SHILLONG: The LGBTQI community on Friday welcomed the verdict of the Supreme Court decriminalising gay sex through dance, poetry, songs and inspiring messages at Don Bosco Square in the city.
Many members of the community came out in the public to participate in the celebrations and enjoy the freedom to be themselves despite some initial glitches.
The community wanted to hold the celebration at Khyndailad but the permission was denied and hence the celebration was shifted to Don Bosco Square.
Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said in its reply to the request for holding the parade that “in view of the present fluid law and order situation and also since the prayer was received at the eleventh hour, the prayer is not recommended”.
Participants carried placards with messages like “Raise Boys and Girls the same way”, “New Day for a New life with a new hope”, “Protect Gay Teens” written on them. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday partially scrapped the Section 377, a 158-year-old colonial law on consensual gay sex.
Speaking to media persons, Janet Massar said they are proud of the verdict of the Apex Court and it’s a big step for “queer liberation”.
“Now we can work further to protect the queer community and our children from being bullied,” she said and added that the community has suffered enough from violence and fear of criminalization.
Dona Marwein, another participant, said the Supreme Court has chosen humanity and equal rights and removed the outdated law.
“We want everyone to know we exist in Shillong and they should not be afraid to come out in the open and face the world,” Massar said.
Noted Film Director and Thma U Rangli (TUR) member Tarun Bhartiya also hailed the judges of the Supreme Court for their statement that majority’s viewpoint cannot be the basis of law.
“The important point is not only about Section 377 but how you treat other minorities and whether you want to turn the country into a Hindu nation or whether you can use fundamental religious practices to discriminate against people,” he said.
He added that the battle is not yet over with the verdict and now the mindset of the people has to be changed and it is changing.
