HERE are inherent challenges when one works on an issue like this one
LGBTQs. The first is to treat them, not as non-mainstream, but an inherent
and natural part of our society. If they are always perceived as separate,
as apart from the mainstream, we fail to integrate them cohesively and
harmoniously. We need to consider them like any other individual; hetero and
homo are two sides of the same societal coin. Yet, sections within the society
have distinct identities, like every person has. An individual can be a north
Indian, one who hails from Punjab, as also a Dalit or Brahmin. Similarly, a
person can be a man, woman, third gender, man and woman, woman and man,
and so on. Any mainstreaming has to be delicate; it has be a melting pot where
each flavor stands out with its own unique taste.
Another issue is the portrayal of LGBTQs. Since mass entertainment and
information construct rigid stereotypes of people with differing identities, an
issue like this has to deliberately and compulsively wean away from them.
One has to show them as normal people, with varying physicality and sexual
tendencies, but with similar emotions, feelings, and desires. They are like any
neighbour we confront in our residential localities, offices, and markets. They
may look and feel different, but these are like the ones that exist between
people from different regions, communities, ethnic groups, religions, and even
classes and castes. In the end, we are humans.
Not to forget their problems related to health, education, jobs, and entertainment
are similar yo ours. Everyone needs to access medical benefits, even if the
requirements are not the same. In some areas, smallpox is more prevalent than
measles. This is true about communities too. LGBTQs are no exception; they
have varied health issues, but they need the public health services to be as
attuned to their needs as to others. The same is true about entertainment and
education. Hence, the mainstreaming, as we said earlier, has to be homogeneous,
as well as distinct. The narratives and stories have to include the mindset
and perspectives of people with different identities.
Most of our stories address the above-mentioned challenges. For example, in
the piece on movies, we look at LGBTQ protagonists, whose characters are dealt
with in nuanced manner, and who come across as people with similar physical,
mental, and psychological needs. In the articles on health, we look at the race
to discover HIV vaccine, like others for smallpox and polio, and the science
related to the fact that genes and DNA may determine sexuality. We explore
how the societies mentioned in our myths and history were more equal, open,
and integrated. They included open discussions about inclusion. We highlight
changes in workplaces, as also problems. Most importantly, we include
personal stories and snapshots that prove that there are no differences
between human beings’ ambitions, needs, and desires.