[Editor’s Note: Late last night, we received a note from Ajay Gabriel Sathyan – a longtime member and activist in the LGBTQ community and a friend and ally of Gaysi. With unimaginable courage given the recency of these events, Ajay wrote up, and requested we share, his telling of the trauma he underwent a mere week ago.
Read Ajay’s story. Share it. Make some noise. Tell your friends, neighbors and anyone who used #YesAllWomen in the recent past – because misogyny is NOT independent of homophobia or misandry. They are all evils that must be stamped out and no one – I repeat – Not One Human Being deserves to be bullied, harassed or molested regardless of gender, sexuality or mindset.
We hope you will support Ajay in any way you can – drop him a note, share your voice, just think about him and hope he finds his way through his dark memories. We also hope this encourages other people to share their stories because if the only way towards change is to horrify people with the cruelty we witness in this world – so be it. ]
I’ve mustered every bit of courage that is left in me to write this.
To finally write about the darker side of Chennai. By doing this I know I’m risking a lot, but I’m not going to be just another victim who is not going to show his face, who is not going to share his name or tell his story. I want tell everyone that violence against LGBT people is real and it exists even in Chennai.
It may come as a shock to many Indians and expats who have lived in this city for a considerable time. You may have known that Chennai is the most tolerable and one the most hospitable cities in India. You may have heard that it is a city that harbors the friendliest of people and the smartest of minds. But there are exceptions to the rule; I’ve experienced those exceptions – horrific. painful. and haunting exceptions. Experiences that have left me traumatized and damaged to the extent that I wake in the middle of the night screaming in agony. Here is one such incident that has deprived me of my sleep, my peace, my strength, my sprit, my faith; an incident that pushed me to take my life – once again.
It was one of the worst days of my life – Friday, 6th June 2014.
Earlier in the evening, I was laughed at an interview yet again. The HR was convincing me that I will never get a job anywhere as long as I existed and I had to wait till 8:30 PM to listen to her yap after clearing rounds of interviews and tests. I was so close to telling her my hindrances. So close to telling her about my learning disabilities and that I’m obviously gay and that these factors have cost me my career. But I decided not to tell her. I knew she would not understand, I knew she would judge me because she is ignorant and I didn’t want to be embarrassed all over again in this company too. Crestfallen, I was on my way to my parent’s place where I stay these days. I had to take a bus and a train to reach my destination and then walk another 40 minutes in the dark, crossing a cremation ground, a lake, and a few creepy deserted places. Every day when I step out, I always hope and wish that I don’t get molested or hurt.
On that blessed Friday, my hopes were meant to go down the drain.
I got off the train late in the evening around half past 10 and began to walk towards my parent’s place. I always wear earphones listening to music and swiftly walk to avoid anything near or around me. When I was 20 minutes away from my destination I noticed around 8-10 cops standing near a police jeep. Almost all of them were not in their uniforms from their waist above. I was able to confirm that were cops by the khaki pants and the brown shoes that they were wearing. I saw three policewomen and five -six policemen. One of the policewomen, as I quickly passed them pointed to me and yelled “Why are you wearing that thing that women wear? Why are you wearing leggings?” I picked up my pace and walked faster pretending not hearing her. She immediately signaled two policemen to grab me. The two policemen ran to me, grabbed me by the back of my neck and dragged me to the group, as I kept protesting and fighting. One of the men hit me in my shin with his stick for not stopping and instead, walking away. The women kept saying “Ai ombothu (offensive term for a hijra), pottai (offensive term for an effeminate man) can’t you hear me? Are you deaf?”. She then asked why I was wearing leggings. I kept quiet and I didn’t respond. She then said “Your kaai (offensive term for breasts) are really big.” As I’m chubby and as I have a fleshy chest she was referring to my chest as breasts. The two policemen who held me, immediately felt my chest and when I protested a third policemen with a stick hit me on my knees. Then the two policemen felt my ass and commented on how big and plump it is. They said I may be taking a lot of dick up my ass. The policeman with the stick commented about my face. He said “I can fuck your pretty face as long I live.” and then tried to put the wooden stick in my mouth. When I turned away from him a fourth cop walked to me and slapped me right across my face.
I cried out to them to stop this and asked them why they were doing this.
They said that all the ombothu and pottai men have become a nuisance which is unacceptable. I told them that I’m not a hijra. One of the policewomen looked at me and said “Your face is prettier than ours, you’re a ombothu.” The policewomen looked at the policemen and then looked at me and asked if I underwent an operation. When I kept quite one of the policemen lifted my kurta and felt my crotch and then he laughed out loud and asked the others to feel me up. There were suddenly a lot of hands feeling me up and vandalizing me. I struggled and protested and one of them slapped me again across my face, another punched me in my stomach and then I was hit with a stick again on my knees.
While all this was going on, they took my bag and ransacked it, they found my address book, my id cards and took down my address and my phone number. One of the policemen warned me to behave and said that I should visit them whenever I was called. They warned me never to speak of this to anyone as they know where I live and that they will hurt me and my family, that they will book me in a false case and incarcerate me and my family if required. They warned me that they will strip me naked and force a man on me, take obscene photos and incarcerate me under IPC section 377. One of the policemen said “Since IPC section 377 has been criminalized which makes your kind illegal, we can do anything we want and nobody will question us, even the government will support us.” They said that they have strong political support and influence from both the national and regional ruling parties and said that any wrong move from my end will lead to my ruin.
This is the city I live in.
I live everyday waiting for something hurtful to happen to me. I live a life with imminent threats. This is what they did to me and it wasn’t the first time I’ve experienced horror like this. Late in the evening in 2013 after attending a Film Festival, I dropped my friend at his place and was waiting for a train at the Nungambakkam railway station. I managed to catch the last train and the compartment that I was in was completely deserted. As the train neared Saidapet, 4-5 men got in the train and they didn’t look friendly. I could smell cheap alcohol and I knew that they were drunk. The men noticed me and quickly walked towards me. One of them complimented my kurta and asked me where I got it from. I immediately moved away from him and walked closer to the door. The men came closer to me asked me to join them to drink and have sex with them. When I tried to get away from them they grabbed me and hit me. Then they tore the back of my kurta, turned me around to face them and tore the kurta from my neck to my waist as another guy tore my sleeve off. I struggled hard and pushed them away and tried to run to the end of the compartment. One guy tripped my leg and I fell crashing down on the floor.
One of them grabbed my legs and another tried to pull my jeans down.
I kicked the guy who was holding my legs and hit the other with my bag and quickly pulled myself up and as I tried to run, one of them tore some more of my kurta. The train slowed down at Guindy and I quickly jumped out of the train. All I heard was a railway police whistling but I didn’t want to wait to tell him what happened to me and I ran out of the station and to the road covering my body with all the torn pieces of my kurta. There were few rickshaw drivers who immediately without questioning put me in one of the rickshaws and rode away.
I was able to defend myself from those men now that I’m grown, but I couldn’t do that when I was 13. When my face was smashed in a urinal and when eight men raped me. I couldn’t defend myself, I couldn’t but try to scream even though I was muffled and took the pain. The scar on my right eyebrow reminds me of that horrid day till now and it doesn’t stop there, it’s been 15 years and I still ache with phantom pain in my nightmares waking up screaming in horror reliving them again and again. I still do. I don’t know when they will stop. I’ve now shut myself away from all human contact, except my family. I’m now too scared and damaged to even meet my acquaintances. Unable to deal with all of this hurt I tried to stop it all last Saturday. I tried to take my life but I was saved yet again. Now that the moment has passed – I’m too afraid to take my life. I will have to relive my horrifying past again and again and again; hoping for an even horrifying future ahead of me.
Horrifying violent ordeal RT @gaysifamily: From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/E5IKE2huxX
#IPC377 #LGBTQ !
RT @gaysifamily: From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/7LYaCemwx9
#chennai #abuse #IPC377 #LGBTQ #YesAllWomen #India
The cost of recriminalising section 377. http://t.co/nCF8Eoponp
Violence against LGBT people is real and it exists even in #Chennai – http://t.co/jsxsXu1Rzi — @gaysifamily #LGBT @hiyer
RT @gaysifamily: Young man sexually abused in #Chennai by police officials.
http://t.co/7LYaCemwx9 http://t.co/pt8zULbY7Y
#Abuse #India #L…
You’re guilty Justice Singhvi, you’re guilty the Supreme Court of India!
http://t.co/KJWlhH1heJ via @gaysifamily #IPC377
Lots of love n hugs, Gabby!
We are in this together…and we are with you!
Ajay, I haven’t had much interactions with you bur during the short time i have known you, You have always been a kind and gentle soul and it saddens me that you had to go through such an ordeal. My wishes and prayer for your speedy recovery.
RAGE. http://t.co/shJ3jrIac1
“They warned me that they will strip me naked and force a man on me, take obscene photos and incarcerate me under… http://t.co/69IL3imHsI
this horrifying and heartbreaking and rage-inducing: http://t.co/Orsm7or4Q1 #chennai #lgbtqi #kiskayachchedin #377 via @gaysifamily
Horrible!! One of the policemen said “Since IPC section 377 has been criminalized which makes your kind illegal,… http://t.co/BArUCKAbc4
Ajay, how absolutely horrifying and heartbreaking to read of this and to hear your experiences. Thank you for your courage and your bravery, thank you for sharing yourself with us; still. For refusing to bow your head to those that wish to break you, us.
I am sorry that this is the world we live in, that we are stripped of protections; of an illusion of safety. I am sorry that you are called on to be brave, that every minute and second of your existence requires you to be brave and to be strong and to remain steadfast to yourself. It is unfair and it is too much to ask of anyone.
I am sorry that we ask it of you, that we need it for much longer, to fight the fight we must endure. You are not alone, Ajay. We fight with you, as we celebrate you and your strength.
A luta Continua. A luta Continua.
How can I drop him a note?
Vinay – you can reach out to him directly on Facebook, or send it to us at Gaysi and we will get it across to him.
Shameful that Ajay has had to go through this. How can we reach him to reassure him that not all of us are like this? Love and hugs to him.
Should we put this up on Chennai Police’s FB page? Or does he not want that?
How can I help him?
start a movement brother! talk to the CM directly!
Another one down to the “entails” of Sec 377. I hope Ajay fights back.
Feeling distressed. Nothing warrants such lawlessness and abuse of power!
Please get in touch with any of the LGBT organisations or go yourself with a lawyer and file a case with the SP of that jurisdiction. Take a written FIR and have it submitted. I have just recently helped a gay friend file a police complaint against cops for harrassment. You have a very strong case. Using section 377 to harass you calls for IPC 389 which can attract life imprisonment for these guys not to mention other IPCs that will apply. Please don’t lose hope. You can reach me at sonal.aamu@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.
Ajay.. I am so sorry this happened to u… hang in there man.. everyone’s with u
Really sorry to hear this Ajay, You are such a warm and wonderful person, I still remember meeting and interviewing you in Chennai couple of years ago. Really really hope you can overcome your grief and pain and hurt, and bring back your beautiful smile. But as Sonal Giani says, you must take the help of a lawyer (talk to Arvind Narrain) and file a complaint against the police. While I understand it is not easy for you to think about it now, but you have to stand up to put an end to such violence – against you and against all the LGBT persons in India. A big comforting hug and love, Sridhar
RT @paviraksha: http://t.co/CbYDN05TMD Devastating. It is absolutely sad that SC refused to uphopld Delhi HC’s verdict on 377.
Seriously. WTF Chennai? http://t.co/WqPyv3vzkc
RT @ArjunRajkishore: http://t.co/XQe80oyyPW
For shame, #Chennai.
Ajay, very sorry to hear about this. Our country will get better – keep your spirits up and stay strong
Kick these bastards! And spit on her face. “From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/Jhx4e5H4DT” via @gaysifamily
RT @mojorojo: Everyone read, everyone please RT, everyone please slap a cop RT @StonerJesus: Repeat after me, A.C.A.B. http://t.co/rCnrDDh6…
@Artemissian Pls read n share : Ajay’s story http://t.co/LYUlUzBRwR #LGBT #Homophobia
RT @bigfatphoenix: Horrific story. And I’ve had interactions with Chennai police which make it easy for me to believe this. – http://t.co/…
RT @AmbaAzaad: Tell me again how #377 only does theoretical harm, when the police use it to threaten the man they’re assaulting http://t.co…
RT @prettynous: Ajay Sathyan’s courageous account of being beaten up in Chennai for being gay. http://t.co/OLc5K90RpP
RT @Jayshre89: @WipeHomophobia Pls read and share : Ajay’s story http://t.co/aTCumqofkd #LGBT #Homophobia
Chennai: Homophobic male & female cops sexually assaulted this man. #Homophobia #Sec377 #PoliceBrutality #CopsAreScum http://t.co/WIEfddQ8pn
Dear Ajay
I am not familiar with the tolerant city you describe. I have only ever seen its ugly, bigoted, intolerant city and could not wait to get away. This, as a single straight woman. I cannot imagine the horrors you encounter on a daily basis and my deepest sympathies are with you. Here are two pieces of (unwarranted) advice:
1. Seek a professional counsellor at the earliest
2. Get out of that wretched city.
With sympathies and concern .
I agree with bumblebee. Please get out of that city first to heal yourself internally if not anything else. This is very brave of you to come out and tell everyone about. I have known chennai only to be the most hostile city again inspite of being a straight woman. It must only be more difficult for lgbts. I know a couple of friends who had to leave country to live the life they want and it onky makes me sad!
Dude, what happened to u is horrible and those cops need to get their butts fired and prosecuted.
That said, here comes the trash..ruthu and bumblebee!
a city that has hosted lakhs of people from so many different states incl telugus, malayalis, kannadigas, gujaratis, marwadis, sindhis, etc (NONE of whom are in a hurry to go back to their native states btw) not to mention multiple religions without any communal or son of the soil type issues suddenly becomes intolerant?
Why? cause couple trashy skanks with all the class of a rabid dog didnt feel pampered and pedestalised?
Assumptions on my part? More like educated guess given ur pathetic whining and attempting to sidetrack the discussion from a few scumbag cops to painting a whole city rotten.
good news is u r out of here, Singara Chennai for sure with all the garbage being kicked out.. decent, well meaning people welcome to stay.
Hi ajay, i read your whole horror. I would advice you to commit sucide. I know many pepole would oppose to that but for many gays this is apt. Life for gays is full of suffering in most of the third world countries.
I strongly object to what you say Raj. Death isn’t the end.
Why do you oppose?? He himself ttried to take his life but saved or failed in his attempt
If he does not want live than whats wrong in commiting sucide
I oppose your advise because you are asking him to lose what he still has. You are asking him to give up his courage. He will overcome this incident and will become stronger. Giving up life is for cowards. How can you ask someone to be a coward?
Hey Raj, instigating someone to commit suicide is a crime in this country.
Raj, I would suggest that you see a shrink. Sorry to disappoint you, but Ajay is not a coward, and he can face challenges.
Mr. Raj, though you are not against Gay-men, I feel You are ABSOLUTELY wrong. What is your point? Gays should die and those cruel animals should run the place is it? Though these incidents are horrific, people like Ajay should not attempt suicide because THEY DESERVE TO LIVE and those animals should be killed….
i’m sorry this is horrible.. stay strong.. and big hug..
Heartbreaking! I am going speechless. I can’t imagine the horror and emotional pain and fear that Gabriel goes through now. Such violent incidences have been happening in several parts of our country to many of our transgender and gay friends. The recriminalisation of 377 has paved way for extreme human rights violations against LGBTI people. I am speechless and filled with tears. Much courage and love to you dear Gabriel. Hugs and strength to you! Don’t lose hope, we are with you. So many of us go through this nightmare, only some have the courage to expose it, like you have done now. We all continue our battle with hope for a better tomorrow, a better future for all of us to live with peace and dignity. Much love and hugs! <3
Very very sorry to hear, Ajay! A big hug! Stay strong and believe me there are more humans than these inhuman people on earth.
This is horrifying! And absolutely inhuman. I’m inspired to work harder to become an IPS officer and weed out these sick individuals that populate the force! I mean, it’s horrifying when normal people do it. But cops behaving like this is just fucked up! I’m absolutely disgusted.
Thank you for sharing your story Ajay. I really wish I had your strength.
Ajay, What you have been through is terrible. I pray to god to give you the strength to overcome your trials and tribulations. Stay strong brother. You are not alone.
My heart goes out to Ajay and I wish him strength and love to get through the horror so many of us live in fear of.
May I please make a not to the Editor: Misogyny is independent of Misandry because they are literally opposites. But what the people on the #yesallwomen campaign fight against is Patriarchy. This is not a fight between the LGBT community and Women. This is a fight with all of us against the patriarchy that has no place for women and men who do not fit into the stereotype of the masculine male.
In Solidarity.
Andrea – Thank you for sharing your kinds words to Ajay.
When we said tagged Misogyny, Misandry and Homophobia together – we mean to say they are all cause for hate and discrimination against human beings. In this regard, they are definitely not independent of each other. Surely, those who find a say in #YesAllWomen – can see the wrong and horror in Ajay’s story and are individuals who understand and empathize with being victim to such hate. This makes them powerful ears and voices. This is a fight with all of us against hate crimes on human beings, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Indeed ! We truly are in this together.
Ajay, I’m so, so sorry this happened to you. Your courage and strength is humbling. Please don’t throw your life away over those pathetic excuses for human beings- they are NOT worth it.
YOU are a wonderful, strong, amazing person and you deserve everything good. Please seek help for your suicidal thoughts and please move out of the city that hurt you so horribly. You’re in all our prayers. God bless you and keep you. *hugs*
Stay strong, dude! I compliment your courage. There is a larger majority that supports you in this fight. Let us know what we can do to help.
This is absolutely horrible and unacceptable!
Untamed beings who don’t even deserve to be called animals. Its been a week and I m clueless why you have nt launched an FIR against the perpetrators. Why not take support from sites like Gaysi, LGBT organizations, the whole media ?? This SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED !! SHOULD NOT BE REPEATED on another human.
From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/EkIGtLdo2d via @gaysifamily
RT @ghaatidancer: Abused & violated by the same people who are meant to protect you. Please read & share Ajay’s story #LGBT #Homophobia htt…
Indeed !
This is beyond redemption. http://t.co/UFbUKK6yMK
Share this painful story from #Chennai #India http://t.co/eEDpFUOWYy
That’s shameful. #chennai “@hiyer: one brave queer man unearths the ugly face of indian police.
#NATIONALSHAME… http://t.co/w1Zhfz9pR5”
RT @daddy_san: Holy fuck this is sickening. Who are these “policemen”? http://t.co/7oMWLeduaS
Ajay,
I am so sorry you’ve had to endure this horrible ordeal, I can’t even imagine the courage needed to let the world know about this. Please know that there are so many people out there who support you and feel for you in this hellish time. I hope and pray that society stands up for everyone’s right to be who they are and the basic human right to be protected from harm by law enforcement. It’s shameful that the very people who are duty bound to protect us are the ones perpetrating the evil.
Stay strong, Ajay!
It was horrifying to read your experience, Ajay. Though I haven’t gone thru even a little of what you have been thru, as a woman of this country, I can feel your pain. But please don’t attempt to take your life another time. You have come out and expressed yourself (with your picture in it too!) and that’s a sign of bravery. Suicide does not suit a brave person like you. Like some of us, I wish things would be different and all are treated equally…. My prayers are with you..
No words to describe the horror.
Dear Ajay,
I read what you wrote. It is terrible indeed. I can say just one thing i.e. everywhere in this world a person is harassed, molested and raped not because she is a woman or he is gay or someone belongs to a certain caste or creed or faith. A person is bullied by another only when the former is seen as someone weak, someone who cannot retaliate. In this world where civilized people are few in number, a person who is perceived weak is always going to be bullied. I was bullied. I was threatened. I was not a woman or poor guy or gay or a transgender. I did not belong to a minority faith or a so called lower caste. I was a skinny guy. That was my fault.
You are not weak. You are a very strong person in your heart. But that needs to be reflected on your face and in your body. If you want not to be insulted, looked down upon or bullied in this world then you will have to earn others’ respect. The world is full of opportunists, idiots and bigots. They won’t respect you if you appear to them as someone feeble. Even a woman cannot afford that. She will be molested. Why the world is so terrible to us is a question we have to find an answer to, for sure. We have to also find a solution to such discrimination and assaults. It will take time. But till then you cannot avoid harassment and insults unless you are physically strong. No matter what is your gender or sexual orientation you have to be physically strong. Being gay is no excuse for being flabby or overweight. You have to be stronger than the harasser. Once you are strong enough no one will dare to say or do anything against you. Get to a gym, lose fat, build muscles, be strong and be determined to do so. I will not sympathize with you because you do not deserve it. Only weak deserves sympathy. A friend deserves a pat on the back for his courage and an advice that will help him. You are my friend. You deserve my support. All the best.
Partha Banerjee
Well said partha…. I would recommend the same…. No one should go thru rape or molestation, a woman or a man… Do try to take self difence classes ajay n we all r with u….
Brother! You are stronger than you think. Don’t give up fight! We are here to support you. Remember taking your life is not the solution, living it in style is.
Respect
I can completely empathize with that guy’s situation & imagine what he might hv gone through. To offer a few helpful pointers I wud suggest that that guy also takes care of a few things to avoid himself from landing into problems so frequently. Something might be going wrong (unintentionally) somewhere. Self assessment is the best assessment. See if some things can be done to avoid landing in trouble situations (like travelling alone late night & travelling alone via isolated areas). Just an opinion, after all he wud b the best judge. I salute him fr bravely putting out his story n revealing his identity without fear. He is a true braveheart.
You represent what is still beautiful and untarnished in this world. I hope and pray that you have a life and a future you so deserve. Stay strong. You’re an inspiration to many.
Ajay, I am sooo sorry that we make your life miserable every single day and stripped you of your childhood. No amount of apologies would make any of this acceptable. I know a couple of retired police men (higher level officers) and lawyers as well. If there is anyway we can help please let us know. This is not a favor – we owe you this much!
We are deeply disturbed by the apathy and brutality of law enforcement agencies towards sexual and gender minorities in the state. We hope Ajay is able to find resources that will help him recover from this traumatic experience. As a board member of a not for profit working for LGBT people in Chicago and supporting allies all over the world, we have already sent a note to state human rights comminssion for due cognizance. In the near future, we will also send a formal written petition to the offices of Honorable CM of TamilNadu and State Human Rights Commission. Once again, we wish Ajay all the best with his recovery.
Ajay I’m so sorry for what happened, be strong.
I’m very sorry to hear this Ajay…really respect your courage…stay strong, don’t give up, the world is a better place than this and I hope one day this ugliness and violence will end. Hugs.
Please ask for asylum and come to US.
I am saddened by what has happened with you. I always feared that sec 377 would be used against us. I hope for things to change and your scars to heal. Be strong. Hugs.
Shame on Chennai Cops….. Be strong Ajay… Feel sorry for u… Please rest and get good lawyer to look into it….
@USAndChennai Damn right we will! Let us condemn in harshest words this disgusting incident in Chennai. http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq
@AIADMKOfficial Request Puratchi Thalaivi to order a report and take action on this disgusting and shameful incident. http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq
My deepest sympathy are with you though right now, action is more important than words as Like they said in Clampham Junction – It’s high time for these cavemen to wake up, in hopes of spreading equality & discouraging such antisocial elements that not only cause destruction & abuse their power but also taint the image of others though their dark deeds. Of course, some are ignorant thus fearful while some see it as a nuisance but overall it’s time that people understood that one’s personality is like a canvas & we do use our expression of gender as one of the colors to paint it as well as the fact that behaving or dressing as oneself is not a crime but a right of freedom
RT @gaysifamily: To finally write about the darker side of #Chennai. By doing this I know I’m risking a lot. http://t.co/7LYaCemwx9 http://…
You are one brave person and you’ll eventually make your way in the world. To be frank, I was unaware of this side of society.. I thought only we, the women live with the kind of fear that you are living with. I hope life gets better for women and LGBT society alike. Respect to you for coming out and sharing your story. Lots of good wishes for you.
Cannot fathom a pain so deep. Who are we to judge? Is it so hard to gracefully accept the unknown? http://t.co/SMYJ5JFqHE
“My face was smashed in a urinal and when eight men raped me. I couldn’t defend myself” http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq #ChennaiShame
Justice Singhvi is a dishonor to this country. http://t.co/bh9NPL0oZK
Cannot fathom a pain so deep.Who r we 2 judge? Is it so hard to gracefully accept the unknown? http://t.co/SMYJ5JFqHE @gaysifamily #chennai
Ajay, I am really sorry that our country cops did this. Please move immediately from your current residence. I hope a large community of people will help you fight this.
Hon. Supreme Court of India passed a decree last year. Here’s how Supreme Injustice was done. Unbelievable? http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq
@sanilel Read this Sani. Absolutely heartbreaking, horrifying. http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq
RT @TheBuddhaSmiled: READ THIS: What #Sec377 means in real life. State-sanctioned homophobic violence. http://t.co/jTd9KSprAl #India #LGBT
Dear Ajay – horrible as all this is, please don’t give up hope or lose sight of the fact that you are a lovely and wonderful person. Its those who torment you who deserve to be condemned. Hang in there knowing that many many of us support you and wish you the very best in life. Good luck – things will work out, be strong.
call him whenever they see fit. Threatened to implicate him under false charges of 377 & other section of IPC. http://t.co/ZZn45IyXHh
Ajay, so brave you are. I wish you a life of love and not one of torment and pain at the hands of others. Those are the people who have a problem and need help. You are a beautiful soul.
Ajay, we are with you
I’m sorry you had to encounter this. Sensitivity has become such a big thing to ask for in this country. I applaud and salute your courage. Truly. You’re more man than most men I know. God be with you.
So Heartbreaking to read this. Really sorry for all that you are going through and have gone through. Is there anything we can do for you?
Ajay, my deepest love and empathy from the USA to Chennai. I will think of you, and send thoughts of healing your way. You are a survivor, Ajay. You have an important voice. It needs to be heard. It is paving the way to awareness so that some day, no other person will have to suffer like you have. Be proud of yourself for speaking out :You are a hero.
Love and thanks.
I don’t get it man, why did you get sexually assaulted by men so many times? I grew up as a boy in chennai as well, I can think of zero times when a man showed sexual interest in me. I cant even imagine a scenario where eight men would gangrape me in a urinal. What were you doing, and where were you, when this happened at age 13?
@cerver – your comment is extremely offensive. Do you think ajay was walking around the city asking to be raped? This is exactly the words of a backward thinking peson that would consider rape to be a warranted offfense.
Ajay, you have shown exemplary courage to write and share. I feel numb with despair, just reading this account, hence I can well imagine your despair, anguish, pain and anger. As I write this, I am thinking…what I as a citizen of this country, even in my individual capacity, must I do…to try and rid our nation of such inhuman behavior. I am just grappling with trying to fathom, where to start?
Cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. I hope you find the strength to fight your nightmares. Don’t give up. You have more support than you know. Hugggggssssss!
Very sad n touching
I am really sorry for what you had to go through. Just be strong. I see loads of people here supporting you. You can fight this!!
RT @Stfupid: Homophobic male and female cops of Chennai shock and disgust the nation. Here’s what they did http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq #makeNois…
RT @gaysifamily: the darker side of #Chennai. http://t.co/7KRWw98UHG http://t.co/ksaGyU3epP
Chennai cops threaten to strip an innocent citizen and force a man on him to frame him! #ChennaiShame http://t.co/HBgekgVaGq
http://t.co/vh3lEQ4qrH This is beyond disgusting Chennai.
RT @prithinarayanan: “@localteaparty: The ugly side of Chennai. Thoo. http://t.co/VsyZcaH6IR”
We are with you ajay. Pray hard for you. Pls reply to my post if you need any support in taking this against those sick so called bastards in the garb of police outfits!
From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) #Chennai #AbsolutelyDisgusting #NoOneDeservesThis #AntiBullying http://t.co/PoqzvsQacN
“Your kind” is illegal, according to the cops, but what they did to you isn’t illegal???? SHAME on them! Shame on those who should be protecting the innocent but instead harm them. I sincerely hope the cops can be identified and punished. it’s the least they deserve! Stay strong, Ajay.
Ajay Gabriel Sathyan’s horrifying and inhuman experiences in #Chennai. #SayNoTo377 and share his story- http://t.co/DWe5tsGjam
RT @Marvin_Mathew: Violence against #LGBTQ is violence. Period. No if &’s or buts. Not acceptable. via @meeravijayann http://t.co/MAnls26ekP
Fraternal warm greetings from all your brothers and sisters in the UK. Your account is very moving and I am certainly going to share within the training courses I deliver.Thank you for your courage and willingness to share this very painful experience.Things will change -the hour is darkest before the dawn!!!
so sorry you had to experience like this, ajay. hugs.
Friend, words are superficial, all I want to tell you is that as an ordinary common man, I stand with you. Do NOT give up.
I can imagine the courage it must have taken to write this. These incidents are heart breaking. We have to keep fighting this hate and misogyny. Words like freedom, democracy, progress etc. have no value as long as even one person is treated like this.
are the Hon’ble Judges of Supreme Court reading? this is what their judgment has done to us. they as well as the legislators need to remember that jurisprudal technicalities are secondary to the rights of citizens and their security.
I am sorry for the horrible things that have been done, but please keep fighting. Every voice helps turn the tide.
shame on us….but i am curious to know who that police woman is, who thinks this man looks more beautiful than her..i am starting to have my doubts on whether she is a transgender herself (who she offended in her own words), forced into normal life of a woman…in which case she must be the first to be sentenced to death under 377…before which she has to be “felt” to prove my point….when will we mature to let people be jus ourselves and not what others want us to be
You may have known that Chennai is the most tolerable and one the most hospitable cities in India. You may have… http://t.co/5FCuKFWEUo
Heartbreaking & sickening. My thoughts are with Ajay. Violence against LGBT people in #Chennai http://t.co/cZhQrzawvQ via @gaysifamily
RT @uttaravarma: horrible treatment of a #gay person by chennai cops http://t.co/9lgSJPHF6t
RT @Chinmayi: Heart breaks. And cannot understand why this man had to go through this. http://t.co/J3M4JK2V5O
RT @kavita_krishnan: From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/uqvYOCaMbp Ugly face of homophobia/transphobia in Ch…
RT @manoharban: From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/ageQJ4Cphu
| Proper sick feeling. Disgusted…. http://t.co/eovDsZMXaF
RT @Stfupid: @chennai_live that’s right. This happened in Our Chennai. Shocking. Horrifying. Disgusting. Unacceptable. Disturbing. http://t…
http://t.co/Ds6hJtYlZs .. If this is what article 377 supports I feel ashamed and sad .. The society is sick .. :-/
RT @avinash_blank: From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/ji36ez8Gve via @gaysifamily
@Iammadras
Goodness! Do you have a phone number?
“Since IPC section 377 has been criminalized which makes your kind illegal, we can do anything we want…”
http://t.co/QYbxJYvERS
Ajay
Firstly, please go to a psychologist.
It is not cowardly to pick up your belongings and leave the city, when that is the only option available. Expecting change and tolerance from uneducated and uncultured people is something we must stop. They are too far gone to change. Sexual violence in our country is barbaric. Please try to go to a tolerant city- Blore/ Bombay or leave the country for the west altogether.
If you can’t beat ’em, leave.
You are a beautiful person and I send you love and good wishes
hey ajay… i dono what to tell you after reading your story..all tat i can say for now is tat u are destined to live n take the message of your survival to several thousands of people like you..chennai is not the only place in this world…explore the world n maybe you will find a place where there is love n friendship n respect for a fellow human being… my prayers n best wishes for you bro..take care… i admire your courage!
RT @radhikasan: Abused, beaten, molested, raped — for being himself. The horrifying account of a gay Chennaite | http://t.co/fox7IWDB9T …
RT @CelinaJaitly: Should ANY human be put through this just because they are gay? http://t.co/ZO7D7werBX #AmitGabrielsathyan story via @hiy…
Disgusting act by POLICE “From Singara (Beautiful) to Asingamana (Ugly) Chennai http://t.co/b49Zff011w via @gaysifamily”
RT @lavsmohan: Such a terrible thing to read about your city – http://t.co/ZJzHIt7l5Z (from @nandiniv) #chennai
I heard, listened as deeply as I could. Hope I felt a bit of your pain and horror with you.
What makes the majority think they are normal to this day baffles me! Must have been very traumatic!
This heart-breaking account of being beaten up in Chennai for being gay: http://t.co/QA0q81jpcz
This heart-breaking account of being beaten up in Chennai for being gay: http://t.co/xNY7oBA8Y5 via @mansi_choksi #India #LGBTI
Ajay . Please meet a lawyer who understand LGBT rights. With the lawyer please give a complaint at the commissioner office. I am there to support you as a fellow human. I am ashamed to be in Chennai. ….
What is wrong with people? http://t.co/YKdDv84NY8
@gaysi how about we really help him. From his write up it’s evident that he is unemployed and is struggling to get a job because of his disability and his obviousness. Staying in the city will haunt him and won’t help him heal. Do you think we can donate something whatever we can for him to start over? You can request people to send in whatever they can and you can transfer that to Ajay to decide what he wants to do. He can study, start his own business, move to a new city or a country. Anything that will help him to stay over, to heal and to move on.
Ajay, I’m so very sorry and angry that all this has happened to you. I wish I could make it go away. Please hold on, there is much to live for. You are a talented writer and the authenticity of your voice is a precious gift we all need in the world. Sending much love.
I am horrified and ashamed to call this world, that treats its children like this, my home. With you Ajay and its a commendable feat you have achieved here by sharing your pain and horror. You are not a victim but you are victor. We are with you.
Hi Ajay, read and re-read your story. The fact you are writing about it means you want to fight and have not given up.Coz I respect courage, I now write to you about things you can do to change this.
Make a petition, contact people from Awaaz.
Join a theater group and you will be amazed to see the networks they will provide. You will also find some friends and people who will understand you.
Re-locate if possible. Hyderabad has a nice LGBT supportive group. Write back to me if you want to be in touch with them.
Wishing you eternal light and courage
Hi Ajay
For starters, I commend you for your honesty, your writing is so raw, so real. Your rough experiences in the past will enable you to pull through and emerge victorious. Through thorns to the stars. Don’t ever doubt your value or your future. You will do wonderful things with your life. You need a change of scenery. You are worth way, way more than those uneducated, filthy people who have caused you pain in the past. Give yourself a chance to have a fresh start and be fearless! Lots of good vibes and high hopes for you!
I am copying this link to cmcell and hope justice will be given. I feel ashamed that my city has treated a fellow citizen like this and my heartfelt apologies on chennai’s behalf. I hope there are still some decent and genuine human beings left in the government system who will take appropriate action against these police criminals.
If only there was a word/phrase more meaningful than “Thank you” I would use it as much as I can. So, thank you, all of you for the kind words and the support. I really appreciate it.
This is horrible incident, I don’t have heart to read it till end. Ajay stay brave.
Wow is all I can say. This may have happened quite a while ago but reading it makes you feel like you were there. It’s just shocking that even in the middle of a city we all think is sophisticated something like this could happen, especially with police, who we are supposed to trust. How brave for writing this, thank you!
What an atrocity…heartless… And wretched…
If it was their son I hope they definitely would not have used such words …for a mere verbal
Abuse…