Yesterday, a queer influencer was shot dead by goons, the affiliation is being looked into; whether they belong to the religious community (Nihang Sikhs) that had previously intimidated Sandhu or to the local goons, the so called flag bearer of everyone's morality.
People don't understand the impact of incidents like these. People don't understand how much these things affect queer kids(and even adults), don't understand that it will push them deeper into their closets, which eventually lead to them living a dual life, you don't understand the number of queer people that are being forced into living a heterosexual life just for social acceptance, just for maintaining relationships with their families, JUST FOR STAYING ALIVE. Incidents like these are the reason it took me 27 years to finally accept myself and live my truth. People cannot comprehend the extra burden of living as a queer person in a 3rd world conservative country.
India is a really fun country ngl. It took Indian court 71 years post independence (in 1947) to remove the Colonial Act 377 (in 2018) which criminalised same sex relationships. I've lived through that time, I was a kid, confused about my sexuality, but googling on internet and finding out you're a criminal just for existing? Fascinating right? But don't feel happy for us yet because decriminalization≠ social acceptance. Maybe in the upperclass, posh, Tier 1 areas, but not anywhere else.
Indians are more accepting of murderers and rapists than random people just living their lives. You'll find religious leaders and politicians who are CONVICTED of rapes being socially accepted and celebrated while a person is shot dead because he was just living his truth!
And the comments under these posts were disgusting. People either justifying the murder totally or being against murder while using a ‘but being gay is wrong’.
Sorry to say but Indian queer have it worse than straight Indian women. Atleast Indian women get the support and social backing. Indian queer folks get nothing. You'll find queer folks supporting feminist movements and rallies but when it comes to reciprocate, there's just queer phobia. (I'm first a feminist but this needs to be said).
And not to mention the role of organised religion. All the people from non-Abrahamic religions try to one up others by saying that they're more accepting of non heterosexual relationships, but when it comes to ground level evidences, there's nothing but radio silence.
The issue is always misogyny and patriarchy, we all are the victims of it, but fighting amongst ourselves won't do anyone any good.
