Bangalore, June 27 : Showcasing the plight of sexual minorities, homosexuals staged a Kannada play in Bangalore.

''Karnataka Queer Habba'', the play, was staged by various social and human rights organisations as part of the week long celebration in the state.

The organisers aim at sending a message to the government and the people regarding gay rights and also repealing the section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, that criminalises homosexuality.

"First message is to the government to amend section 377 or amend it to exclude the criminalisation of homosexuality and transgender. Other broader message is that there are people of different sexual orientation and gender identity in India in public spaces, (we are seeking to claim public space), and are as good or as bad as anyone else and we just deserve that honour and that respect, said Mayur Suresh, Organiser.

Director of the play, Luv Kumar ,expressed his happiness that all the actors in the play were homosexuals and that the play provided them with a platform to express, which they were otherwise denied.

"The actors who participated in the play are from the community and many times they don''t get space to express, theatre has given them a space," said Luv Kumar.

Apart from the play, a pride march, public debates and cricket match were all part of the celebration.

Homosexuality is generally considered a taboo subject by both Indian civil society and the government. Sexuality in any form is rarely discussed openly, but in recent years, attitudes towards homosexuality have undergone a shift. The government no longer seeks to prosecute adults engaging in private consensual homosexual acts.

The campaign to decriminalise homosexuality has strengthened thanks to the efforts of organisations such as NAZ Foundation, the National AIDS Control Organisation
(NACO), the Law Commission of India, the Union Health Ministry, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Planning Commission of India.

The United Nations too has urged India to decriminalise homosexuality, saying it would help to fight the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. (ANI)