Why Everybody Should Support The Pride Movement

Image source: wired.com

For the past few months, after the SC verdict legalised consensual gay relationships by striking down the draconian colonial era law of Section 377, I had been posting a lot in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Being an ally, I believe that the community must have every right that us, cis-het ‘straight' people are privileged enough to have. Needless to say, some people did not like this.

As I write this, I can hear my mother speaking on the phone in the other room, explaining for the nth time how gender and sexuality are two completely different things.

The person on the line seems indignant.
"But your daughter is posting about Pride and Section 377 on Facebook." The caller insists. "Is she one of 'them', now?"

One of 'them'.
This is the moment when I realize that a law cannot alter the mindset of a people who have been fed on homophobic and patriarchal depictions of the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to Bollywood. They are a people who have binged on movies like Dostana and TV shows like Komedy Nights with Kapil, where being homosexual, being effeminate, is a joke.

They are a people who have learnt to suppress the hush-hush topics of gender fluidity and sexuality under the dinner table. They are a people who have been taught to hoot at men in pink, in the streets, who have been taught to pull down their self esteem, one insult at a time.

I remember, back in sixth grade, when I was still grappling with the complex ideas of gender and sexuality, a friend, who was way mature and ahead of her time, had explained to an apprehensive twelve year old me how the shape of a person's genitalia cannot determine their favourite colour, their preferred activity, their sexual orientation. How love is all-encompassing and knows no boundaries.

I remember, back in eighth grade, our class topper telling me how the Penfield's Map is responsible for one's sexual orientation and not the body. How a same sex couple can raise a child perfectly well. "It doesn't depend on the gender," She had said, "We love who we love."

I remember, in tenth grade, how my seemingly meek and docile best friend had spoken out against a homophobic comment, aimed at another classmate. "It is her personal decision," She had lashed out. "Stay out of her business."

These friends of mine were 'straight' as society would put it. They loved people from the opposite gender, yet they stood up for their friends. And, being a 'straight' cisgender heterosexual woman, too, I am proud to proclaim that I firmly stand by the LGBTQcommunity as an ally, a supporter, a friend.

Friends, you do not need to be afraid of holding hands in the streets, now. You do not need to hesitate before leaning in for a goodbye kiss. You do not need to stop and think about others' opinions on your decisions. You are free.

And to all other 'straight' cis-het people who are reluctant to join Pride because of their inhibitions, remember, this silence is a disease which can eat away society, slowly, but surely. Homophobia is not an 'opinion' or a 'choice'. It is a crime. And your silence fuels this shameful act. Raise your voices against patriarchy, because together, we can win this. Let love flourish and win, always, always and forever!