Mumbai got its own gay pride parade on Saturday as groups representing gays, lesbians and bisexuals came out on the streets demanding an end to unfair parts of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalises homosexual activity. They assembled at the historic August Kranti Maidan, where over six decades ago the Quit India movement was launched. The parade was flagged off by Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley.
Manvendra Gohil, a coordinator of Queer Azadi said, "This is for equality. India got freedom 60 years ago, but homosexuals are still not in a position to live in society freely. Society does not accept them; the law defines same gender love as a crime. So we are demanding a reading down of the section 377 of the IPC under which the homosexuals are treated as criminals." Hundreds of people supporting the cause gathered to encourage the marchers. Family members, friends, colleagues, NGOs, women's groups, human rights organisations, and trade unionists also participated in the march.
Readers' comments:
I think its something great that mumbai is also coming out to their sexual preferences i think everyone has their own taste and we should acknowledge it because if the leaders are thinking of making MUMBAI SHANGHAI then i think we should accept this as they said cleanliness starts at home and then goes out so why not accept GAYS as they are as long as they are not harming the environment or the people because if today we dont accept them as they are they would still live their life but in darkness there are a lot of people who are gays or lesbians we would know then only when they are out otherwise the person being our good friend or a famous person your neighbor or a family member if UK and USA can do it why not INDIA which is more brighter smarter than any other country. This country who can have the best of IITANS the best fashion designers the great beauties who know one of them would also be GAY or a LESBIAN but are afraid to come out because of what the people or the society would say i think we should appreciate this great move.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 17:44 IST
Nathan
It was a sense of euphoria when the march happened. Must congratulate and THANK the Mumbai police and administration on giving the Gay Groups in Mumbai a hand in having a well controlled march.
By having this March people should realise that being Gay is not abnormal (and this has been proved scientifically) and it could be anyone their son, daughter or a relative.
It does feel good to say that there is some maturity being established in Mumbai where sexuality is concerned after seeing families on their balconies, windows waving wildly to the group,,clicking away to gay abandon and capturing the moments on their mobiles or video cameras.
regards
Deepak
Sunday, August 17, 2008 17:26 IST
Deepak Mehra
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