Unfolding hidden lives
Melissa Etheridge, a famous American rock singer, songwriter and activist, came out publicly as a lesbian in January 1993. She is one of those women who broke the psychological chains of society attached to women’s sexuality and embraced her unique identity of homosexuality. .
‘I love you’. We say these three words several times to our loved ones. No, everyone is as open to using these words as we are. They are crippled and repressed by society’s description of the gender relationship, forcing them to choose only partners of the opposite sex.
Homosexuals in India lead an ambiguous life as society, until now, has not accepted them cordially.
In fact, their life is more like a roller coaster ride, at one point they feel blessed and excited with the company of their loved one, but at the same time, fear of society prevails.
Love is a feeling that flows in everyone regardless of age and gender. Indian families do not openly allow their daughters to roam with their male friends. They appreciate if the girl has many friends. So why are eyebrows raised when the same girl decides to choose her friend as a life partner?
Indian cinema has the power to bring about a remarkable change in society, provided it is done with passion and sensitivity. The wise selection of themes for the film could have a significant impact on society. The filmmakers have tried to draw the audience’s attention to the ups and downs of gay life. But, some gay and lesbian-themed movies have managed to win the applause of audiences and critics.
In 1996, the film Fire described the lives of two women who gradually fall in love, after being rejected by their husbands. At the film’s release, critics applauded his explicit depiction of the homosexual relationship as “guts,” “explosive,” and “groundbreaking.” Movies like Girlfriend (2004), My Brother Nikhil (2005) Y I don’t know Y … Na Jane Kyun (2010) they were launched with the same objective of highlighting the agony of gay life. But not all received the same praise. SYed Ali Raza, a freelance director from Mumbai, is currently working on a film that has a small element of homosexuality in one of the characters. He said that the purpose of collecting such a character is to make “people accept them in our society by making them have their own space as well.” He further said: “Everyone has a life and should be allowed to live the way they want.” Rajesh Verma, a Mumbai Cricket Association cricketer and movie buff, warmly accepts the feelings and emotions of homosexuals. He said: “They must be given the right to live and express themselves.”
In 2009, the High Court of New Delhi repealed Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code established in 1860 by Thomas Babington Macaulay. The law stipulated that “whoever voluntarily has carnal relations against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal will be punished with life imprisonment or imprisonment of any kind for a period that can be extended to ten years or be fined.” The repeal of the law helped society to recognize and understand the different needs of individuals. After all, love is not just about a physical connection, it is also about an emotional connection.
Not everyone is comfortable accepting gay life. Sohel.A. Chandiwala, an employee of a Mumbai-based construction company, said that “lesbians and gay men should not be allowed to marry.” During a parliamentary session on the decriminalization of homosexuality, Lalu Prasad Yadav, leader of Rashtriya Janata Dal vehemently opposed the idea of allowing homosexuals to lead their lives in their own way. He said that homosexuality in India will destroy culture and tradition. He asked saying: “Women who marry women and men who marry men. Where is this country of saints and sages headed?”
Indian youth are more focused on making a place for homosexuals in society. Walking with pride is one of many events that take place in cities like Mumbai and New Delhi to encourage gay men to come out of their closet and enjoy life. Lesbians also take part in the march carrying posters and banners. In addition, gay and lesbian clubs have also been opened.
Homosexuality is not new in India. A hint of this can be seen in ancient literature, especially in Kama sutra written by Vatsyayana, in the 4th century. The text is about kama or desire (of all kinds). The text also describes the practices of homosexuals. There are many other texts on homosexuality such as Sushruta Samhita, a highly respected Hindu medical text dating back to 600 BC. C. Here the question arises: if the history of India has embraced homosexuals, why can’t today’s India? Many men and women are forced to lead isolated lives just by the dogmatic theories of society. The time is changing and now is the time to bring significant changes in society.