👀 All Love Is Equal
#215 | Will we end up on the right side of history?
Hey,
In a couple of months, India's about to become the most populous country in the world. (We may have overtaken China already, but since there hasn't been a census since *checks notes* 2011, we can't be sure).
A lot of "deshbhakts" will tell you that this is a joyful occasion - every fifth person in the world is Indian. And a lot of idiots will tell you that this means India is "powerful", and that the world is looking at India (whatever the hell that means).
But what do we see when we look at India?
We see lives ravaged by poverty and the climate crisis, institutions and industries eroded by corruption, and a society that just. won't. treat. everyone. equally.
For the past couple of weeks, the Supreme Court has been hearing petitions made by eighteen LGBTQIA+ couples who demand legal recognition for same-sex marriage. Our Central Government, known for its regressive and bigoted views, is, unsurprisingly against this.
This particularly heinous statement from the ministry sums up its stand:
"Living together as partners and having a sexual relationship by same-sex individuals… is not comparable with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife, and children."
(Yeah, because the Indian family unit is such a paradise for wives and children!)
The Supreme Court is expected to announce its verdict in the next couple of months. It's hard to be hopeful, but it's also hard not to feel a surge of optimism when you witness the undying collective spirit of fellow citizens - members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies - fighting for their fundamental rights and dignity in the face of violent opposition.
If, like me, you're wishing you could have done something to support this struggle, the least we could do is vote for politicians who have a history of supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.
Today's thing is the spectacular Pink List, an online archive of politicians who have spoken up in Parliament about LGBTQIA+ issues. Click here to access the State of The Qunion, an interactive map of India which lets you check if your elected MP is one of them. Each MP gets a "report card" for their history in this regard.
Dreaming of a day when every MP has a report card we can all be proud of.
I am fortunate to have them asy friends, Proiti.
Our society will never treat everyone equally. Long back I worked with a LGBT group. Some of them are still in my friend-list. I know how hard their life is, Proiti. The path they walk is full of thorns. And the transformation they go through! It's painful! Thank you, Proiti. I do enjoy your write-ups.