Some of India's oldest and biggest brands came out in support of the Indian LGBT community after the country's top court upheld Section 377 of the constitution, which enforces India's ban on same-sex intercourse.
Indian companies tend to shy away from espousing controversial causes, so their ads celebrating equality and diversity were seen as unusual. Many Indians expressed appreciation for the brands' stand on a sensitive issue — although others still see the ads as a well-timed publicity campaign.
Big Bollywood celebrities with a massive social media presence also tweeted their disappointment and shock over the Supreme Court verdict. Bollywood personalities are often criticized for their inaction when it comes to such issues, and it remains to be seen if their tweets translate to concrete support for the LGBT community.
1. Amul is one of the oldest and biggest food brands in India. Its famous billboards, featuring the Amul Girl, always focus on topical Indian issues.
Amul Topical : Supreme Court verdict on Section 377.
Amul.coop
@Amul_Coop
Amul Topical : Supreme Court verdict on Section 377.
2. Tanishq, a leading jewelry brand in India, recently won accolades for its groundbreaking advertising, like this commercial celebrating remarriage. Hundreds on Twitter retweeted the poster below that is in support of the LGBT community.
Two of a kind always make a beautiful pair! #Sec377
Tanishq
@TanishqJewelry
Two of a kind always make a beautiful pair! #Sec377
3. Fastrack, a popular youth fashion brand in India, is known for its risqué and unconventional campaign "Move On."
Supreme Injustice #377MoveOn #Sec377
Fastrack
@Fastrack
Supreme Injustice #377MoveOn
#Sec377
4. In April, Fastrack released a provocative television commercial featuring two young women emerging from a closet; an extremely rare instance of showing lesbians in mainstream Indian media.
It's about time we #MoveOn
Fastrack
@Fastrack
It's about time we #MoveOn
5. Allen Solly, a two-decade-old men's fashion brand headed by one of India's biggest industrial houses, also came out in support of the LGBT community.
We believe all colours were created equal. #Sec377
Allen Solly
@allensolly
We believe all colours were created equal. #Sec377
6. Hidesign, a homegrown luxury goods brand, tweeted in support of repealing Section 377.
Every colour, every shape, every size is BEAUTIFUL. In a world full of diversities we are EQUAL. #Sec377
Hidesign
@HidesignHQ
Every colour, every shape, every size is BEAUTIFUL. In a world full of diversities we are EQUAL. #Sec377
7. While Amitabh Bachchan, one of India's most respected actors, did not vehemently oppose the SC verdict, he did ask a pertinent question.
T 1320 -Question : How will the law authorities decide or apprehend those that commit this 'crime' !!??
Amitabh Bachchan
@SrBachchan
T 1320 -Question : How will the law authorities decide or apprehend those that commit this 'crime' !!??
8. Karan Johar, one of Bollywood's biggest directors and producers, whose own sexual orientation has long been subjected to public debate, came out strongly against the verdict.
#Sec377 is not just a violation of human rights but also makes democracy seem like a mirage in our country....
Karan Johar
@karanjohar
#Sec377 is not just a violation of human rights but also makes democracy seem like a mirage in our country....
9. Johar recently made a critically-acclaimed short film starring well-known Bollywood actors which explored homosexuality as part of a film anthology, Bombay Talkies.
For all those who think that this judgement gives them a right to talk about their self appointed machoism...GET A LIFE!!!
Karan Johar
@karanjohar
For all those who think that this judgement gives them a right to talk about their self appointed machoism...GET A LIFE!!!
10. Actor John Abraham, who portrayed a man pretending to be gay in another Karan Johar film, also spoke out against the SC ruling.
India has harboured archaic prejudices once again... The Supreme Court has criminalized homosexuality... Shame
John Abraham
@TheJohnAbraham
India has harboured archaic prejudices once again... The Supreme Court has criminalized homosexuality... Shame
11. Celina Jaitley, who has long been one of the very few outspoken advocates of LGBT rights in Bollywood, expressed her outrage.
Laws are meant to protect people .. However this law #377 will be used to blackmail,abuse,violate,humiliate people ... #377Updates
Celina Jaitly
@CelinaJaitly
Laws are meant to protect people .. However this law #377 will be used to blackmail,abuse,violate,humiliate people ... #377Updates
12. Jaitley said she has often faced threats for her role in fighting for the LGBT community.
This is exactly what 377 encourages ..carnage abuse "@FarOutAzmi: @CelinaJaitly You have twin boy. I am sure they will enjoy each other."
Celina Jaitly
@CelinaJaitly
This is exactly what 377 encourages ..carnage abuse "@FarOutAzmi: @CelinaJaitly You have twin boy. I am sure they will enjoy each other."
13. Sonam Kapoor, a popular young actress who also participated in protests against gang rapes in India, took to Twitter to criticize the SC verdict.
Homophobia should be a crime. It's so shameful that a country which is known for its tolerance for a few thousand years had come to this!!!
Sonam Kapoor
@sonamakapoor
Homophobia should be a crime. It's so shameful that a country which is known for its tolerance for a few thousand years had come to this!!!
14. She was also pretty blunt about her opinion of people who supported the SC decision to ban same-sex intercourse.
Fucking idiots!!! http://t.co/UQoZbdPw0v
Sonam Kapoor
@sonamakapoor
Fucking idiots!!! http://t.co/UQoZbdPw0v
15. Farhan Akhtar, a well-respected director and actor, was critical of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court got it wrong today. #Sec377
Farhan Akhtar
@FarOutAkhtar
The Supreme Court got it wrong today. #Sec377