Even after the abolition of article 377 which made same-sex relationships illegal in the country, people from the LGBTQ+ community still face problems with the society in their day to day lives. Coming out and embracing their sexual orientation openly is not something everyone has the courage to do for a simple reason that they do not have as many heads to look up to. But we’re glad the scene is shifting!
Athlete Dutee Chand, the 100m record holder and winner of two silver medals in the Asian Games 2018, is the first Indian sportsperson to openly acknowledge her same-sex relationship.
Speaking to sources, Dutee recently said:
“I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person’s choice. Currently, my focus is on the World Championships and the Olympic Games but in the future I would like to settle down with her.”
She went on to add how her sexual orientation and her profession are two completely separate aspects of her life and one should not judge her integrity and capability of being an athlete with her relationship.
“I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court of India has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want. It is a personal decision, which should be respected. I will continue to strive to win medals for India at international meets.”
One of the most significant and popular spokesperson and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community is undoubtedly American TV show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen came out as a lesbian back in 1997 and has since then advocated for the rights of the community. She had also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama back in 2016 for her humanitarian contributions.
Taking on social media, Ellen Lauded Dutee for her courage and for being the first ever Indian sports star to openly come out!
“She’s the 100m record holder and the first openly gay sportsperson in India. I guess she knows a thing or two about being first. I’m so proud of her”, she wrote.
She also shared the post on Twitter and people from across the world have been pouring their love and blessings on Dutee!
We are so proud of her … She voiced not only for herself but for the LGBTQ+ community in India too.💙💚💛🧡💜❤️🖤
— ShakalakaBoomBoom_Hajmu⁷ ⟬⟭ /#BangtandaForever (@Monokosmos_96) May 21, 2019
Hope she gets the much needed support from her family too! More power to those who have the courage to speak of their true selves!
— Pointblanc (@PointBlanc999) May 21, 2019
You go, girl! So proud, @DuteeChand 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— ArchanaEyer🐯🇮🇳🇺🇸🏳️🌈🗽☔️🐾🐶 (@ArchanaEyer) May 21, 2019
Just like you I want everyone to recognise her.
And she may gain the respect that she deserve from all over the world.
PROUD INDIAN@TheEllenShow
Hope someday I can meet you 😇❤— Srishti Gupta (@Srishti44179739) May 21, 2019
We are all proud of her. She has made India proud at the International level. If at this time her family cannot stand with her, we as a nation has a responsibility to support our athlete. Love is love and that's it.
Thank you Ellen for your support. 👍👍👍— Srijan Das (@srijann25) May 21, 2019
Dutee Chand has made the country proud in more than one ways. May she continue to shine on!