Homosexuality and Indian Civil Society: Reading Mahesh Dattani After Decriminalization of Section-377

Abstract

The Indian Supreme Court in the Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India judgement (6th September 2018), decriminalized homosexuality. However, the space cleared by the legal judgement cannot be immediately availed of by those affected by it because legally determined/defined space doesn’t necessarily become social space. This essay looks at the formation of this social space and the perception of homosexuality in civil society. It will examine the impediments of communication that homosexuals encounter in the heteronormative world, and the ensuing misunderstandings regarding homosexuality. It argues that a proper medium is necessary to provide communication in a social space that would then treat homosexuality as ‘normal’. I argue that Mahesh Dattani’s plays enable the imagination and the construction of such an accepting civil society.

Public Policy Discourse and Sexual Minorities: Balancing Democratic Aspirations, Political Expediency and Moral Rights

“…The historic landmark of the Supreme Court judgement, September 2018, regarding decriminalisation of Section 377 has witnessed mixed response. There are conservative elements in the traditional villages and towns who continue to view alternative gender and sexuality as a social stigma and discriminate them (Lama, 2020). Even in urban spheres, there is a psychological barrier that prevents open acceptance to these radical changes effected through progressive legislations.…”