Gay, set, match

Homosexuals celebrate their victory and freedom with a colourful parade

As the gay community rejoiced the Delhi High Court's judgement legalising gay sex, one person missing from the celebrations was Ashok Row Kavi, founder and director of the Humsafar Trust, which works for gay rights.

Kavi, who has been at the forefront of the gay rights movement for the last two decades, was attending a World Health Organisation conference in Bangkok.

Fearless

Outside his office in Vakola, on the streets, dressed in bright colours and carrying placards lauding the ruling, homosexuals were out in large numbers to enjoy their moment of glory.

Vivek Raj Anand, chief executive officer, Humsafar Trust, returned to the city from Bangkok after news of the judgement.



"The moment I landed, I sent Ashok a message saying, 'I have landed in the country and I am a free gay man.'

Ecstatic

He was overjoyed and said that's the best thing he has heard," said Anand. Added Abhijeet Aiyer, another proponent of the gay rights movement, "July 2 is a historic day for all of us.

We are relieved that we can finally call ourselves free. The court has upheld our rights and we are overjoyed that we can call ourselves homosexuals without any fear."

Though Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, leader of the eunuch community, is happy with the high court ruling, she says her fight for the rights of the transgender community is still not over.

"I have filed an application with the court. But I am happy that at least there is a change in our attitude towards homosexuals. I'm sure, like the judiciary, society too will accept us."