Even though the world has finally opened its arm for same-sex couples, homophobia is still prevalent in Indian society. Several people are even today being physically and mentally punished for opening up about their choice to live with a partner of the same sex.
And one such heart-wrenching event came to light from Uttar Pradesh’s Thakurganj in Lucknow district. As reported by the Times Of India, a woman and her partner of the same sex were held captive by one of the women’s families opposing their relationship. They were also allegedly subjected to physical violence and torture.
The police came to know about their plight after one of the two women reached the terrace, leaped over a wall, and escaped the room wherein they were kept captive. On reaching the Thakurganj Police station, the woman urged the cops to rescue her wife.
Taking cognizance of the sensitivity of the issue, senior officers were involved in the matter. Soon a team went to the house in Dubagga, rescued the other woman, and brought her to the police station.
“Their families were called to the police station and counseled. They were told that the law provides protection to same-sex couples and the families could face action if a complaint is lodged,” informed the Assistant Commissioner of Police, IP Singh. Speaking to news reporters, one of the women said:
“We both are adults and are capable enough to earn to sustain ourselves. We don’t want anyone’s interference and any disturbance in our lives and will live together.”
She also claimed that they got married at Buddheshwar temple last year. Earlier, while hearing the plea of a same-sex couple, Odisha HC ruled that the individuals have “the right of self-determination of sex/gender and also he has the right to have a live-in relationship with a person of his choice even though such person may belong to the same gender as the petitioner.”
Given that such instances are still happening in the country, we probably have a long way to go to banish homophobia. 🤦♀️
cover image: left