India Celebrates Its First Pride Since Decriminalisation of Homosexuality

A record number of people have attended India’s first Pride since the decimalisation of homosexuality, reports SBS.

Earlier this year India’s supreme court has voted to strike down the 160-year-old law that criminalised homosexuality across the country. The historic ruling came after years of campaigning and protest from India’s LGBT+ community and overrules a 2013 judgement that upheld the colonial-era law.

The march, which happened in New Dehli on Sunday, reflected the jubilant atmosphere of India’s newly liberated queer community.

“It’s the first time we are not marching as criminals,” said Deepti, one of the organisers of Delhi Queer Pride 2018.

“People are marching with freedom and zero burden.”

“This parade is about happiness, happiness and happiness,” said another Pride marcher, Deepanshu Goswami.

Goswamiadded that while the country is celebration, the stigma around being gay hasn’t gone.

“It will take one more generation for social acceptance but the fear factor is gone.

I’m enjoying my life as a free citizen now.”