Chennai: “We no longer want to put on masks, we want to live our lives as ourselves,” said an LGBTQ community member as he waits along with other members for the Supreme Court’s verdict on their petition against IPC 377 due on February 2.
Chennai’s Tamil Rainbow Coalition, an informal network of groups working for the welfare of alternate gender people organised a candle light vigil on Sunday and discussed their views of the highly controversial IPC 377.
While in 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised sex between any two consenting individuals, the judgement was struck down in 2013 by the Supreme Court claiming that only a small percent of the population was affected by IPC 377. While human rights groups have been campaigning for LG BTQ rights, no difference was made even when MP Shashi Tharoor tried to pass a private bill to amend 377.
With the apprehension that a similar verdict could occur at the next hearing, the queer community in Chennai came out in large numbers to speak on their experiences and the immediate need for an amendment to the law.
Vikram Sundarraman, from Nirangal, an organisation that fights for LGBTQ rights, said, “If we were to follow all the clauses of this act, it not only criminalises gay sex, it also criminalises sex that the government finds “unnatural”. That way a majority in the country could be penalised. We are not just fighting for the rights of our community. We are simply asking for basic human rights, why should we have the government spy our bedrooms?” Vikram also explained how the section is unclear in its clauses and contradicts with the constitution on the basis of freedom of expression and equality among all citizens.
When repeatedly asked about the LGBTQ community affecting the “culture” of the country, Sankari, an activist said, “If culture is going to determine basic human rights, how can that be the right culture? You make us look like criminals by saying that what we do is wrong but we want to be open about what we do and want to live freely.”
When asked if they expected a positive verdict Vikram said that with the 2009 verdict nobody raised any issues, neither the government nor the judiciary. “This time too we hope the judiciary is broadminded and takes our side.”
