Haunting Photo Series Explores Homosexuality In India

 / 

Homosexuality In India

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

For decades, individuals in the UK and the US have “come out” to family members with repercussions rarely more severe than shunning and/or ridicule. If an individual reveals they are homosexual to friends or family members in India, however, they are likely to face far more severe sanctions. This is because sex between people of the same gender is illegal in the country, and same-sex couples are not legally allowed to marry or obtain a civil partnership. Though India does recognize Hijra as a third gender, the topic of homosexuality, in general, is considered to be taboo.

“Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman, or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

This mind-numbing reality is what the following series, entitled “Coming Out,” explores. Imagined and photographed by Arjun Kamath, the fictional series follows two women revealing their love interests to the world. Far from a fairy tale happy ending, it reveals the challenges of being homosexual in India and raises awareness about the dangers couples in the country presently face.

“It’s a free world.”

“Maitreyi opened the door for the first time…The unending fog hung in the air like a suffocating sheath, blanketing the land with its ghostly glow.”

“A cold wind blew mercilessly, chilling Alpana to the marrow, as she opened the creaky closet door. The overhead dark clouds skimmed past the orange sun from time to time, throwing the little patch of forest into blackness. Flashes of lightning in the distance made the already nervous Alpana not want to step out…“

“The twigs cracked under Alpana’s feet as she stumbled out of the closet; Maitreyi’s calm presence gave her the hope that the forest was a safe place. As the two girls trudged ahead, the winds of the forest roared, blowing an eerie chill past the endless line of dying trees…”

“The wildlife held its breath as Alpana embraced Maitreyi; the girls had been in love for the longest time ever. And although the leafless trees stood like witches over their petite figures, they stood there undeterred. They had finally come out of the closet and now there was no looking back…”


“As Maitreyi and Alpana grew comfortable in each other’s arms, the glowing sun started to reveal itself through the perilous clouds.”

“The love between Maitreyi and Alpana overflowed and changed the mood of the forest. The mischievous sun peeped through the clouds and washed the forest with a golden glow as the girls trudged forward. The tree’s soft whispers against the wind were like a gentle lullaby, comforting them along the way…”

“The forest turned to pale copper as the rays of the sun pulled itself across the horizon and slid in between the grey clouds. Alpana tightened the knot one final time. ‘Good luck, Mai’ she whispered…”

“The greys began to fade, as liquid gold crept up from leaf to limb. Maitreyi and Alpana had never been happier…”

“Maitreyi surrendered to the beat of her feet against the rocks that littered her path. Her laughter, breathless and sporadic mingled fluently with the morning chorus of the birds. Sweat spread itself across her forehead, causing her hair to cling to it as her throat pined for more air. The delicious rush of wind skimmed past her face as she ran around the forest trying to catch Alpana. And as the canopy overhead thickened, her steps grew muffled because of the leaves that blanketed the forest floor; the ground was no longer cold beneath her soles…”

“Suddenly during the game, Maitreyi collapsed to the ground as she felt the pain as strong as a hundred daggers sinking into her feet. Squirming with anguish, she sat on the damp grass, clutching her feet. Her eyes were watery with the sheer pain and her breathing was heavy. Sweat dripped down the side of her face and covered her forehead in a thin sheen. A nasty thorn had penetrated her leg and she was in great pain…”

“Seeing Maitreyi in pain caused Alpana’s chest to swell with melancholy. However, Alpana willed herself to comfort Maitreyi and pull the thorn out of her flesh. She ignored the ringing in her ears, the heat from her cheeks as she felt the need to cry; it was her idea to play hide and seek after all. The small punctures in Alpana’s heart slowly filled with anxiety, knowing that she didn’t have long before she completely lost it. She sucked in a breath and held it there. She had to be strong. For Maitreyi. For her.”

“Maitreyi’s thumb caressed Alpana’s earlobe softly, her fingers supporting the back of her head as she leaned in firmly, yet seductively, placing her lips over Alpana’s nose. Ragged breathing and dancing heartbeats brought a fiery heat to the cold forest air. ‘It’s not your fault…’ whispered Maitreyi.”

“Parivala, very much like Maitreyi and Alpana had found freedom in the very same forest a few days ago. So when she saw the girls embrace each other, her heart was overcome with joy. She observed them from a distance and was glad that they had come out…”

“Parivala blessed the girls and walked away..”

“It was a new day and the glimmer of hope strengthened with every passing minute.”

“Maitreyi and Alpana’s joyful laughter echoed through the forest… But somewhere in the distances, maybe miles away, maybe just a few feet, they heard something moving. Once, twice. Something heavier dropped, crashed into the rubble, echoed off the trees. Then silence again…”

“The Rakshasas of the forest had heard Maitreyi and Alpana’s laughter…”

“The only love that was allowed was between man and woman…”

“Maitreyi and Alpana would pay for their sins..”

“Maitreyi and Alpana were dragged through the forest mercilessly… Their biggest sin was that they had loved each other, and not a man.”

Read Love will replace the Hollow Dreams

“The love that brought them together, was the love that tore them apart…”

“Maitreyi and Alpana were shoved back into the closet…”

“Nobody heard them screaming, nobody wiped their tears. Maitreyi clutched Alpana’s hand tightly as the doors closed on them…”

“Silence hung in the air like a bereaved soul as Maitreyi and Alpana embraced each other one last time…”

“Plumes of black smoke filled the closet and the searing heat slowly made it difficult to breathe; Maitreyi and Alpana held onto each other, their nails almost digging into each others flesh. All the wonderful moments that they spent together flashed before their eyes as the closet erupted into flames…”

“God wept a silent rain as Parivala screamed and cried… but it was too late. She sobbed as she sank to her knees, not caring for the damp mud that dirtied her dress; she had blessed the girls a few days ago and now they were gone.”

Read The Problem With Faith: 11 Ways Religion Is Destroying Humanity

THIS ARTICLE IS OFFERED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. IT’S OKAY TO REPUBLISH IT ANYWHERE AS LONG AS ATTRIBUTION BIO IS INCLUDED AND ALL LINKS REMAIN INTACT(creative common).

I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life. Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here


Homosexuality In India

— Share —

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. mohdrou Avatar
    mohdrou

    Every country has a culture and traditions that others should accept and respect. But, for the West, keep your filth to yourselves.

Leave a Reply



Up Next

9 Lessons From Samantha Jones’ Quotes Every Single Woman Should Read

Best Samantha Jones Quotes That Teaches Us Life Lessons

As an adult, rewatching Sex and the City feels like opening a treasure chest of wisdom. Especially when it comes to Samantha Jones quotes, she’s the epitome of fearless confidence. And who doesn’t love a good truth bomb?

One of her most iconic lines is: “I don’t care what you think.” It’s so powerful because it reminds us all to embrace our unique selves and let whatever people say just slide off.

If you haven’t revisited the series in a while, I highly recommend watching it again. You’ll be surprised at how much more sense Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall will make this time around.

And if you don’t have time fo



Up Next

10 Socially Conscious And Most Popular Fandoms In The World

Top Most Popular Fandoms That Create Social Impact

In a world full of countless stories and characters, popular fandoms are massive. They’re not just groups of people who like the same movie or TV show – they’re communities that are deeply immersed in their favorite fictional worlds.

Fans make every little detail their own, feelings as if it happened to them and experience every emotion on a personal level.

They can be Potterheads or they might be stans of Marvel, DC or anything else. It doesn’t matter what story they love, the only thing that is certain is that they feel everything at a much deeper level than most people.

From a victory to a tragic death, from a plot twist to the end of the storyline; tears, laughter and celebration are shared as if it were their own,



Up Next

Meaningful Coincidences: The Science Of Synchronicity and Its Mysterious Impact on Your Life

The Science of Synchronicity And Meaningful Coincidences

Have you ever experienced a series of events that seemed too remarkable to be mere chance? Moments when the universe seemed to align, and the boundaries between the inner and outer world blurred? These instances, known as synchronicity, are captivating meaningful coincidences that leave us in awe of the mysteries that surround our lives. 

Let us embark on an exploration of meaningful coincidences, unravel the science of synchronicity, and understand the profound role of synchronicity in your life.

What is Synchronicity?

Synchronicity refers to the simultaneous occurrence of events that hold a significant meaning to the individual experiencing them but have no apparent causal connection. 



Up Next

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams: 4 Hidden Messages

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams

Ever had a dream about the chaotic fury of a tornado? Dreams can be overwhelming at times, but dreams are often subtle messages from your subconscious. So are there any hidden spiritual meaning of tornadoes in dreams?

Dreams can often be mysterious, captivating, and laden with symbolism. While some dreams may seem abstract or random, others carry deeper significance, offering us insights into our subconscious mind and spiritual journey. 

While we may forget most of our dreams when we wake up in the morning, there may be a deeper reason why you are dreaming about tornadoes. Such dreams signify that your mind is utilizing the imagery of tornadoes to express and indicate something deeper inside you.

When you reflect on your tornado dreams, you can tap into your subconsc



Up Next

8 Mesmerizing Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows To Wander Into Love

Best Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows

In a world where relationships are often rushed through, slow burn romances are probably what we all need.

Slow-burn love is gentle and patient, it allows two people to truly know each other before they dive into the thick of it. These kind of slow burn romance movies and TV shows tell us vivid stories about love that grows like a flickering flame until it’s a warm hearth fire.

They steal glances, have heartfelt conversations, each moment growing more and more eager for their next interaction. And there’s something special about that anticipation.

It creates depth between characters when you see them grow closer episode by episode or scene by scene.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the busiest city or quietest village, these stories always resonate



Up Next

13 Steamy Romance Novels That Will Leave You Wanting More

Steamy Romance Novels And Best Adult Books To Read

Do you want add some spice to your reading list? We have a collection of steamy romance novels that will keep you hooked from beginning to end!

Forget the clichés of Fifty Shades of Grey because we’ve curated a list of 12 best adult books to read that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

They’re not just average sexy romance novels with a weak plot but these consist of stories about desire, love, passion, and all the complexities in between — and they’re articulated with sophistication and style.

So, are you ready to pick your favorite cozy spot, and let these best smut books sweep you away for hours on end? Whether you like contemporary romance, historical settings, or paranormal allure, there’s a story here for everyone.



Up Next

Embodied Cognition: How Your Body Shapes Your Mind And Emotional Experiences

Embodied Cognition and Its Impact on Your Mind and Emotions

Have you ever wondered how your body and mind are interconnected? How the physical sensations you experience can shape your thoughts and emotions? It turns out that our bodies play a crucial role in shaping our cognitive processes and emotional experiences. This fascinating phenomenon is known as embodied cognition. 

Today, we will explore the concept of embodied cognition, the profound mind and body connection, and how the body affects the mind and emotions. 

So, let’s dive into the captivating world of embodied cognition and uncover the secrets of how your body shapes your mind and emotional experiences.

Embodied Cognition: Understanding the Concept