Freedom To Choose, Freedom To Love

Freedom To Choose, Freedom To Love

The freedom to choose one’s life partner is an individual right. But it’s easier said than done for those wishing to have a same-sex relationship, notwithstanding the Supreme Court legalising such unions. A prudish society still refuses to accept such “unnatural love” and celebrity status is no safeguard against the social backlash.

Ace sprinter Dutee Chand found it the hard way. The Odisha-born athlete recently disclosed that she was in a relationship with a girl from her hometown. With this revelation, 23-year-old Dutee became the first sportsperson to India to admit her same-sex relationship. Many people praised her brave act. But the accolades were drowned in a barrage of bitter criticism, particularly from her family and relatives. Some even accused her of getting distracted from sports. 

Golden Girl

But Dutee being Dutee, she proved her critics wrong. On July 10, she clocked 11.32 seconds to win the gold at the World University Games in Naples. She became only the second Indian sprinter after Hima Das to achieve the feat in an international event.

Dutee’s decision to come out of the closet has sent a loud message to the conservative society that everyone has the freedom to choose a partner, no matter the gender. And she is quite categorical on this. “Love is an emotion, a feeling. It can happen to anyone. We can’t control our feelings, emotions, likes and dislikes. If I feel comfortable with a person from the same sex, then there shouldn’t be any objection. I fell in love with a girl and I am not ashamed to accept that. Accepting what you want is the best thing we could do to our life,” shares Dutee.

What Is Freedom?

“For me, freedom means the right to lead my life the way I want to. My family wanted me to get married to a boy. If I would have accepted that, then it could have created many problems. I preferred to follow my heart rather than following what others wanted. We shouldn’t judge a person about their choices, but we should judge them on the basis of their work,” she avers.

As to her critics, Dutee dismisses them with disdain. “I don’t bother about what people think about me. I am old enough to make my decision. Many people have also praised me for making the revelation. I freed myself from all those mental pressures which could affect my career. Now I can concentrate on my sports.”

Controversy’s Child

Dutee is no stranger to controversies. In 2014, she was banned after she failed a hormone test. But the never-say-die Dutee took the matter to court and won. The Court of Arbitration for Sports suspended the ‘Hyperandrogensim’ rules. “That was the toughest battle I fought, but I am glad that I finally proved myself. I am confident about my abilities, so I am never bothered about all these controversies. I believe in hard work which would help me succeed,” she says.

Feeling positive after her latest win, Dutee is determined to continue with sports and achieve more success. “I have been focusing on my career and will continue to do so. I will continue my training for future competitions.

“The love and support of my fans will always help me outrun all hindrances,” she signs off.