Catching Up

(Day 21 of 112)

India has finally caught up with the world (at least most of it). With Section 377 not applicable anymore, legally we are no more a homophobic country.

The keyword here is legally. As happy as I am for the gay and lesbian community and the legal recognition they get now (important for co-habitation, managing finances, building families etc), I wonder whether it is as important as social acceptance or even tolerance for that matter.

No matter what the law says, we have already proven that as a people, we consider ourselves above the law, be it wearing a helmet on a two wheeler or beating up youngsters in a public place (and being proud of it). So even without section 377 enabling law-enforcers anymore, I wonder if things are going to improve for this fast growing community of men and women looking to express who they really are.

A law might have changed. But that’s only on paper. It can’t change attitudes and opinions. It can’t change prejudices and stereotypes. It can’t change us into a more accommodating and broad-minded society.

And so, all I have to say, or rather hope, is that this giant step taken up the Indian legal system proves to be a small step towards changing outlooks and beliefs.