In 2018, India decriminalised same-sex relationships. It was a radical move in a country otherwise riddled by patriarchy and bigotry, but has it really meant freedom?
On June 23, a man in Ayodhya got beaten up for kissing his wife in public. Given this degree of regression, it’s no surprise the gay community continues to be abused, tortured, and blackmailed. Outside Pride marches and Twitter timelines, they must still keep their sexuality secret.
But regression is in the air. As I type this, the US Supreme Court has overturned Roe vs Wade, thus removing the right to abortion.
Queers, women, Dalits, the list of marginalised communities whose bodies patriarchy wants to control is long. The fight for freedom will be as long. But there are wins too. And films, books, and music.
In this issue, Frontline acknowledges the struggles and celebrates the victories.
Vaishna Roy
