It's been nearly 60 years since India became sovereign, yet the government yesterday decided to uphold a colonial era law prohibiting homosexuality. How queer!

Testifying before the High Court yesterday, gay activist Shyam Diwan implored India's leaders to remember their post-colonial democratic dream:

The Constitution gives fundamental right to equality and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. But these rights of 25 lakh homosexuals in the country are being violated. Moral argument cannot triumph over the constitutional rights in a democratic society where fundamental rights prohibit any discrimination on the ground of sex.

The Ministry of Health has also been fighting against the law, called Section 377, and have asserted - quite rightly - that such legislation contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Home Ministry, meanwhile, fought for the law, highlighting a growing tension within the government.

Despite the facts and personal testimony, government leaders said yesterday they were "obviously" not going to overturn 377. It seems they would rather live under rhetorical British rule. Said Additional Solicitor General PP Malhotra: "Obviously, we will take a stand against the scrapping of Section 377 IPC that classifies sex between two men as a criminal offense. We object to their plea." Isn't it funny that Malhotra referred to men in his response?

Indian activists are gearing up for a battle this week as their government prepares arguments for and against Section 377, a colonial era law banning same-sex love.

The Indian government has agreed to hear their pleas after eight years of struggle. And, if all goes according to plan, lawmakers will revoke the legislation.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss twice last month called for 377's removal, saying such a law only brings shame and self-loathing, which can lead to unsafe sexual practices and, of course, the spread of HIV.

While some people would ensure their birthday party revolves around their existence, Indian Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil used his 42nd to celebrate India's often over-looked gay communities:

A leading figure in India's small LGBT civil rights movement and a vocal supporter of people living with HIV, Prince Manvendra invited gays and PWAs from all over India to celebrate his birthday at a party that featured gay musicians and artists.

It is the 10th birthday that the prince has celebrated this way, brightening the faces of hundreds of people who regularly suffer from discrimination.

Homosexuality is illegal in India, punishable by imprisonment and people living with HIV/AIDS are frequently shunned by their families.

For the prince the occasion allows people to interact and be visible. The two day party was extensively covered by the Indian media which usually treats gays with derision.

Manvendra's family originally scorned him for coming out, but tensions have been eased in recent years. Despite their acceptance, the Indian government upholds - but rarely enforces - the colonial era Section 377.

Sir Ian McKellan has a message for Singapore's government: repeal Section 377.

The British actor, who's in the Asian nation starring in King Lear, released a video in which he explains his new found fondness for the former British colony.

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Gay Indians no longer live in fear. Well, not as much.

Despite the nation's tenacious colonial ban on homosexuality, Section 377, more gays and lesbians are living their lives in the open.

Last week's gay pride march, which once stopped traffic - and soccer games - went off without a hitch. Yes, some troublesome bikers tried to stir the shit, but coppers shooed them away. Times certainly have changed.

Outside the pride context, gay social groups have started popping up in urban areas, such as Delhi. Every Sunday, about 10-15 men show up to exchange advice, chit chat and, most importantly, be seen.

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It's no secret Jamaica's a largely homophobia nation. There have been no less that four major attacks against gays on the Caribbean island this year alone. While some Jamaican's dismiss such discrimination as "tradition," a prominent preacher's asking, "Whose tradition?"

Writing in Jamaica Observer, Minister John Hardy correctly asserts that homophobia's yet another colonial legacy. Hardy's rationalization's, however, leave a bit to be desired…

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