Web Spotlight: Kashish - Mumbai Queer Film Festival

The Kashish - Mumbai Queer Film Festival is the first ever film festival in the region for Indian and Desi queer films that celebrate sexual diversity. The four day festival is scheduled to be held April 22-25th 2010.

India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

In a long anticipated and major ruling the high court in India has determined that consensual homosexual sex should no longer be against the law. The ruling overturns the previous law known as section 377 which banned gay sex. This historic ruling marks a new chapter in gay rights in the country that is home to over 17% of the world's population.

“Discrimination is antithesis of equality,” the judges of the Delhi High Court wrote in a 105-page decision that is the first in India to directly guarantee rights for gay people. “It is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual,” the decision said.

The ruling applies only to India’s capital city, but it will force the national government to either appeal the decision to the Supreme Courtor repeal the law nationwide, lawyers said (NY Times).

This ruling brings the total number of countries that criminalize homosexuality down to 84. The punishment for homosexuality varies in countries from prison time, fines, public humiliation, and in many cases the death penalty.

Treat Gays More Humanely in India Petition

A cellular phone company in India has an innovative campaign called 'My Idea' and lets users express themselves on a variety of topics. One such petition is calling for gays to be treated more humanely within the country.

"It is high time we treat members of the gay community with more respect. Often, I notice they are harassed at railway stations and work places. We should be less homo-phobic and treat them better, cause they are human-beings too! Choose "Yes" if you agree"

The high court in India should deliberate shortly on whether to continue the section of the penal code 377 which criminalizes consensual sex acts deemed "against the order of nature" which has been used against the LGBT community. India is an interesting country, made up of many diverse minds, and as of late has been making progress, ie: creating a helpline for queer women. The country still needs to act to ensure federal protections for its queer citizens nationwide.

Indian Helpline for Lesbian Women

Chennai will become the first Indian city to have a dedicated helpline for lesbians starting on February 7th 2009. The number: 044-65515742.

This program is an initiative of the Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) to help empower lesbians to come out of the closet. The helpline will provide counseling, support and livelihood assistance.

Word of the Gay: "Eunuch"

"Eunuchs" are males that have been castrated and as a result have had hormonal changes in their bodies. There is a lot of rich history regarding eunuchs and a lot of misunderstanding. Historically people who were homosexual, transgender, or asexual were castrated because they were considered impotent. Today it is a procedure done on gender variant people who wish to express their femininity and in India they are referred to as Hijra.

Word of the Gay: "Hijra"

In India a "Hijra" is regarded as a member of the third sex, not male or female. Hijra are usually trans-women or intersex individuals. Today they face discrimination in light of western influence on attitudes in the region, however, traditionally gender variant people were accepted and regarded as special in the society.

"Voices Against 377" - Human Rights for India/Singapore!

‘Voices Against 377 is a coalition of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) and progressive groups based in Delhi. It is a point of intersection and dialogue between various social movements that these groups represent, where a united voice is being articulated against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes private consensual sexual acts deemed to be against the order of nature.

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is cited below:

“377. Unnatural Offences.
Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

The law penalizes certain sexual acts equally. For example oral sex, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual; even penile-masturbation of one person by another – is considered criminal. Although facially neutral, the law has effectively stigmatized and criminalized a section more than others, namely same-sex desiring people, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), hijra, kothi and other Queer people. The law has been used by the police to intimidate same sex desiring people and has been a source of serious human rights violations."



Sign the "Voices Against 377" Petition!