Author Samuel Johnson once said that it takes a century for a writer’s work to become influential. This is because his critics and their followers have to die before an unbiased thought could be spared. A minimalist reason why gay rights are taking time to percolate in society is found in Johnson’s sentiment.
Gradually, states are changing colors in the pie-charts showcasing support for same sex marriage. Even as the American judiciary goes into deliberation, the question remains: How long will it take for social acceptance to percolate?
It is not to undermine the poignancy of the moment, but to reflect upon the unfinished battle. It will take more than consent from governing organizations to bring about the change envisioned.
The alignment of governance and society is not to be underestimated. The society, however diluted, still looks to the government for direction. Its decision will serve as a focal point. Yet weight will have to be applied for the seesaw to switch sides.
America has progressed more than other parts of the world in the gay marriage issue. The issue looming over the judiciary is whether it should be left to the states or not. Other parts of the world are still closed to the prospect of allowing freedom of choice in sexual orientation.
In more ways than one, the same-sex battle has brought out the differences in the cultures of the world. Asian civilizations portray conservative reasons for not relenting to freedom of sexual orientation.
Earlier in May, happy news came from one of the least expected corners of the world. Days after President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex marriages — Tokyo Disneyland did the same. Tokyo Disneyland is not open to same-sex marriages on its premises, which includes resorts. Although Japan does not have any laws against homosexuality, its society is generally undecided.
Similar efforts in India are struggling to gain public approval. In 2009, the New Delhi High Court decriminalized gay sex, bringing the colonial law prohibiting homosexual encounters to an end. Public cinema and other components of media are part of the act. Still, societal approval will be the longer battle ahead.
With the 2009 ruling in favor of the rainbow supporters, Southeast Asia now pinned its hopes on the Supreme Court of India, which is now in discussion with both LGBT activists and conservatives.
Neighboring countries — Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — acknowledge the importance of the Indian judiciary’s decision. With those countries having the same cultural roots as India, the outcome in India provides a major boost to societal change in Southeast Asia.
We are living in a transition. Culture orients people, and in return, people’s ideas percolate into culture over time. The time during which the change of thought takes effect will require struggles from opposing sides, culture and its people.
All eyes turn towards the government for direction, yet the rainbow revolution must realize real oppression is a function of societal pressure — not only of the government.
