Mumbai: Celebrating love with gay abandon & pride

LGBTQ community celebrated the first Valentine Day post decriminalisation of homosexuality by Supreme Court. Scores of them came out of their closet and moved around in the city freely and were not troubled by objecting looks or vibes, they said.

"I think people have opened their arms to the community. No untoward instances have been reported and people have kissed openly. Now, we can celebrate gay life with gay abandon," said Harish Iyer, a member of the community.

While the whole gay community was trying to make a space for itself last year, this year they did not think twice before holding hands in public. This year, they did not have to bear the burnt of anti-gay prejudice in those who feel repulsed.

"Earlier we would go out like a bunch of friends. We had to be cagey and undercover. But yesterday, we went out as couples and celebrate the day," said Sonal Giani, another member of the community.

Advertisements in newspapers by prominent brands and app-based service providers made them feel that their identity is being celebrated.

I particularly liked Uber and other companies celebrating the day with rainbow colours and emojis," added Giani.