However, it still remains to be seen how the verdict will change the mindset of urban India, where homosexuals have been discriminated against for far too long.
The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court decriminalising gay sex caused widespread cheer across the country. However, it still remains to be seen how the verdict will change the mindset of urban India, where homosexuals have been discriminated against for far too long. DNA reached out to residents in the high-rises of Ghaziabad to know their reactions.
Former journalist Pooja Shrivastava, who is already planning her impending marriage, welcomed the decision. "I am happy and 'gay', literally and now constitutionally, also. I can now look forward to getting married legally," the 42-year-old said, sharing her experience on how she never "remained in the closet". "I embraced my sexuality just like fellow heterosexuals. I have never been ashamed or conscious of it," she shared.
She, however, believes that the order will definitely help LGBTQ community live a normal life. "For some, finding a rented accommodation becomes a huge task. At least it will give them strength to approach residential societies fearlessly," she said. Many times, the same sex couples portray themselves as friends and relatives fearing the backlash they might have to face. More than the act, the fear itself serves as a discrimination, quipped Pooja.
Meanwhile, residents in Ghaziabad high rises welcomed the judgment. Lipika Bhushan, a resident of ATS Advantage, Indirapuram, said that no one should interfere in the matter of personal choice and sexual orientation. "Apartment Owners Associations (AOA) have no right to ask about someone's sexual orientation. It is a personal choice and should be respected by everyone," she said.
However, Kishore Shukla, General Secretary of Exotica Eastern Courts in CR, called the rationale of aligning with developed nations hypocritical and a complete nonsense. "If that's the case, why not abolish the reservation act and SC/ST atrocities act. Homosexuality is against the law of nature, science and Indian values," said Shukla.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "LGBT Community")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}