Imran Khan, you ROCK!

From Delhi day of Rage, Protest 377

With the recent Indian Supreme Court verdict reinstating verdict 377, the criminalization of sexual acts “against the laws of nature,” including homosexual sex many, like me, were shocked and angry. I’ve since had many discussions with friends and family regarding the significance and weight of verdict 377, looking at how it doesn’t just affect gays, but every single person of consensual age, and how it violates basic freedoms and denies human rights.

India, like many countries in the East, believe that homosexuality is a concept born from the West, and that this Western concept has no place in Indian society. However, this is historically incorrect for India and Hindustani, as gays and others of the third sex (Tritiya-Prakriti) have been regarded as equals; they have been able to own property, shops, and live harmoniously with others. These have even continued into recent history, with Nepal decriminalizing homosexuality in 2007. Since then, over sixty LGBT individuals have run for various government offices. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, there have been greater advancements in the recognition and equality for those of the third sex (Hijira, or eunuchs). 

As activists around the globe, including myself, rallied together to protest and show our support and solidarity in the face of the 377 verdict, Bollywood stars have come out and voiced their opinions against the decision. Many actors, actresses, and directors have made statements calling for change in the governmental mindset towards homosexuality. They follow the theme that everyone should be treated equally, and have the same rights as others as well as the freedom to love whoever they choose. With so many conservative and “Victorian” views on diversity and homosexuality, these voices show there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even with this verdict, change will happen.

From Delhi's Day of Rage Rally 

In the West, we may not be able to fathom our rights being taken away and being treated like a criminal, or being able to break the law by whom you choose to love in your bedroom. With the growing equality of marriage and in the work place, the LGBT still struggles. Some states still have anti-sodomy laws, as well as laws against anal sex. While we may not face the life changing punishments like castrations, jail time, and hard labor, many in the East still do. And beyond that, the simple fact of being homosexual can be used to blackmail individuals, for being who they are.

Facebook took down this picture of Kanwar Abit Singh Saini, a 32 year old gay sikh.

Many of us living in the West have ties to India; tell me how the 377 verdict has had an effect on you, or your friends and peers. And be sure to check out a few pictures below from rallies and protests around the word, one of which is iconic. Check out the light hearted video starring Bollywood actor Imran Khan, which addresses some of those questions that straight people ask and wonder about homosexuality. And as always, rate, comment, share, like, and enjoy! Thank you for reading. XOXO

AP

From Washington Dc Rally of Solidarity on 377

The video is quite funny but also educational, a must see!

The Phoenix: Anthony Sebastian Abrahamsen

 Some may look at studly, handsome Anthony Sebastian and wonder what story does he have to tell. Aside from the good looks and amazing smile, there is an amazing story which when he shares not only changes lives, but saves them too. In ways he is on the same mission as me, not just to inspire people and be a good human being, but to change lives and hearts.... to continue reading click here! or on my new website here!... as always rate, comment and share!

Banned Love

Valentine's Day brings out all the lovers around the world, and even those that just believe in love delight in the day. However there are those that don't believe in such a holiday, or believe it's not part of their culture. Conservatives in Pakistan took to the streets today with posters urging people to boycott Valentine Day. Saying it is not a Pakistani or Islamic holiday but a Western inspired event speaking vulgarity in their country. Also stating it is immoral and anti-Islamic. Valentine's day like New Years to conservatives is part of western culture and those who celebrate such events are infidels and should be punished.

While pubic expressions of love and affection are taboo if not illegal; and men and woman mingling in public is frowned upon. Conservatives express Valentine's day encourages illicit behaviors between the countries young, unmarried, males and females. Stating it shows a sign that Western culture and values are eating away at the fabric of Pakistan traditional Islamic society. On February 14, religious groups hold rallies in the big cities opposing the holiday.! Banners and flyer's line the streets stressing condemnation of the day. Clerics in mosques delivery sermons against the "sinful" day. Spreading the word the undeclared ban to hold public celebrations on Valentine's day. " Islam prohibit such activities," says Abdul Waseem Burney, a religious preacher in Karachi, "looking at the way people celebrate Valentine's Day in Pakistan, I feel as if it is part of our culture and our tradition. But certainly not our thing." 

Romantics in Pakistan have fought back with an arsenal of flowers, pink teddy bears and heart shaped balloons. "Here in this part of Pakistan we are faced with bomb blasts, and we don't have much opportunity to enjoy and celebrate, so to me it is one of those few occasions to celebrate," expresses Taimur Hassan one romantic trying to find a gift for his girlfriend. Hafiz Hussain Ahmed a romantic and a cleric says "in Islam, there is a concept of respecting and loving a mother, sister, wife and daughter for 365 days a year." In another words what is wrong with another day expressing your love and respect for a loved one. 
Pakistan is not the only country to ban Valentine's day Indonesia the world's most populous Muslim country govern officials and clerics in Jakarta called for young people to skip Valentine's day, saying it's an excuse for couples to have “forbidden" sex. Other Muslim countries like UAE have no ban or problems with Valentine's day. Tell me what you think does countries like Pakistan have the right to ban Valentine's day? 

Thanks for reading! As always rate, comment, and share. And hope you have a wonderful Valentine Day no matter where you are in the world. 

Source: 2012 Associated Press