Section 377 Archives

One Year Since the Sec 377 Verdict, My Father Still Hasn’t Asked Me How I Feel

A lot has changed since the Sec 377 verdict. But zoom in a little and you’ll realise that despite the reading down of Section 377, the world around us is still struggling to transition into creating a more empathetic and accepting space for the community.

Kshitij Bisen July 8, 2016

POV

Dear General Rawat, Homosexuality Does Not Make One a Poorer Soldier

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat today said he won’t allow gay sex in the forces – enough to win the “Outrage of the Day” contest. But expecting a woke response on sexuality from a 60-year-old army man is like looking for an auto-rickshaw outside Andheri station – you should be prepared for disappointment before you even begin.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 7, 2016

Features

Love All: Why We Need a Pride Heart Emoji

Like hieroglyphics and cave drawings, the popularity of the emoji is a testament to how much we love to speak in cute little pictures. But like every language, even emoji needs an update – let’s start with the Pride heart emoji.

Arré Bench July 2, 2016

Bollywood

What Dostana Meant For an India Where Homosexuality Was Still a Crime

Despite its glaring flaws, Dostana played a role in drawing the attention of a nation oblivious to the queer community and its struggles. The film went on to define the mantra of the LGBT community: sexy, fabulous, and deeply individual.

Kahini Iyer June 22, 2016

People

My Closeted Husband: The Marriage that Lasted 46 Days

In the conversation surrounding forced marriages, the halo of the victim is very firmly placed on the gay spouse. And the wife suffers in silence.

Kripa Krishnan June 21, 2016

Pop Culture

What American Sitcoms Taught India About Homosexuality

It was through American TV that many of us Indians got our first exposure to regular gay characters. With no real-life examples to know or understand from, watching amazing queer characters on screen like Jack McFarland from Will & Grace helped shape the idea of how similar they really were to me.

Runa Mukherjee April 26, 2016

People

The Menaka Guruswamy-Arundhati Katju Romance is the Love Story We Need in 2019

In July, ten months after helping to strike down Section 377, lawyers Dr Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju shed new light on why the historic legal victory was also a personal one for them. They boldly came out as the lesbian power couple who carried the LGBTQIA+ rights movement on their shoulders.

Kahini Iyer April 25, 2016

People

Meet Menaka Guruswamy, the Wonder Woman Who Helped Win the 377 Case

Seven decades ago, one generation of freedom fighters drove British colonisers away from this country. Today, another generation has seen one of their lingering relics off for good. Menaka Guruswamy is one of the many participants who’ve helped win us the right to love who we want.

Dushyant Shekhawat April 23, 2016

Pop Culture

Rituparno Ghosh and the Power of Queer Rights Activism Through Movies

In Arekti Premer Golpo, Memories in March, and Chitrangada, the last three films of Rituparno Ghosh’s acting and directing career, sexuality is almost a living, breathing character. He might have not lived long enough to be an activist, but these three films remain a crucial expression of his LGBTQIA+ activism.

Pranay Dewani April 19, 2016

Gender

Trans Bill, Same-Sex Marriage: The Fight is Far From Over For Mumbai Pride Parade in a Post-377 World

Until now, Pride protesters have been united in their aims to decriminalise the LGBT+ community’s existence. Today, each attendee faces a different rights battle. But the war rages on for dignity, freedom, and equality, regardless of orientation or gender identity.

Kahini Iyer April 14, 2016