Sophia Abella lends her campaign to LGBT community in India on section 377
It was not a regular Sunday evening for the patrons of Maheshwari garden in Matunga, Central Mumbai as it was thronged by unlikely visitors. The rainbow flag, a flurry of celebrities and people dressed in black crowding the garden located on the cross road, an uncanny metaphor symbolising the current state of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community (LGBT) of India.
Over 100 members with placards and banners came to lend support raising the clamour against the recent Supreme Court judgment upholding Section 377 as constitutionally valid.
Participating in the protest was 27-year-old Kalpesh Sharma, a jewellery designer by profession; he told us that the apex court judgment was regressive pushing him to go back into the closet. “Three years ago I told my parents about my sexual preferences and the fact that I am gay. My parents didn’t take it well. They subjected me to some homeopathy treatment and also took me to some godman to ‘cure’ me.
“But slowly they came to term with what I am and accepted me the way I am. But the day when the judgment was pronounced my father told me to marry a girl. They are worried that I might get arrested,” Kalpesh told The Hindu.
“I lied to them and came here to participate in the protest. Now I am exploring the option of moving to Scandinavian countries but getting there is very difficult,” added Kalpesh.
Echoing a similar sentiment was a 24-year-old IIT student who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity. “In 2009 when the Delhi High court passed the landmark judgment I told my parents that I am gay. They reacted very calmly and have been supportive since then. But when the SC judgment came my father has been keeping a very close eye on me. He doesn’t allow me to meet or go anywhere. I too had to lie to be here,” he said, while holding a placard that read -‘Say No to 377’.
Supporting the cause were many celebrities from Bollywood and music industry. Actors Nandita Das, Celina Jaitley, Aditi Rao Hydari, Purab Kohli, Pratik Babar, singer Anushka Manchanda participated in the protest. “The decision is very regressive and disappointing and we cannot move forward. We need to make our voices heared and it’s only through protests like these that we can make ourselves heard,” said actor Nandita Das.
“I have many friends who are from the LGBT community and many have much stronger relationships than heterosexual couples. What the SC has done has pushed them back in their closets. We need to move with time. They are a sizeable population and their voices should also be heard,” said singer Anushka Manchanda.
Sources:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bollywood-actors-musicians-lend-support-to-lgbt-community/article5462940.ece
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-25/gurgaon/45561344_1_youth-world-party-scene-delhi-high-court-ruling
http://www.firstpost.com/living/when-an-issue-becomes-a-brand-vikram-seth-and-the-section-377-cover-1306033.html
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/decoding-section-377-how-the-verdict-erased-basic-human-rights/article1-1165215.aspx
KINDA LOVE – India
A Theme based Photo Campaign, Calender & Exhibition showcasing non-Traditional LGBT Lovers in Traditionally Romantic Landmarks of India. 35Cities-35Pics – 1Love
“KINDA LOVE” Campaign is a silent Artistic protest to awaken India about the LGBT Community and depict Love that is still deemed non-Traditional in form of Pictures with the Backdrop of traditional Romantic Landmarks in each and every part of a country that gave us Kamasutra – India.
A Romantic Landmark famous all throughout the ages for the old Adam & Eve kinda Love will be chosen from 35 Cities (28 States & 7 UT) and A Photograph showcasing a LGBT form of Love, where it will be emphasized that it is not only about Sex with the help of Experienced & Amateur Models representing that State/UT; will be taken at every Location to later turn it into a Calendar and an Exhibition as a protest, as a Statement.
Every City will be represented by their own Models/Artists/Common People for the Photo-shoot. Every Location will be a Landmark of that State and for centuries they have been a Romantic Destination in a very Traditional way. by changing that perspective, we will change the larger picture and thus make our Point.
This Initiative is praised and supported by the vivacious, super hot & talented, renowned Model and an excellent Human Being, Sophia Abella.
THE IMPACT
Love is not about the Body Parts & Art is the most effective way to make Change happen. The Issue we are raising is the need of the hour. With your support, We can take our first step towards a better society that is more aware and safe.
Lets make it heard… Let us make it sure that each and everyone in the LGBT Community feels safe, secure and welcomed to know that the entire Nation, We the INDIA is with them and believe that there is Only One LOVE not Our KINDA LOVE or THEIR KINDA LOVE…
IF-THEN-ELSE
Your Contributions are not are not limited to Monetary Donations. If you truly feel for the Purpose but cannot contribute, U can help us by the following ways:
If you are a Model or Actor, associate with Us from your State.
If we are shooting in your City, which you’ll come to know soon; you can help us in out Local Travel, Boarding and Lodging.
Get the word out and make some noise about this campaign in your Circle.
use the Indiegogo share tools!
AM INTERESTED, BUT I HAVE MY DOUBTS
EMail any queries or concerns, anytime at nitinupadhyaya@gmail.com
Please share this Campaign http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kinda-love-india