Sexual minorities to express their love openly

BANGALORE: Sexual minorities are seizing the opportunity this Valentine’s Day to come out in the open and show their affection towards their loved one, but the moral police aren’t sympathetic to their cause.Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals believe February 14, a day dedicated to love, is when they can talk about their feelings in public without inviting derision. They also want to help singles among them find love.These sexual minorities are specially going to celebrate this Valentine’s Day by  sharing roses and unique gifts. They believe Valentine’s day is an alternative forum to share their feelings due to lack of provision to get married according to law.Speaking to The New Indian Express, Neelesh, a coordinator, Monitory and Evaluation at Samara said, “Sexual Minorities community (LGBT -Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) are celebrating this Valentine’s day with enthusiasm all over the city. We  have planned a procession from Trinity Circle to MG Road (near Anil Kumble circle) on Tuesday.”“We also have organised games, singing competition, fashion show and dance programmes for couples.  We have set a dress code for couples, who are going to be a part of the celebration. It is a special platform for singles to find their partner. We are expecting nearly 500 couples for the event,” he explained.Chandini, a transgender said, “As marriage amongst the sexual minorities is not yet legal, we consider Valentine’s day as a forum to share our feelings with our loved ones.  There is no special day for us like a wedding anniversary so this day is very apt for us to celebrate love.”Expressing his views against Valentine’s Day, Pramod Mutalik, the state president of Shrirama Sena told Express “I oppose those who celebrate Valentine’s day.  No special consideration will be shown to anybody, whether they are sexual minorities or common people. We have already distributed pamphlets to all schools and colleges across the state to create awareness,in order to stop this western culture.”