Author : Swati Mohandas
Love is beyond culture and society. It is even beyond caste and creed. Then why do we, as a society frown when love grows beyond gender? Who are we to dictate our perceptions and expect the society to follow them? Who are we to put barriers on love when a woman wants to fall in love with another woman or when a man wants to marry another man? Why does a society where homosexuality has been a part of the culture since ancient times, fails to recognize the love of the present generation?
However, times have changed since 6th September 2018 when the ‘Pride’ community witnessed a new dawn. The 157-year-old law that criminalized homosexuality was scrapped. It was a welcome move as ‘homosexuality’ has since been discussed openly in public, even amongst our family and friends. Scriptures from our ancient times depicted instances of homosexual behavior.
The famous temple of Khajuraho also depicts scenes of ‘same-sex’ behavior. Research studies have explained in their thesis how homosexuality has been prevalent during earlier times too.
However, even after the passing of the law, society still treats the LGBTQ + community with hatred, shame and even consider them outcasts. People are evolving every day but still, some people, are not able to accept this law either due to the generation gap and narrow-mindedness, while some others are openly supporting the community.
Researchers are coming up, trying to explain to people that if Hindus could embrace same-sex love back in the Vedic period then why can’t people of today’s generation do the same?
India has taken a massive step forward with legalizing gay sex and giving them the right to love and live. Society has begun to realize that love indeed knows no boundaries and is far away from the shackles of age, gender, caste, class and religion.
The day is not far when everything will be as colorful as the rainbow when people accept others with ‘Pride’ and let them love the way they want.
