Even after SC order, coming out not easy

The historic verdict of the Supreme Court decriminalising homosexuality has led many to embrace their identities. Even before the legalisation, some were open about their sexuality but had to go through intense emotional trauma and social outcasting. Metrolife talked to a few about how it has been to come out.

Ram

Ram, blogger, 101comingoutstories.com

Coming out is amazing; everyone should do that. Movies show the happily ever after of a guy and a girl, but not that of the people of the same gender. This means there is no representation. Media conversations use words like perverts and criminals which pushes us further into the closet making us think that something is wrong with us. I took a long time to figure out that there is nothing wrong with me, and that it is everyone else who is laden with misconceptions. I want to break the notion that the existence of the community is a western concept.

Alex Mathew

Alex Mathew (aka Maya), drag queen

Initially when my family got to know I work as a drag queen they were not okay with it, but now my mom even helps me pack suitcases for my acts. My mother is also supporting me to get married to a man. It was a long journey, and it becomes more difficult due to our conditioning about topics concerning the community.

Siddanth

Siddanth, IT professional and drag performer

I told my family and their immediate reaction was denial. They never brought the topic up, so now I don’t feel that I owe someone my coming out. My colleagues are very supportive of me being a drag queen. However, some people don’t accept drag or being feminine, even within the community. But the more we are out there, the more it will be understood and accepted.

Prateek

Prateek, go-go boy, Lalit Ashok

I don’t believe in coming out, but I did tell my parents, and they still are in denial. They are not acknowledging it or accepting it, but I genuinely think they will come around. Also, my sister is very supportive.