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The abolishment of article 377 was a landmark moment in India’s history. After years of struggle and discrimination, India’s LGBTQIA+ community could finally envision a future that is more hopeful and inclusive. In fact, this would be India’s first year of independence post decriminalization of the law. And that itself calls for a special celebration!
Organization across the country have taken up this moment to celebrate love. For instance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance’s ‘Pyaar Ki Azadi’ campaign celebrates inclusiveness. Their riveting Independence Day video impeccably captures the freedom the entire LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing this time around. “It’s been a tiring fight for equality. But on 15th August 2019, we will celebrate our first Independence Day as free birds out of a colonial law that caged us. I’m happy that Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has taken the first steps towards celebrating freedom with the ‘Pyaar Ki Azaadi’ video”, says equal rights activist, Harish Iyer. By extending its support for the community, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance highlights how it cares for every kind of community our vibrant country has to offer. It embodies the forward-thinking contemporary spirit India has long yearned for.
With brands like Bajaj Allianz General Insurance taking the bold steps to a more inclusive community, we couldn’t help but think of the numerous cultural milestones that has got us this far. So, here are some of our favourite iconic moments of the recent past that have empowered the LGBTQIA+ narrative in India!
I. Lalit Ashok The First Major Hotel Group To Include Queer Indians Under Health Insurance Policy
Since the ‘criminal nature’ of sexual minorities in the country, they do not have the same socio-cultural and economic rights as the rest, especially in the workplaces. In a surprising move of inclusivity, The Lalit Group becomes the first major hotel chain in India to include LGBTQIA+ members under its health insurance coverage. The announcement was made in commemoration of global pride month last year, and Keshav Suri, the Executive Director has been vocal in his support of queer rights. He says, “Every human being deserves to be treated equally, irrespective of their sexual orientation, caste or colour. Health is the most basic necessity for all humans, and as a leader, I felt it was necessary to ensure a healthy future for all our employees.”
II. The Queer Muslim Project
2018’s pride month saw the inception of a wonderful space for queer Muslims, to explore the intersectionality between faith and sexuality. Founded by Rafiul Alom Rahman, who saw that there was very less visibility, resources or research for and about queer Muslims, along with misinformation and a narrow idea about Islam and homosexuality. The project is set to increase media visibility, as well as add representation to the larger queer movement. He tells The Citizen “Through this Queer Muslim project, we are trying to create this diversity within the queer movement and do plan to create more volunteer networks in different cities and expand it further. We really believe there is so much of potential in such informal support systems that can also provide peer counselling and peer support to people who feel different and tell them that we have their backs.”
III. Kerala Introduces Reservation Policy For Transgender Students
As part of their overall transgender welfare policy started in 2015, in July, they initiated a reservation in the Arts and Sciences degrees in all state and affiliated universities, with two seats to be reserved in every college class. The first state to set in motion reforms for the trans community, the move was made to encourage enrolment of trans citizens in higher education, who generally because of stigma and discrimination are discouraged to do so. The official notice says, “Due to societal issues these students often have to discontinue their studies or to join other academic institutions after an academic year or after the admission process is closed.”
IV. Indian Psychiatric Society Says Homosexuality Not A Disease
The Indian Psychiatric Society released a statement clearly stating that it recognises “same-sex sexuality as a normal variant of human sexuality much like heterosexuality and bisexuality.”
Released on July 7, 2018, this statement came in as a ray of hope as the Constitution Bench started hearing petitions challenging the criminalisation of homosexuality on this day. This statement definitely added to the efforts in overturning Sec 377 – which has long plagued our constitution and our country alike. Taking a clear stand, the statement said, “There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be altered by any treatment and that any such attempts may, in fact, lead to low self-esteem and stigmatisation of the person.”
V. Decriminalisation Of Homosexuality
September 6, 2018 will be etched in Indian history as the day when love triumphed. At 11:30 am, the Supreme Court issued its verdict on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) subsequently decriminalising homosexuality and gay sex. This verdict is groundbreaking for all those who have lived with concealed identities all their lives and a massive step forward towards redefining the meaning of democracy for India.
Delhi Queer Pride in November 2018 was unlike any other, celebrating the decriminalisation of homosexuality with much pomp and fare. People crowded the streets in large numbers holding up signs like ‘Adios 377!’, celebrating the historic moment that hopefully paves way for a whole body of rights, promising a brighter future for queer citizens of the country.
VI. Tinder Includes Non-Binary Gender Options On Its Application
“Starting today, no matter how you identify, you can express your authentic self on Tinder,” read Tinder’s blog post. On November 13, 2018, Tinder India while breaking away from the binary, introduced 23 new gender options for Indians to choose from. Introduced on the second day of Transgender Awareness Week, this feature is a collaboration between Tinder and The Humsafar Trust, India’s pioneering LGBTQ organisation.
VII. India’s First Homegrown Queer Dating Network
The Delta App- India’s first homegrown queer dating application came to be. Not only are they trying to create safe spaces for dating, but they’re also creating networks of queer-friendly resources and businesses as well. They’re collaborating with enterprises who take the ‘Delta Pledge’, which holds them accountable to keep their spaces inclusive and welcoming to all genders and sexualities. The pledge has been undertaken by companies like UrbanClap and Park Hyatt Chennai.
VIII. LGBTQAI+ Characters Represented In Mainstream Films & Shows
With surge of love shown to the community in the past year, some of 2019’s highlights came from the cultural acceptance of diverse characters and artists in mainstream entertainment mediums. From older films like Kapoor & Sons and Aligarh, to this year’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, its evident that mainstream audience have become more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, the massive success of Amazon’s Made In Heaven is one of the finest cultural milestone of well represented homosexual characters in the lead, played brilliantly by actor Arjun Mathur.
VII. Sprinter Dutee Chand Bravely Comes Out Of The Closet
The sprinter of Odisha’s Jajpur village, is the leading light fighting for the eligibility of female athletes in fields and track events. She is of the opinion that none have the right to judge her as an athlete because of her sexual orientation and that it is a personal decision which should be respected. “I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court of India has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want. It is a personal decision, which should be respected. I will continue to strive to win medals for India at international meets,” Dutee told the Indian Express.
While this does call for celebration, we’ve a long way to go with regards to fully eliminating societal prejudices and discrimination. But it’d be a missed opportunity if we don’t celebrate this milestone with this year’s Independence Day. So, in that spirit, check out Bajaj Allianz General Insurance’s ‘Pyaar Ki Azadi’ video and let your heart pump rainbow!
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