Up until the year 2018, homosexuality was an illegal offence that was punishable by law in India.Although the draconian law that demanded a punishment as severe as leading up to life imprisonment for anyone who committed sexual acts ‘against the order of nature’ was scrapped five years ago.
Having said this, a truly inclusive society remains a distant dream which is yet to be fulfilled. The LGBTQIA+ community still faces stigma, violence and legal problems. However, some of India’s most famous personalities coming from varied fields such as sports, the Bollywood film industry, media, business and more have openly come out as queer and made strides to change the status quo within the Indian societal fabric.
Being Queer And The Quest Of Self Expression Via Fashion
With the decriminalisation of section 377 in the year 2018, people from the LGBTQIA+ community have been given the opportunity and freedom to be open about their sexuality, sense of identity and expression.
Related to the idea of self expression is the freedom to express oneself with sartorial choices and the queer community in India is making the most of it. Many celebrities have openly come out as queer and are spreading the myriad hues of the rainbow with their fashion game.
Queer And Proud Celebrity Fashion Courtesy Sushant Divgikr, Rohit Verma:
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Fashion Designer Rohit Verma’s Out There Fashion Game
Former Bigg Boss contestant and fashion designer Rohit Verma is openly queer and doesn’t make an attempt to hide his identity in a society like India. His over-the-top sartorial choices with all their pomp and show make for an ideal for the queer community to follow. Rohit’s statement hair look hut in an emo fashion with spikes and his style of crossdressing makes a strong statement like none other.
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Sushant Divgikr AKA Rani KoHEnur’s Bold Style Picks
Sushant Divgikr aka Rani KoHEnur has a very signature sense of style that is drag inspired. Sushant is an openly queer member of the LGBTQIA+ community and is also India’s very own drag queen. The fashion game played by Sushant brings to light the fact that what is important at the end of the day is being, representing and standing up for yourself and being a true representation of your identity inside out. Rani KoHEnur drag queen is honestly a picture of the most beautiful women avatars ever seen put together with the exquisite makeup, jewellery, hair and nails. Her style game makes many a heads turn with their signature outfits full of pomp and show including a range of sarees, gowns, Indian wear and feminine clothing from around the globe. This is a major step for the drag culture and queer fashion in India and will have many people of the LGBTQIA+ community following in his footsteps.
HerZindagi Pride Month: Redefining narratives, fostering awareness and a world of inclusion with thought-provoking stories around LGBTQIA. Get more awareness about LGBTQIA (Pride Month) by reading inspiring stories that will help you to open up without hesitation. #LivingWithPride