India set for their biggest Gay Parade
GAY.
(We know, dude.)
So I hear, India is set to mark their biggest gay parade this Sunday.
Standing as the second biggest democracy, India officially considers homosexuals to be unlawful. A law that was established during the British Colonial era.
In 1999, India had a similar movement in Kolkata City, but it was not something significant in number as the march was consisted of only 15 people.
Though there is no mention on the scale for this year’s event, it is believed it will be the biggest ever, seeing that Gays, Lesbians, Transexuals, and even the Straights will be participating.
The move will be held in New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata cities this sunday.
First of all, I find it impressive that the local authorities would even allow them to march to the streets with such purpose. What I find even more amazing, is the fact the police/authorities have sworn to protect these marchers at all cost, and that perpetrators who would want to disrupt the march would be punished.
Most may call it a significant progress in India. Bringing out a taboo, and slap it onto everyone else’s faces saying “Deal with us”.
I think it is ultimate bravery for these marchers to do so seeing there may be undesirable circumstances that might happen to them.
Though I congratulate India’s authority for their tolerance, I certainly wish such parade would not be held in Indonesia. For now.
Although the number of homosexuals in Indonesia is very substantial, and the society has tolerated the existence of homosexuals in Indonesia. I don’t think Indonesia is ready to deal with it as a national issue.
Homosexuals in Indonesia have long existed, and such practice are even part of a tradition in some parts of Indonesia.
Movies on homosexuality have emerged to be one of the most popular hits in Indonesia’s box office. And in cities like Jakarta, some malls (especially the elite area) have become public hangout and display for the homosexuals.
Although this is the case, most Indonesians regard this as a small issue. Like a breeze of air, it just passes by.
Being a media student, I have always believed Mass Media have the power to elevate or topple everything down.
If such big event was to be co-ordinated and the media have to intensively report it, I do not want to imagine the consequences that would take place.
Not only to the gays, but to the image of the country; it will be very ugly.
Jakarta Gay Club
Though there is such thing as the QueerFest in Jakarta that promotes Homosexual films, such event is never reported in the mass media.
But with men on G-Strings and glittery feathers on their back, and some only with their underwear on, it will definitely attract some very fancy attention.
When that happens, seeing the state Indonesia is in right now, religious extremists will march their GOD PRIDE the next day.
And when that happens, people will generalize the country filled with religious extremists, when in fact the scale of these hardliners are only thousands in numbers across Indonesia. Take that number to the number of the whole Indonesian population that is 240 million.
So I hope that this Sunday, no glitters, nor feathers, especially half naked men to be walking in lines along famous streets of Jakarta.
Under the constitution of 1945 of the Republic of Indonesia, there is no discrimination of the same sex. Nor there is an endorsement.
Thus, there should be no reason to be priding wanted rights.
But again, I am not surprised if one day, hardliners like the numb-skull FPI will turn against the Indonesian homosexuals to satisfy their violent-needs.
70 years the religious-sect, Ahmadiyah has lived peacefully in Indonesia, and this year, a decree was issued by the religious association.
So, although the homosexuals may live side-to-side along many other Indonesians now, one day it may just erupt into something of the opposite.
And when that happens, I would love to see feathers and underwears strutting on the Jakarta streets, flashing their stuff in front of the FPIs, demanding for their rights.
But until then, just be the breeze that just passes by.
