Misrepresentation of the LGBTQIA+ Community in Films

The media portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community can be considered inadequate

and inaccurate. In recent years their representation has increased. There are
genuinely good lms that have nailed the portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Films such as Margarita with a Straw, Shubh mangal zyada saavdhan, and some
other regional lms have contributed to eradicating the stigma against the
community. The movie Kapoor and sons show the concept of coming out
realistically and gently.

-----------------------------------------------

However, with regards to the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, some

questionable stereotypes are often blatantly recognizable on the big screen. Some
common examples are those male stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists are
portrayed as gay. Similarly, the concept of cross-dressing is ridiculed in comedic
segments that are often directed in poor taste and are humiliating. For example,
Suresh Menon is shown as a desperate gay person on screen.

----------------------------------------------------

In a complete instance of sheer irony, Abhishek Bachchan was one of the rst
celebrities to support the supreme court ruling on section 370. Although, lms like
Bol Bachchan and Dostana have some of the most o ensive portrayals of the
community in the entire industry. Even lms like Laxmii failed to portray the
LGBTQ+ community accurately and adequately. A woman trapped in a cis male
body promotes vehement transphobia. Additionally, there is blatant transphobia
showcased on the big screen. These lms do not portray the reality of transphobia.

----------------------------------------------------------

Films catalyze serious issues like homophobia into poor and distasteful comedy.
The movie Humshakals has insulting cross-dressing that is neither contextual nor
morally appropriate. Compiled with cringy symbolism and body language, this
segment was o ensive and a train wreck to spectate. A movie that has an
infamous remembrance of being a train wreck was Kya Kool Hain Hum. This movie
will be frowned on by the queer-trans community for ages to come.

-----------------------------------------------------

Queer icons like Bobby Darling deserve a massive apology from the Bollywood
industry with regards to discrimination. The industry could never portray her true
inner spirit and potential on the screen. She was o ered distasteful and o ensive
comedic roles, and she had so much to o er. As a transwoman, she was o ered
roles that would shame the LGBTQ+ community and were written to promote
transphobia.

------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, it is quite a relief to see Indian lmmakers provide a morally decent and
humane perspective of the community. I hope to see a more accurate
representation of the LGBTQ+ community. In anticipation of breaking stigma,
taboo and normalizing one's feelings for themselves and the world.

By Smrithi Vaikuntam
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
ff
ff
ff
fi
fi
ff