Reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code did not have a long-lasting impact. Homophobia still haunts Indian society. The rage over Indian sprinter Dutee Chand’s relationship with a woman is evidence of the hatred that prevails in the hearts of people, towards anyone who is queer. We call it “Homophobia” for a reason—because we are extremely scared of homosexuality.
This article will not elucidate the atrocities faced by LGBTQ people; the general public is already aware of that. I want to talk about the heart-wrenching fact that Chand’s sexual orientation made people forget the pride and honour she has earned for their country. Her sexuality does not change her character, nor does it lessen the athlete’s love for her country.
In early May 2019, the Asian Games silver medallist revealed that she is in a same-sex relationship. Mixed responses flooded social media where a section of people entirely supported her while some made horrendous comments. She is the first Indian sportsperson to admit that she is in a same-sex relationship. She claimed that the Apex Court’s verdict last year influenced her to live her life the way she wants.
Later, it was revealed that Dutee Chan has faced backlash from her family for her ‘gay relationship’. Her parents denied her desire to settle down with her partner. Her sister threatened to throw her in jail. In spite of being a hard-working athlete, Dutee Chand is being subjected to hatred and her own family is turning against her.
No human and no community is our enemy. But extremism is. Anything that is extreme is against the laws of nature. By turning our backs on queer people among us, we are being extremists. The biggest and most authoritative religion is that of humanity. We need to be humans first, we become Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, straight or gay later.
There is a reason why we disregard terrorists. They use violence and extremism to thrust fear and impose their own extremism on people. Our attitude towards homosexuality has largely been akin to terrorism, because, like them, we are also suppressing humanity.
Look at Chand’s case again, and how homophobia affected her life. She says: “My training was disturbed a lot initially. I’ve already told everyone how much stress my sister gave me. I couldn’t train properly at least for 10-15 days after that. But now, I’m starting to forget everything and getting back to my training.”
She further added that she didn’t expect anything from the public.
Noticing the country’s general attitude, so many queer Indians have given up hope of being accepted by society.
Since Pride Month is being observed this June, it is necessary for us to understand that we cannot change the way a person feels or whom they love. We can only change our perspective and behaviour.
As the Indian Constitution, in Article 14, ensures the Right to Equality to every citizen, we have no right to snatch a fundamental right from anyone.