Dutee Chand reveals her lesbian relationship

| | BHUBANESWAR
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Dutee Chand reveals her lesbian relationship

Monday, 20 May 2019 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

Ace sprinter from Odisha, Dutee Chand, has come out with a startling revelation that she is in a same-sex relationship with a girl reportedly from her hometown Jajpur.

The fastest Indian woman is the first athlete to acknowledge her lesbian relationship in media.

In an interview, Dutee for the first time spoke out for the rights of the LGBT community and about her own same-sex relationship after the Supreme Court decriminalised Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code last year.

“I have found someone who is my soul-mate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person’s choice. Currently, my focus is on the World Championships and the Olympic Games, but in future I would like to settle down with her (friend),” Dutee has said.

“There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want

. It is a personal decision, which should be respected. I will continue to strive to win medals for India at international meets,” she was quoted as saying.

“I wanted to be with someone who will encourage me to continue being a sportsperson. Mujhe kisi ka sahara bhi chahiye (I need someone who will support me on the personal front),” she said.

However, Dutee has not revealed her partner’s name nor has she stated when her marriage would take place.

Notably, Dutee had gone through severe mental trauma after she was dropped from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in India under the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules on the ground of hyperandrogenism.

However, she had moved the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne against her ban notice. Later, the IAAF withdrew the rules allowing her to return to 100m and 200m events.

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