Yes, we all stand up for the national anthem. We all say the pledge that states that “All Indians are my brothers and sisters”. We all cheer for our cricket team, take part in anti-corruption marches and sign online petitions for saving tigers. However, it is very shameful that we discriminate against anyone who shows indications of having a different sexual orientation than us. Why does a section of Indians feel ignored and insulted in their own country? Just because they choose to fall in love with a person and not gender?
Two words- Incredible India.
It is a fact that we cannot restrain ourselves from labeling LGBTQs (Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queers) as “bobby darling”, “chakka” and other such senseless tags. Ignorance makes us say very, very stupid things. But it is also a fact that every time we mock or exclude them, we fail as a society. We need to understand that everyone who has two eyes, two hands, two hands, and above all, bleeds red is human. He breathes the same air as us and walks on the same earth as we do. It is only our shallow, racist, prejudiced and stereotype thinking that makes us bifurcate. Even in this age of digital connections and technological advancements, some consider homosexuality as slander to their caste or religion. I would like to tell them only one thing. Had God thought of homosexuality as a sin, then he wouldn’t have created them in the first place. Religion is merely a curtain used to hide the hypocrisy of narrow-minded people. Homosexuality is not something that has come up recently ( Story of Aravan: Mahabharata. Also, sculptures in a medieval Indian temple of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, depicting two women or men in sexual positions. These cave paintings date back to 10,000 years ago) The LGBT figures are rising and this has to be understood and accepted by all. Being gay/lesbian is as natural as being straight. Reason being, you can’t control whom you fall in love with. It is not something that you plan. It just…happens. LGBTQs are as much human as we are.
“There is nothing wrong with you. There’s a lot wrong with the world you live in”- Chris Colfer. So the next time you come across someone who has a different sexual orientation than yours, try not to smirk, scrutinize or judge. Listen is the word. Listen to what they have to say, their problems, their feelings. Because social changes do not come with the turn of the moon. Love is always beautiful! It knows no gender. People fight, and love, and then fight some more. And hope that their love will not be discriminated. Homosexuality is NOT a disease. It isn’t something that needs a cure. Rather, it needs acceptance in society. Fight for equality and rights of not only women, but also LGBTQs, and make this world a better place to live in, not a bitter place to die in. I envisage a day when a person can walk out in public with his head held high and not have people question him about his sexual orientation.
Some people are and some choose to be gay. Get over it!
Spread Love.
Peace out people!
Saanica Wahal
