Opinion Dutee Chand writes: On marriage equality, I am disappointed but still hopeful
The Supreme Court hasn't done enough but legislation for same-sex marriage will be passed in Parliament soon
Nowadays, people are more understanding and the snide remarks have more or less stopped. These days we are asked the question: When are the two of you getting married? 
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My partner Monalisa and I, like so many others in the country, were hoping that the Supreme Court would pave the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Old and outdated laws have been struck down in our country in the past. Both of us were eagerly looking forward to some positive news. I am disappointed but still hopeful — I believe legislation that allows for same-sex marriage will be passed in Parliament soon. India is a democratic country and allowing for same-sex marriage will only give joy to more people.
I got the courage to speak about being in a same-sex relationship only when the Supreme Court decriminalised Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code a few years ago. Clearing the way for same-sex marriage would have been the next step.
Take our case. We were planning to get married next year because we were confident the Supreme Court would allow for it. In that sense, it is a setback. We may still have a ceremony and get married next year but it won’t be recognised by society in the way it should be. But we will surely have a marriage ceremony even if things don’t change. We want to experience the traditional customs associated with a wedding.
It is not that what people say matter to me but when other countries have allowed for same-sex marriage, one is hopeful the same happens in India. Now, when we go out sometimes people ask me who Monalisa is. Not that this question irks me but it would be nice to say that she is my wife. The questions would end and people would look at us like any other couple. The Supreme Court has its own reasons for asking the Parliament to decide. I don’t want to get into that. But if same-sex marriage is allowed, criticism of same-sex couples will stop. Some of them find it difficult to be under constant scrutiny, or to be asked uncomfortable questions.
Also there are practical problems same-sex couples face when it comes to documentation and paperwork, be it for health, bank accounts or even for a visa. If I want to pass on my property to my partner in the future, it can get complicated. When we get older, there will be further complications. Monalisa and I have been staying together in Bhubaneswar since 2018. We first met at a puja ceremony and have been together since. Initially, when people got to know that we were a same-sex couple, they said things which were not nice. But slowly their mindset changed because both of us were brave. There were tough times, but we didn’t let it come in the way of our love. What people need to understand is that we are in love with each other and it is not that I forced her to stay with me or vice versa.
We have gone through ups and downs like all other couples who stay under one roof but it is the love that forms a strong bond and makes us happy, no matter what we have had to face. I have always believed that people should be able to live and share their lives with whoever they want. There is no greater emotion than love and nothing should come in the way of the joy of two consenting people.
Nowadays, people are more understanding and the snide remarks have more or less stopped. These days we are asked the question: When are the two of you getting married?
The Supreme Court has put in place safeguards and given rights to those in same-sex relationships, but I wish it had done more.
Dutee Chand is the 100m national record holder and a former Asian Games silver medalist in the 100m and 200m categories
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