Sam weds Oliver: It’s time for LGBTQ civil unions in India

The old cliche is that Love knows no boundaries. In what many see as a landmark moment, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently celebrated his union with his partner, Oliver Mulherin, in a quiet Hawaiian ceremony.

This event, while capturing the attention of the public, serves as a poignant reminder that love and commitment are universal, transcending geographical and cultural constraints.

The couple, dressed in casually coordinated outfits, presented a symbolically unified front on their special day, reflecting the essence of their relationship. The ceremony was attended by a select group of close family and friends, underscoring the intimate nature of their celebration. Mulherin, described as a deeply-rooted friend to Altman, has largely maintained a low public profile, emphasizing the personal nature of their bond.

Altman’s private life gained public attention when he and Mulherin attended a White House dinner in honor of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, standing alongside other influential couples. This instance not only highlights the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in prominent spheres but also emphasizes the need for India to acknowledge and embrace diverse relationships.

India, and the current dispensation in the driving seat, loses no opportunity to convince others that we are a nation rich in cultural diversity. For the non-heterosexual , recognition of basic personal rights has been an uphill struggle, with deeply homophobic narratives by those in pubic life engineering roadblocks.

Homophobia runs deep, especially among a vocal group of Muslim and christian clerics. Recently, a lot of old fogies in the Catholic church were wringing their hands and mouthing their objections to a simple statement from Pope Francis. The Pope said was that priests could give a blessing to non-heterosexual people, and what a ruckus these people tried to kick up over a non-issue.

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It is to the credit of the youngsters, and the sane people in modern India, including forward looking priests and nuns of the Catholic church, who lend their wholehearted support to the human rights and dignity of all people that the LGBTQ+ communities have achieved some amount of legal recognition of their rights . Thanks to the dogged efforts of the few LGBT people at the forefront, and some open minded, liberal, and secular judges, significant strides have been made in recent years towards recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

However, the journey towards full acceptance and equality is ongoing, with the legalization of gay civil unions being a crucial step forward And that doesn’t seem to be happening at the moment..

The celebration of Altman and Mulherin’s union brings attention to the positive impact that legal recognition of same-sex relationships can have on society. Civil unions provide a framework that grants same-sex couples legal rights and protections similar to those enjoyed by heterosexual couples. These rights include inheritance benefits, healthcare decisions, and the ability to build a family through adoption or surrogacy.

In the case of Mulherin, an Australian programmer with expertise in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, his professional achievements underscore that one’s sexual orientation does not limit one’s capabilities or contributions.

Recognizing and legalizing gay civil unions in India would send a powerful message of inclusivity, fostering an environment where individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can thrive personally and professionally.