A LETTER TO MENAKA GURUSWAMY AND ARUNDHATI KATJU

Dear Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju,

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start.”

- Jason Collins

I am writing this letter to express all the love and gratitude I hold for you in my heart. I cannot begin to describe how my heart gently glides into tranquility, knowing that the future of the LGBTQIA+ community in our country has a bright future, one that our fallen family would have dreamt of. Your success at striking Section 377 down let every queer martyr rest their heart in contentment. The community and its allies will indefinitely be indebted to you, for not having to be trapped in the cold shackles of a homophobic law.

Thank you so much for giving every single individual the slightest glimmer of hope to be able to live freely in an India that is riddled with discrimination, perpetuated in the name of religion, tradition and culture. I feel soothed to be given the confidence to be as I wish and love whom I wish to. You have helped every young person understand that their freedom does not have to lurk in dark corners, fearing that it would be torn out of them by goons clad in saffron. The community is indebtedly grateful for being provided a safe haven to be able to love freely. Your consistent attempt to bring equality for the community has lulled us all to comfort and warmth, that can only possibly be provided by two motherly figures, such as yourselves.

Sappho of Lesbos would have beamed with appreciation and pride seeing the power couple you are, accomplishing great strides for the community in a world brimful of hate.

Yours lovingly,

Rhea.

Cover Image: Robin Chakraborty

About the author: Rhea Rayidi is a student of Global Affairs at Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University. She is a research assistant at the Center For Southeast Asian Studies. She is passionate about human rights and law; and is a creatively driven person, fueled by her love for writing.