"I Want To Scream "Yasss" and Do A Jump Split" Keshav Suri Gets Candid About Love, Marriage and Article 377

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group scion Keshav Suri married his longtime partner Cyril Feuillebois, in a small, intimate ceremony in Paris, France. In a frank tête-à-tête with Brides Today, Keshav Suri tells us about their relationship and their hope for an inclusive society.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR 
RELATIONSHIP. HOW DID YOU TWO MEET
 AND HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

It began 
over a decade ago; we met at a party 
in 24/7 Bar at The Lalit New Delhi.
 It was an instant connect.

WHAT DREW
 YOU AND CYRIL TO EACH OTHER?

The
 thing that draws any two people to 
each other—chemistry.

WHAT QUALITY 
ABOUT EACH OTHER DO YOU LOVE?

We
 are both different people, yet on the
 same page. We appreciate and
 respect each other, which has made
 being together a dream.

WHO 
PROPOSED AND HOW?

Well, it was last 
summer when Cyril and I were in
 Paris. One evening, we were on a boat on the river Seine, and exactly when the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, Cyril proposed.

WHAT DID YOU WEAR TO EACH FUNCTION?

We had an intimate ceremony in France. It was conducted by the mayor, in the first district of Paris, opposite the Louvre museum. We both wore Shantanu & Nikhil, and shoes by The Right Sided.

WHAT WAS THE MOST EMOTIONAL MOMENT FOR YOU DURING THE CEREMONY?

After the official signing, we rented a boat and had dinner on board with our families. It was special because it was on a similar boat ride on the Seine that I was proposed to, but it was emotional when our loved ones gave speeches for us. My mother’s speech, where she congratulated us and said, “Keshav, only you could have had courage to do this. I am proud of you,” was particularly heartwarming for me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG COUPLES GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME WHEN IT COMES TO ACCEPTING WHO THEY ARE, WHO THEY LOVE, AND THE WAY THEY DEMONSTRATE THEIR LOVE?

I always knew I was gay. The decision I had to face was whether to live the life of truth or one that society accepted. I came out to my family when I was about 20 years old. My parents have taught me to be courageous and therefore, social responses did not worry me. So, as hard as it may seem, live your truth. Eventually, it does get better and it is the only path to true happiness. I decided to answer my own question about when and how, and started a campaign called #PureLove. Gradually, I have become a part of a movement to love and accept anyone and everyone for who they really are. 

WHAT WORLD DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE?

I think inclusion has economic bene ts as well, and people should see that instead of a homosexual man’s rant! By including members of the LGBTQI+ community in society, by giving them respect, we can enhance productivity, bring down mental health issues, and see a higher contribution to the GDP.

HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE SECTION 377 VERDICT?

I feel elated. I want to scream “yasss” and do a jump split. This means I can live freely, without the fear of being wrongly prosecuted for love. It means equality. And it reiterates the fact that we, as a nation, have been ushered into a new era. Though, this landmark judgment has tremendous significance, we have just scratched the surface.

AS AN ACTIVIST, WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD NOW?

It’s been a long fight and I first want to celebrate and savour the moment. Striking down section 377 by the honourable Supreme Court is an iconic moment for India and I am proud that I was part of this piece of history for LGBTQI+ rights in India. I now want to be the catalyst that sees that change in the workplace and corporate India. Where people are accepted on merit, regardless of their disabilities, sexual preferences, gender, etc. I want civil and social equality to start with. Marriage equality for one and for all. There is a long way to go.