Year after gay euphoria,plans for a subdued anniversary rally

The rally will also protest against the special leave petitions (SLPs) pending in the Supreme Court against the repeal of Article 377 on July 2 last year.

The sense of hope and confidence remains in the community a year on. “Most importantly,it has made people more articulate about their sexuality,” says Nitin Karani,editor-at-large of Bombay Dost. This has also emboldened the community’s attempt to be part of mainstream society. Citing the example of Kashish — Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010,in April at PVR Juhu,he says,“The response is an indication of this.”

The verdict,coupled with the media coverage,has increased the level of awareness about LGBT causes. Smriti Nevatia,co-curator of Queer Nazariya,another film festival that the city hosted this year,says,“We screened a number of films in some Mumbai colleges before the festival. During the discussions that followed the screenings,we found the students to be quite aware of LGBT issues and the judgment. Some of them even argued with their homophobic classmates.”

Humsafar Trust says the verdict has encouraged many to open up before their families and friends about their sexuality. It has also encouraged gay writers and artists to be more open. “Earlier,many gay writers were not comfortable about approaching mainstream publishers. Now,they have the confidence to make themselves and their writing visible,”says Shobhna S Kumar,founder of Queer-INK.com,India’s first online bookstore for everything LGBT.

The website,being launched on Friday,had a “soft launch” in April to test the response. Ever since,it has been receiving 15 orders a week. “We plan to open a store and publish queer literature soon,” she says.

Azad Maidan is likely to be dotted with rainbow-coloured attires on Friday. Keeping up its tradition of holding “get-dressed” events before every LGBT gathering,Azaad Bazaar,hosted one last weekend. Simran,co-owner of India’s first LGBT pride store,says,“We launched a new set of T-shirts as well as hats,bandanas and wigs with rainbow theme.” The store,however,will remain shut on Friday as the staff will be at the rally.