LGBTs feel the heat

It’s a struggle to defend one’s sexual orientation, an uphill task to be accepted as ‘different’ and still find a place in the mainstream. Being part of the LGBT community openly is not one of the easiest decisions to stand by, considering the constant haw-hawing, prejudices and intolerance that come with it.

But the recent horrifying shooting incident in Orlando, USA, where a gunman targeted a gay nightclub killing 50 and injuring several others, has brought into focus the rising levels of hostility and resistance the community is up against across the globe.

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The Orlando shooting has certainly stirred some strong emotions, brought hidden concerns to the fore, and served as a wake-up call to many among the LGBT community. And there is a consensus that seems to have emerged in its aftermath – that there is a need to stay united and fight the menace of hatred and bias, head-on

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As they stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters abroad, especially those who have been at the receiving end of the mindless violence, members of the LGBT community in India strongly feel that they would any day take on lifetime of fighting a system that is eager to punish their way of life and a people that are ready to brand them as “perverts” rather than trigger happy homophobes simply because within the constant engagement – even if it largely is one way – lies the hope of changing attitudes.

According to Anand Chandrani, a vocal gay rights activist and founder of Sarathi Trust, “The Orlando massacre has shown that the so-called liberalism of the West is nothing but a myth. I would say that India, comparatively, is a safer place for the community. Here the babas may preach and sermonise or the right-wingers may tag us as perverts, but generally speaking there are no targeted killings like this.

I realise that the Orlando shooter was a psychopath and hated humanity at large, but with his extreme actions he has perpetrated the ideology of certain anti-social elements, who believe that LGBT people have no right to live and must be punished.”

Transgender social activist Chamcham Gajbhiye admits that the incident has truly shaken her up. Her voice trembles as she shares candidly, “My heart goes out to all those who died or suffered at the hands of a mad, inhuman individual.

What was their fault and why should their families suffer? They were punished because there is a certain group that is convinced that homosexuals are sinful people bringing disgrace to the rest of the so-called normal society.

My biggest fear now is: what will stop others, who are equally intolerant, from following suit and using the pretext of religion or mental instability or just eccentricity to pull off something so heinous? How do we as a vulnerable group ensure our safety?”

But it’s not all so dismal insists Uttam Baba, one of the leaders of the Hijra community, who is convinced that such acts of cowardice against humanity also bring out the best in others.
“Undoubtedly the ghastly killings have scarred the entire LGBT community across the world.

But, at the same time, it has also been heartening to see so many people from across the spectrum come out and offer their support by donating blood, helping to evacuate the injured and rallying around those that are physically or mentally traumatised,” says Uttam.

Of course, as the shock gives way to anxiety and fear for their lot, Chandrani beings to focus an important issue: he feels it’s time to ensure that such vicious instances against the LGBT community are curtailed in the future.

Prince Manvendra Singh, the first royal to come out of the closet in India, who, incidentally, was visiting the US to participate in the LA Pride Parade when the Orlando shooting took place, says, “More than anything else, the reigning emotion among most of the members of the LGBT community in the US today is anger. In fact, this callous and barbaric act has strengthened their resolve to fight the hatred and bias with greater determination.”

Ask him if the local LGBT community is hesitant to step up in public after the carnage and Manvendra replies, “On the contrary, in fact. The incident has toughened the willpower of the American gay community.

They are more willing than ever to accept their sexuality and stand by one another. We all realise that whether we are in a so-called progressive nation or in a more conservative developing world, our fight is the same and far from over.

To secure equal social status, we still have a long way ahead and the path is not easy. However, one thing is for certain: there will be no backing down.”

As Chamcham signs off, “One thing is certain we will not be intimidated in the face of such cowardly acts. We will fight our battles with double the vigour and will not give up our right to be as free and happy as any other person in this world.”

By: Krishna