Homosexuality is not generally open or accepted in India. "Carnal intercourse against the order of nature" (anal intercourse) is a ten-year offence under article 377 of the penal code, while laws against "obscene behaviour" can be used to arrest gay men for cruising or liaising anywhere that could be considered a public place. The same law could in theory be used against lesbians.

 

The homosexual scene in India was brought into the spotlight in 1998 with the nationwide screening of the highly controversial film Fire by Deepa Mehta, about two sisters-in-law living together under the same roof who become lesbian lovers. Flying in the face of the traditional emphasis on heterosexual family life, the film created a storm. Right-wing extremists attacked cinemas that showed it, and in the wake of the attacks, many gay men and lesbians came out into the open for the first time to hold candle-lit protest vigils in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Bangalore - all cities known for their more open-minded younger generations.

For lesbians, making contacts is rather difficult; even the Indian women's movement does not readily promote lesbianism as an issue that needs confronting. The only public faces of a hidden scene are the organizations we've listed and a few of the nationwide women's organizations.

For gay men, homosexuality is no longer solely the preserve of the alternative scene of actors and artists, and is increasingly accepted by the middle-line urban middle and upper classes. If you keep your finger on the social pulse of the larger cities, especially Bangalore and Mumbai, you will soon discover which nightclubs and bars have a gay scene. Also, the organizations we've listed can tell you about gay events and parties.

Bombay Dost (Rs50; www.bombay-dost.com ) is a quarterly with news, views and useful information on gay and lesbian issues. The magazine is available in Delhi at The People Tree; and in Mumbai at Danai Bookshop at Khar-Danda Road and at 105A Veena-Beena Shopping Centre.