Ever wondered why people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community find it hard to come out?
More than the reaction, is it possible that the actions after that are what they're actually worried about?
When you come out to your close ones, you never know how they might react. However, the way they act around you after you have come out is what creates doubt and fear in every queer person’s mind. The thing is that society in India is the infamous backbone of countless stereotypes and prejudices. It's what makes so many people feel uncomfortable to come out and instead, live with the fear of being neglected or excluded from society...
There was this quote from Dear Zindagi:
Kaira's dad: The film industry has the most gays' right?
Kaira: There is an equal number of them in every professional field but they feel the urge to hide it, to avoid being judged by people like you.
This statement highlights the sad but true reality of our country. In India, six out of ten people still view homosexuality as wrong. How do you expect people to come out in such a hostile environment?
Inclusion In the workplace in India for the LGBTQ+ community is still a work in progress. Real and significant changes have just started being made last year for queers in the professional field, and it still requires a lot of work to reach full acceptance.
Everyone needs to understand that even if people identify themselves with different sexual orientations, they are all as human as straight people.
"Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard."
Let's change our minds and play our role in helping the LGBTQ+ community feel like they belong because frankly, they do, just as much as we do. India is a country of different religions, languages, races, cultures, and traditions. So, why not different genders?
Awesome! Very well written ..so true!