After the Supreme Court's historic ruling decriminalising homosexuality on 6 September, many from the LGBTQ community have felt newly empowered to express their identity and freedom. One of them is screenwriter Apurva Asrani, responsible for films like Aligarh, Shahid and Simran, who took to Facebook to officially announce his 11-year relationship with partner Siddhant.
Apurva shared a picture of the couple in front of the Eiffel Tower, with the caption “ 11 years of togetherness. We loved openly even when the law tried to stop us. The only difference now is that we can share our love with the world 💕”
Apoorva has always been outspoken about LGBT rights. Speaking to The Quint after the judgement he had this to say.
The tears haven’t stopped flowing since I heard the news. 71 years after a majority of Indians achieved complete independence, the LGBTQ community is finally free. It’s been a lifetime of suppressing true desires and then living in fear of criminal prosecution. Finally the good judges of the SC have spoken of us with respect and dignity. Now the law is with us. While it will take time for society to change its mindset, at least we will have access to legal recourse incase we are harrased/discriminated against. I feel much gratitude towards all the rainbow warriors who have been relentlessly fighting for this day.Apurva Asrani
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