Freedom Is In The Air

“Freedom is in the Air (FIITA)” was an initiative by the MOG Foundation that celebrated the LGBTQ community through art, dialogue, and public engagement. Inspired by the historic reading down of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the initiative sought to promote inclusivity, pluralism, and social acceptance while addressing long-standing cultural barriers. Held at the Museum of Goa in November 2018, the event brought together artists, activists, scholars, and the public for a day-long programme that blended creative expression with critical discourse. The initiative also extended into a month-long exhibition and installation.

Opening Session

The event commenced with  formal inauguration marked by a lamp-lighting ceremony. The ceremony was led by prominent figures including Ashok Row Kavi (Chairperson, The Humsafar Trust), Wendell Rodricks, and Subodh Kerkar (Founder, Museum of Goa). A guided tour of the museum, led by Subodh Kerkar, introduced participants to the thematic framework of the initiative and its emphasis on art as a medium for social change.

Talks and Discussions

The morning session featured a detailed presentation on the Supreme Court verdict on Section 377 by Amritananda Chakraborty, followed by an interactive Q&A. This session provided attendees with a legal and social understanding of the implications of the judgment. In the afternoon, the programme continued with the release of India’s first White Paper on LGBTQ Livelihoods, followed by a session addressing issues of livelihood within the LGBTQ community. A panel discussion titled “Taking Forward the SC Judgement” brought together voices from across disciplines, including Ashok Row Kavi and Subodh Kerkar, and was moderated by Vivek Raj Anand. The discussion emphasized the need for sustained advocacy, awareness, and structural change.

Art Installation and Exhibition

A key highlight of the initiative was the large-scale installation titled “Freedom is in the Air”, conceived by Subodh Kerkar. The installation featured a 100-meter-long net adorned with rainbow-colored strips, symbolizing the collective sense of liberation experienced by the LGBTQ community following the decriminalization of Section 377. Designed to move with the wind, the installation served as both a visual and metaphorical representation of freedom. Alongside the installation, a curated exhibition showcased artworks by emerging and established artists from across India. These works explored diverse narratives within the LGBTQ experience, encouraging dialogue and challenging societal prejudices.

Film Screenings and Interactive Spaces

The afternoon programme included film screenings produced by The Humsafar Trust, followed by discussions moderated by community facilitators. These sessions provided further insight into lived experiences and advocacy efforts within the LGBTQ movement. Interactive spaces were set up throughout the venue, offering creative stalls, games, and engagement activities. These spaces fostered informal interactions and created an inclusive environment for visitors to connect and reflect.

A dedicated “Safe Zone” session, facilitated by Rick Otjes, provided a supportive space for open conversations, allowing participants to share personal perspectives and ask questions in a non-judgmental setting. The event concluded with an evening celebration held in the museum’s sculpture garden. The segment featured music by LIVE AGENT (Smita Singh), accompanied by food, drinks, and social interaction. This celebratory atmosphere reinforced the spirit of the initiative, bringing people together in solidarity and joy.

Reflections

“Freedom is in the Air” was an important moment in the Museum of Goa’s journey of bringing people together through art. By blending creative expression with open conversations, the initiative created a space where visitors could engage with ideas around identity, inclusion, and acceptance in a thoughtful yet approachable way. Inspired by Justice Indu Malhotra’s powerful words, the event encouraged reflection while also inviting people to connect, question, and learn from one another. Above all, the initiative showed how art can open doors helping people see differently, feel more deeply, and come together across differences in a shared space of curiosity and dialogue.