognition as equal citizens.”

Even as the court judgement was being implemented, battle lines were being redrawn. Ranged on one side is the nation’s LGBT community, and on the other, a motley group of godmen, led by Baba Ramdev, right-wing political parties, the moral brigade and even some social commentators. While the religious and political brigade have derided the entire judgement and march as wrong and against Indian culture, a well-known columnist wondered, in a weekly column, why the movement had to be so flamboyant and in your face. “She is clearly referring to the cross-dressers and the ‘queens’ who come to the march dressed in over-the-top attire,” says Pallav, a trustee with the gay rights advocacy group, Humsafar Trust. “But there is so much diversity, even within the community, that dressing flamboyantly in boas and feathers, or being in your face is just one facet of the movement. If you can get beyond the superficial of how people dress, what we really want to say is, don’t judge us by the way we look. There are lots of queer people walking in everyday clothes, looking like their everyday selves. We want to say that there are many of us among you too.” More importantly, he says, a person you love — a sibling, a friend or a colleague — whose sexuality never mattered to you, could turn out to be gay. “Would you then cast the person away?” Pallav asks.

Today, a few hundred people — and representatives from at least 15-20 gay support groups and allies — will be asking that question too. “The victory in Delhi notwithstanding, there is still a long, hard battle ahead of us,” says Vikram of GayBombay. “Especially if the matter goes to the Supreme Court. To turn the legal
victory into action and sentiments, we need to exert our presence.”

Like a popular slogan from the US (now adopted by Indian groups too) says: “We’re queer, we’re here, get used to it.”