Aishwarya
Badhri
Vinay
prernasri
santhoshramdoss
Santhosh
Shital
Shivam
thinkchangeindia
While the government of India wrestles with its official stance on homosexuality, the gay-lesbian scene in Bangalore is flourishing. Just last week,
The Delhi high court directed the Union government to figure out its stance on homosexuality; the ministry of home affairs favours prosecution (homosexuality is punishable under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code), while the health ministry is against enforcing this law for issues related to health monitoring.
Meanwhile, Bangalore’s social scene, and in some cases, professional settings, are facing no such quandary. Clubs such as the Gay Running and Breakfast Club (GRAB) and Good As You (GAY) are emerging alongside the growing expatriate population. In fact, Time Out, a popular publication, is planning to get in on the scene as well:
In mid-July, the Indian franchise of London-based TimeOut magazine plans to launch in Bangalore and include a section with gay- and lesbian-specific content and listings, as it has done in Mumbai and New Delhi.
The majority of India, however, remains opposed to homosexuality. Just today, in fact, our discussion with a group of Indian, Ahmedabadi youngsters regarding homosexuality erupted in a chorus of strong opposition.
What about you – do you live in an urban area? How is your city evolving?
Source: OneWorld South Asia
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Bangalore, sexuality |
ThinkChange India 
Stripping down all discussions surrounding for and against sexual orientation, the core fact is, homosexuality is not always a conscious choice. True, it is a fad for some, but research seems to suggest that homosexuality is not uncommon in animals too! (google please..) So, legal or not, homosexuality should not be used to embarrass or discriminate against someone.
Also, whether good or bad, the current law is homosexuality is punishable and I exclusive gay listings in a magazine is unlawful. Rules have to be changed in the Parliament, not in a magazine.
I am from Chennai, and that says it all. But..
http://www.ibnlive.com/article.php?id=7103§ion_id=3
Thanks for the article Badhri – looks like groups like these are emerging throughout India as a means of finding community and collective voice against indignifying acts of injustice.
[…] Prerna talked about the flourishing gay-lesbian scene in Bangalore […]
I left India to live in a western society that’s more tolerant and accepting towards gays and lesbians. Today, I am married to my partner and can live a life that would only be a dream in my homeland.
Despite all the economic growth, Indian society continues to remain stuck somewhere in the 17th century. India needs to start becoming a more tolerant society where people are not subject to any form of discrimination.
>> Despite all the economic growth, Indian society continues to remain stuck somewhere in the 17th century.
Happy Emigrant,
Disagree to “17th century”. Economic growth has been for the last 10 years. That is not even a generation. No society changes for the better so fast. Certainly not the large and diverse Indian society.
I stay in Bangalore and I haven’t seen any such activity. I am not denying its existence but at the same time I just haven’t seen such developments at all. I should go out more often I guess..
Magnificent piece of Work!