Gay activism in India
Loud & Proud
Shwetha Pai
When I was in school and was not aware of my sexual orientation, I assumed that all LGBT people did was protest and dress flamboyantly. Now years later when I am out of the closet and have made great friends within the community I finally understood how things were.
Yet, as days go by I realise that a huge percentage of the LGBT community especially those that are out of the closet are involved in activism or spreading awareness.
In Western countries, where LGBT activism has been prevalent for sometime it has become easier for a lot of youngsters to voice their opinions openly. In India it is harder for kids to come out because not only is sexuality a hush hush thing but also such topics are frowned upon.
But, things are changing for the better because of the LGBT organisations in our country that are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that their voice is heard in every nook and corner of the country.
Some years ago it would have been unthinkable for rural youth to come out in the open. I once heard a story of how a lesbian couple had to flee their village to escape being killed. They spent days under trucks, eating on highways with the constant fear of being found. Thanks to the timely intervention of a well-known LGBT organisation in Bengaluru, they found jobs and were even given shelter until they could fend for themselves. Sadly, this is the exception,
When parents disown kids because of their sexual orientation, most resort to suicide but things are slowly changing. India is keeping in pace with the world when it comes to LGBT activism. While we are waiting for Section 377 to be read out in the S C, activists across the country are ensuring that the LGBT youth feel safe and help them understand that things will get much better.
Category: Opinion
About the Author (Author Profile)
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Loading ...
Exchange Rate
