Breaking free on the screen after judgment on Section 377

The movie takes a look at the gay culture from the point of view of gay people,seeks to clear misconceptions about Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code,and narrates how gays were victimised by the law and society.

Last week,the Delhi High Court had struck down the provision of Section 377,which makes homosexuality a crime. “After the verdict,we can come out in the open against the atrocities the gay community had faced for years,” said Sridhar Rangayan,director of the film.

The film weaves together poignant tales of the Indian homosexual community,the violence they have been subjected to,the legal battle they have fought for repeal of Section 377 and the push they have made for a more open and tolerant society.

The documentary is being produced by Humsafar Trust and Solaris Pictures and shot in six cities across the country. “We have completed almost 70 per cent of the film. We need more funds to finish the rest,” said Rangayan,who has also directed 68 Pages,a documentary about transsexual bar dancers,sex workers and gay couples.

Rangayan says the documentary is life seen through the eyes of three people. Behind each story is a tale of coming to terms with one’s own sexuality. Gauri,a transgender,is now heading an organisation that fights for the rights of transgenders and eunuchs. Girish,another transgender,who ran away from the hijra clan,now identifies himself as a kothi (effeminate gay man). The third is a gay man who started off as a confused introvert in a small town and now makes films on homosexuals and transsexuals.

“I’m a writer,designer and filmmaker by choice. But I’m an activist not by choice. I am forced to speak out because of a need within myself to claim some dignity for people like me. I want to tell the world that I’m normal,” said Rangayan.

“We had kept the end open as we were waiting for the verdict. Now the verdict is out. We will end the movie on a happy,optimistic note,” he said.

The director quoted his own lines from the movie,“…I’m hopeful that my partner and I can live without fear…we can have the same rights and same dignity as any one else. I hope I can say that I love another man without any fear…one day.”