India's 'step backward' shocks US gay couple

AHMEDABAD: If these two gay women had belonged to India, their love story could have landed them in trouble. Shannon and Seema Paul dated for six years before getting married in June this year at Los Angeles where same sex marriages are legal (as in 16 other states of the US). Not only is theirs a same sex relationship, but also an interracial one as Shannon is American and Seema is of Indian origin.
The situation in India, where the Supreme Court (SC) recently upheld Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, is very different. Section 377 says gay sex is a criminal offence. "We are so very disappointed with the SC ruling. We are saddened that a country that has come so far has taken such a major step backwards in human rights," said the gay women who live in California.
However, they are not disheartened. "We know that although this is a step back in time, we will move forward again and have equal rights for all. We must continue to stand up for our rights and instill courage in those around us. Courage, consistency and an undying passion for equal rights will give us the strength to fight the battle," the couple said.
Shannon and Seema got married in June 2013 at a ceremony that mixed the best of Indian and American cultures. Seema wore a red and white Gujarati paanetar while Shannon wore a white wedding gown. Both the brides had decorated their hands with mehendi, sat in a mandap and exchanged 'holy vows' of matrimony. They walked the aisle, exchanged sweets and had bridesmaids too. They had the wholehearted support of not just family and friends, but half of the world on the internet where their wedding pictures had gone viral.
Initially, the news of their private wedding affair going public had shocked them. But they realized later that it had sent a positive message to the world on same sex marriages. "We can't waste our energy being mad at the ignorance of the authorities. It is important that that energy is channeled towards educating society and creating gay rights groups that give gay men and women a place where they can feel equal and safe and where they have a voice," said Shannon, a boot camp instructor by profession.
Seema agreed. "Though we live in the US, we feel the disappointment felt by the gay community in India. We must all stay connected because the only way things can change is if the community as a whole has a big enough voice," she said.