Pride Month: Life hasn’t changed much after Section 377 was struck down as homophobia still exists

I am a 3rd year BA student at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies and I am gay. My family does not know about this yet. Only my sister knows. I was 18 when I came out to my sister. It was a usual summer morning and I was getting ready for my internship when my then boyfriend started spamming me with texts and my sister pointed it out asking ‘Is it him?’.

I freaked out and left for office and texted her on my way asking how does she know to which she replied “I always knew and it is okay. There is nothing wrong with that. Just do not come out to mom and dad right now. Try to educate them first or become independent before you decide to come out to them.”

I was scared at that point. I was not open in college and to my friends. but my sister made me realise that there are people who’d accept you no matter what. I think that was the turning point in my life and I never looked back after that. The difficult part about coming out is when the other person is not able to fully understand you.

Has my life changed after the SC judgment on Article 377? I do not think so. The only thing is that I am not a criminal anymore. Homophobia is still there. People need to realise that I am very much happy with my sexuality and I do not imagine myself otherwise.

People should respect other’s sexuality and choices. There is nothing else that the community wants from society other than respect and acceptance.

(This was taken from an excerpt of interview taken by Prachi Singh)