Arts Entertainments

Revealing hidden lives

Melissa Etheridge, a famous American rock singer, songwriter and activist, publicly declared herself 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 as homosexuality. .

‘I love you’. We say these three words several times to the people we care for. No, everyone is as open to using these words as we are. They are paralyzed 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 the society, until now, has not cordially accepted them.

In fact, their life is more like a roller coaster, at one point they feel hurt 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 their 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 her life partner?

Indian cinema has the power to bring about remarkable change in society, provided it is done with passion and sensitivity. The smart selection of movie themes could leave a significant impact on society. Filmmakers have tried to draw the audience’s attention to the ups and downs of gay life. But, some gay and lesbian-themed films have managed to win the applause of the audience and critics.

In 1996, the movie Fire represents the life of two women who fall in love little by little, after being rejected by their husbands. On the film’s release, critics applauded its explicit portrayal of the homosexual relationship as “guts”, “explosive” and “overwhelming”. movies like girlfriend (2004), My Brother Nikhil (2005) Y I don’t know Y… Na Jane Kyun (2010) they were launched with the same goal of highlighting the agony of homosexual life. But not everyone received the same praise. yesyed Ali Raza, an independent director based in 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 casting such a character is to make “people accept them in our society by making them have their own space as well.” He further stated, “Everyone has a life and should be allowed to live the way he or she wants.” Rajesh Verma, a cricketer for the Mumbai Cricket Association and a film buff, welcomes the feelings and emotions of homosexuals. He said, “They should have the right to live and express themselves.”

In 2009, the New Delhi High Court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code established in 1860 by Thomas Babington Macaulay. The law stated: “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the natural order with any man, woman, or animal shall be punished by life imprisonment or imprisonment of any kind for a period which may be extended to ten years or subject to fine.” The repeal of the law helped society 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 the life of homosexuals. Sohel.A. Chandiwala, an employee of a Mumbai-based construction company, said “lesbians and gay men should not be allowed to marry”. During a parliamentary session on the decriminalization of homosexuality, Lalu Prasad Yadav, leader of the 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 the culture and tradition. He asked saying, “Women marrying women and men marrying men. Where is this country of saints and sages headed?”

Indian youth is more focused on making a place for homosexuals in the society. walking with pride is one of many events taking place in cities like Mumbai and New Delhi to encourage gay men to come out and enjoy life. Lesbians also participate in the march carrying banners and banners. In addition, clubs for gay men and lesbians have also been opened.

Homosexuality is not new in India. A hint of it could be seen in ancient literature, especially in Kamasutra written by Vatsyayana, in the fourth century. The text is about Kama or desire (of all kinds). Homosexual practices have also been described in the text. There are many other texts on homosexuality such as Sushruta Samhita, a highly respected Hindu medical text dating from 600 B.C. Here, the question arises, if Indian history has embraced homosexuals, why can’t India today? Many men and women are forced to lead an isolated life only because of the dogmatic theories of society. Time is changing and now is the time to bring significant changes in society.

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