Section 377 may have marginalised the LGBT community in India, but Hollywood has been embracing gay characters for years

In light of the overturning of the Delhi High Court's verdict on Section 377, the India population has been reacting quite strongly on social media. Section 377 basically criminalises gay sex between consenting adults in private.

In today's world, where the LGBT community is widely accepted, the resulting verdict shocked many people. Gay individuals and those of the transgender community have been feeling safer and safer to come out of the proverbial closet. Celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Ian McKellen, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Ellen DeGeneres and most recently Tom Daley act as role models providing people with the courage and hope that they will be accepted by society, regardless of sexual orientation. The media has come a long way in portraying these figures as people to look up to.

Although the media wasn't as warm and friendly to the LGBT community from the start as it is today. Even in the late 90's and the early 2000's, shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek and Queer as Folk explored the trials and tribulations of homosexual love. However at that time they didn't necessarily portray them in a positive light, nor did they portray their peers as a tolerating group.

But today, with movies like Milk and Brokeback Mountain, primarily featuring characters that are homosexual, creating waves among the public, the world has definitely become more open-minded about the entire concept.

For instance, Happy Endings a FRIENDS like sitcom, portrays one of the main characters (played by Adam Pally) as a non-traditional gay individual. Similarly, Grey's Anatomy, Will and Grace, The L Word, Orange Is The New Black, Shameless, Skins, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Modern Family and a host of others include main characters who are of the LGBT community and often touch upon their situations as plot points.

Glee, a 2009 musical comedy created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk which often focuses on real world issues like drugs, depression, suicide, alienation and others, is often praised for its real portrayal of the LGBT community. Several characters including Kurt Hummel, Wade 'Unique' Adams, Santana Lopez, Brittany Murphy and Blaine Anderson are all members of the LGBT community, with a number of episodes focusing on their plights and issues as their peers react to their alternative lifestyles.

In a world where humanity seems to be evolving and becoming more tolerant of other people's world views and lifestyles, the Indian Supreme Court's verdict has not only shocked the public but also created a wide range of negative reactions on social media.

In light of the verdict, a country that was heading in the right direction towards changing the old archaic norms, has suddenly devolved in one fowl swoop.

Also Read, Big brands bring out their creativity, support LGBT movement amidst Supreme Court ruling on Section 377

Also Read, Section 377: What the world has to say about India's decision