"It’s Not About Sex, it’s about our Fundamental Rights & your Mindset": Massive celebrations erupt after landmark verdict on Section 377

Scenes of spontaneous & unending celebrations erupted at the lawns of Supreme Court on Thursday. As orientations simply did not matter to both LGBT & non-LGBTs, they hugged each other & tears of joy simply refused to die down at the news of Supreme Court verdict flashed on their handset.

There were hundreds of LGBT activists and their friends & supporters who were waiting for this moment of reckoning, recognition, legimitization and decriminalisation of their existence and action.

It was after all a battle of fundamental rights of a section of people who were ridiculed, humiliated, deprived & victimised for long.

"Its a historic verdict and we all thank Supreme Court for recognising our existence and rights which were denied and our actions criminalised for so long," Sujata from Delhi University told Republic TV with tears in her eyes.

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Her friend Annapurna joined in: "This is not just about Sex and our sexual orientation. Its about our identity and recognition. Its about respect. Its about affection, love, care, humanity. We are not just sexual beings. We are human beings absolutely normal and having just different preferences."

When Republic TV asked some of the activists, who have been vocal and waging a long struggle for LGBT movement, what it really meant to them, they said:

"Its our victory. Its your victory. Its the victory of all progressive, modern, logical and rational people. We are so happy. Thanks for supporting us. This is just the beginning. The ultimate victory will be when the mindset of the people is changed and we are accepted as normal human being."

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Justice Mukul Mudgal told Republic TV:

"Its really a defining moment as Supreme Court has taken this forward. It also shows we as a nation is evolving fast and recognising the alternative sex as a reality and that's surely moving ahead with time. I am proud to be a part of Indian Judiciary."

Later in the evening, the activists held a celebration march at Jantar Mantar even as rain poured in, failing to drench their high spirit and boundless joy. Orientation simply did not matter as support for them from all quarters came thick & fast with the recognition that humanity and basic fundamental rights were supreme.