The Bengaluru Pride prarade has encouraged many gays to step out of the closet, writes Omi Gurung A few weeks ago I was startled when a participant in a kids' music reality show candidly confessed, "I am a girl but I want to be a boy." Her father did not have any problem with her choice, and I secretly applauded her for having the courage to speak her mind, but it also brought to mind so many others who battle emotional and psychological stress while coming to terms with their sexuality. The genesis <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2009/jul/pride.jpg" align="right" border="1" />The ongoing Bengaluru Pride 09 and the Karantaka Queer Habba bear testimony to the fact that things have changed for the better butu00a0 we are yet to fully address the humiliation,the abuse and the discrimination that the LGBT communiyu00a0 is often subjected to. As the fight for gay rights goes on, many are coming out of the closet to speak up and stand up for their rights. The Bollywood factor In a country where sex is still talked about in hushed tones, a minority group (Gay) has made its voice heard. It's heartening to see celebrities like Celina Jaitley and Arundhati Nag support the cause. Though most Bollywood films end up caricaturing sexual minorities, a movie like My Brother Nikhil had a message that gay love is not just about cross dressing and jumping into bed. Movies like Fashion and Dostana too dealt with life on the fringes. Kiron Kher'su00a0 acceptance of John asu00a0 her ladla's love interest not only gave discos in the countryu00a0 the zany 'Ma ka ladla bigad gaya', but also was a well-done scene with the right dose of humour and sensitivity. Bhaskar Bharti, a serial on TV, has a gay character, Sunny, bringing the subject right into living rooms. What next? While there is some openness in the metros, myths and misconceptions about the "others" remain rampant. But,u00a0 as live-in relationships have been recognised, gay couples in India live in hope. Will the governmentu00a0 scrapu00a0 Section 377?u00a0 Hopefully, they will debate the archaic law, and initiate healthy discussions on it.u00a0 Till then, picture abhi baaki hain, mere dost...

The Bengaluru Pride prarade has encouraged many gays to step out of the closet, writes Omi Gurung

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