Valentine's Day Should Be A Celebration Of Non-Binary Love Too

Love is in the air! As Valentine’s day is approaching, everyone is indulging in making the day special for their loved ones. From couples to companies, everyone wants the day to be filled with happiness, holidays and discounts! However, how many of us have thought about homosexual or non-binary couples? Does this make you scratch your head? Well, that shows that you see Valentine's day as a day for heterosexual couples only.

Valentine's Day is a day of love and is also dedicated to non-binary love so that their love and bond also get recognition. However, in our society, the day is rarely celebrated or even known to people in this form. Red roses, red dresses and red balloons are all we understand about Valentine’s day. But none of us thinks about inclusivity on the day of love.

I didn’t know about inclusivity in love until I saw its celebration in my college. The day was beautiful as it was sculpted with love, friendship and inclusivity. Balloons, smiles and flowers festooned the day with one difference from regular Valentine’s Day- red was replaced by multi-coloured identities. We enjoyed, wished and hugged each other.

Although the day is now so old that it suits the pages of memories only, it does have relevance in the present too. Had I not been a part of that day, I would have been one of those who never accept inclusivity in love. I would have been ignorant towards the importance and relevance of non-binary relationships.

But even if I am aware now, am I able to help others recognise it? Unfortunately no.

It is very difficult to make people understand that love exists in non-binary forms too. We have grown up watching heterosexual romance in real and reel life. We were never told about homosexuality, asexuality or any other non-binary relationships. In fact, these relationships were portrayed as defects, comic elements or disgust.

Let Us Accept Valentine's Day As A Celebration Of Non-Binary Love Too

Today, when the country has progressed and become more inclusive after the striking down of the regressive Article 377, a flickering chance of acceptance is visible. But still, many people refuse to see the light. In Indian society, non-binary relationships are seen as a western culture that aims at deteriorating the indigenous culture. And hence it is rejected as filth that is corrupting our youths.

Even today, the pride march is hindered by the authorities. Even today, homosexual couples are not fully allowed to get married. Even today Indian families take their kids to doctors if they come out of the closet.

So until these mindsets change, it is not possible to provide equal respect and acceptance to non-binary love on Valentine's Day. Until people recognise the validity of non-binary relationships, love will have only one colour.

But this doesn’t mean we stop trying. It is our responsibility as vigilant citizens to propel discussions on non-binary relationships that are not biased or in denial. It is our responsibility to help people push their boundaries and celebrate or let others celebrate non-binary love on Valentine’s Day.

For starters, let us begin the discussion in our houses. This Valentine’s Day, make sure you know your family members’ perception of love and inclusivity. Let us make sure that we educate them or at least make them ponder upon the idea of accepting different colours of love. This Valentine’s Day, be the change you want to see in society by either being a part of the day or a smiling audience of the celebration.

The views expressed are the author's own.

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