I am gay and proud of it: Onir

In what would be marked as a red letter day for LGBTQ worldwide, the US Supreme Court legalised gay marriages all over country in a landmark judgement. From people coming out on the streets to people taking to social media to celebrate, it was made an example to be followed by the rest, especially with existence of controversial laws which criminalising LGBT rights and activities, and India is one of them. But the question that arises is, will India ever get there? Onir, the award-winning Indian film director of movies like My Brother...Nikhil, I Am, Bas Ek Pal, talks to Business Insider India about growing up gay in India.



What is your opinion on the US Supreme Court’s judgement legalising gay marriages and its impact in India?

It comes at a time when in 2013 the Supreme Court of India took the opposite stand, turning down the Delhi High Court verdict. It signifies that we cannot ignore LGBTQ rights for long, as we are being the largest democracy in the world. India will not be a true democracy till all the citizens of the country (different minority communities, gender and sexuality) have equal rights. The act should go as it’s really long overdue.

What pleasantly surprised me was when the US Supreme Court judgement was announced, many people put up rainbow flag as their profile picture on social network like Facebook. I have never seen this kind of reaction coming from everybody, irrespective of their sexuality preferences and gender. For the first time seeing so much support for human rights in this country is very encouraging and I hope the global phenomenon would also give a push to the change happening within our country.



How is India as a place for LGBTQ community?

I think that, traditionally, before the colonial British came in and brought in Section 377, Indian as a culture has been much more accepting. Like, if you look at our mythology, there has been a whole concept of Ardhanarishwar (that is, everyone is part male and part female at the same time).Even if you look at Kamasutra and at its different forms of sexuality, sexuality has been celebrated in this country. Unfortunately, because of the Victorian morals and the laws that the British brought in, we are still holding onto those laws. But I think as a civilisation, India has a culture of being more inclusive. We have accepted different forms of religion, caste, culture; it is such a homogeneous country. I think that spirit needs to be celebrated in terms of acceptance of sexuality also.


How was your experience growing up gay in Indian society?

I have been fortunate for being a part of a very encouraging family and friends but my identity is not just my sexuality. I have never faced problems within the family and my friends circle. I told about this to my sister when I was 19 years old. They love me for who I am and not on the basis of my sexuality. I gain all my strength because of their support.

Yes, it does not feel good to be in a country where your identity is by law criminalised, and that is something that hurts me the most. That is why I have always been vocal about LGBTQ rights. More than anything, it is human rights violation that is happening here. But having said that, it is also because of law and society the representation of the community in all aspects of life is scant. For example my last film, I Am, which got the national award for the best film, was not telecasted by any satellite channel in the country. So I feel the acceptance needs to be there in a wider space; everyone needs to support and promote this acceptance, and it can’t be just a mouth survey. There is a resistance from within the system itself. Therefore, all those policies need to be questioned. And for you to get accepted, the society at large has to support this issue. For even with a film which is such a powerful media, if you can’t reach out to the target audience, how can you be a part of that change?



Did you have to think twice before coming out?

Honestly, I have been very open because of my family and friends. The Supreme Court judgement was a step back as I think there are many who tried to come out who will think much more now about it. I have never faced any discrimination, even in my film industry. My parents always taught me to feel proud for being who I am and not to hide my identity.

Ultimately it shouldn’t matter that you are gay or bisexual because that is not your only identity. I am gay and am open and proud about it.
Then, why do I need to be objectified and put in to a certain bracket?

But in a society where you are still not legal, it makes you much more vulnerable to all kinds of orthodox norms. I feel that everyone has the right to protect themselves. Each family comes from a different background and it is not easy to come out in the open with your sexual preferences. The day IPC 377 goes away, many more people will come out, because when you are legally empowered you gain the courage to fight against social norms.



When do you think that day would come in India?

I want to try and see positive but I don’t as there is deep silence. It is almost like being ignored and pushed under the carpet.



Do you think the portrayal of LGBTQ community in movies at present do justification to the community?

I think there is very little representation and most of it is made in a way that is caricature, and I feel that it is not an ideal representation. It is not just this community, the portrayal of women is also market driven; this is how men wants it to be. Similarly, where minority community and LGBT community are portrayed, it is solely governed by economy.

But yes, the way women are portrayed is slowly changing because women are becoming important consumers and that is what is bringing the change. Similarly, I hope that the power of LGBTQ community is realised and more normal representation of the community find place in our media.



What is Censor Board’s role in the whole scenario?

Censor Board and Central Board of Film Certification are largely governed by the central government and the laws. Censor board cannot take a moral stand. And if you make a movie on such themes, it is edited out. Though they were more supportive with My Brother...Nikhil, with I Am, there was furore.



Do you plan to make more movies based on LGBTQ rights in the near future?

Honestly no. There are two reasons.

1. Finance. It is hard to get someone to finance movies with LGBTQ theme. These movies do not work in the Indian film industry. It is hard to get wider audiences but scenario is changing. The industry is NOT homophobic, it just doesn’t believe that there’s any money involved in LGBTQ cinema.

2. It does not get the kind of support which it should get from the people. Mentality and laws govern the situation widely. It is still seen to be a topic which should not be discussed. I Am was a national award-winning film but it failed to make an impact at the Box Office.



Are your movies judged differently because of your sexuality?

The industry has been very supportive, and it does not treat my movies differently. But yes, there are orthodox people who become conscious and judge the movies in a negative way.



Talking about legal gay marriage, do you have any marriage plans in the near future?

Frankly, No. I am not a person who believes in the institution of marriage, an institution that has done so much harm to man-woman rights and their lives.

(photo credit: Francois Matthys)