December 12 was dedicated to being a Gay for a Day across Facebook, as youngsters changed their profile pictures to them kissing or hugging someone of the same gender. The idea was to show just how strongly they feel about the Supreme Court's verdict on criminalising consensual gay sex. The verdict is the hottest topic of discussion and is drawing lots of opinions, some even swinging towards abusive.
Singer-songstress, Riccha Paul changed her Facebook profile picture to her sister kissing her and showed her solidarity by being a part of Gay for a Day. “The judgment is nonsense and this is my way of standing up against it. It is a basic human right. How can you deem it as a criminal act?" she questions as she adds that she has invited all her friends to be a part of the initiative as well, and many of them have done the same.
Arundhati Ghosh, Executive Director at India Foundation for the Arts also changed her image on the social networking site. She says, “I stand in absolute solidarity for those who don't want the state, law or court to interfere in their personal choice of sexual orientation. They have no right to enter any one's bedroom."
As far as the impact of the judgment is concerned, Neelima, a city based designer says, “Initially, we feared that people would go back into their closets. But after seeing the support we are getting from friends, family, colleagues and straight allies, I think we stand stronger today than ever. And no, I am not going back into my closet. I am who I am."
While the women are going full throttle in displaying their support, the men folk are backing their friends and family more personally.
Bangalorean, Zacharia Sujith Sebastian, a former model and now an employee at Boston Scientific, expresses his angst, “Sexual orientation is not chosen. It's some thing one is born with. Passing judgment against it is not cool. I am in full support of all my gay friends." In less than 24 hours since the verdict, there have been over 20,000 tweets related to Section 377 making it the most trending topic online.
Actress Nandita Das who is a stronger supporter of the LGBT community reveals that she is shocked. “The SC gave some landmark verdicts this year, then what happened to them now?" she questions. Whatever maybe the decision, one thing is certain, the people stand united.
