Queer Icons Share Self-Discovery
While society has made strides towards inclusivity, there remains an urgent need for open discussions on self-acceptance and the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Karan Johar and other Queer icons share their stories of self-discovery on Audible.
Karan Johar's Impact on LGBTQ+ Visibility and Acceptance
A household name in India, Karan Johar is known for directing and producing blockbuster movies that often revolve around themes of love, relationships, and family dynamics. While he has never admitted it publically, there have been speculations surrounding his sexual orientation.
Karan says he’s bringing queer conversations to the dinner table. Image supplied.
In his autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy, Karan dwells on how his movies with homosexual characters have helped people come out of the closet.
“People say that I make fun of and stereotype homosexuals. But…I’ve brought homosexuality to dining table discussions. I’ve received over a thousand emails and letters from gay boys and girls thanking me for making Dostana because […] now at least people know what the concept is.”
Youtuber Lilly Singh explores the social dynamics of coming out. Image supplied.
Reminiscing her brave act of officially coming out to her family, Indian YouTuber, Lilly Singh, discusses how people are expected to fit into the socially created categories, and doing otherwise can often raise questions.
Be a Triangle presents Lilly’s thoughts on self-love, sexuality, and societal norms.
"At the age of 30, I came out as bi-sexual to my family. It was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, and the lead-up to that moment was filled with anxiety. Out of fear that I would lose my words, I wrote my parents a letter, printed it out, and placed it in front of them,” she says of a moment that was filled with fear.
“In reality, my parents came into my room and hugged me,” she says.
Tan France’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Tanveer Wasim discusses the lives of prominent queer people.
Tanveer Wasim, aka Tan Frances is a creative powerhouse and queer icon is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and television personality.
The Queer Icon has been vocal about the rights of LGBTQ+ and has actively participated in pride activism.
In Tan France’s Queer Icons - he discusses the fascinating lives of prominent queer people from the 17-19th century, while sharing personal anecdotes on his journey to self-discovery.
“I understand this feeling of needing to escape and wanting to express yourself so greatly. I remember distinctly at the age of 16 desperately wanting to go to New York. That would be the place I could be myself, be openly gay and nobody would cause me any issues,” he says.
Sharan Dhaliwal on Embracing Personal Agency
Burning My Roti is an exploration of dealing with personal shame. Image supplied.
Sharan Dhaliwal founded one of the UK’s leading South-Asian culture magazines - Burnt Roti.
The journalist-turned-author is constantly pushing the envelope as a Queer Indian woman, diving into the facets of queer activism and societal issues. In this part memoir/part guide - Burning My Roti, Sharan chronicles chapters covering sexual and cultural identity, racial inequalities, and more.
Elaborating on her personal experience dealing with shame and moral policing head-on, she conveys her deepest emotions and thoughts on shame.
“The older I get the more is expected of me whether it is my career or personal life. I am expected to succeed the way only a woman can and that is usually with a family. Family aside, I am also expected to be aligned with a set of values and morals that are aligned with the older and somewhat defunct generation of women who have struggled,” she says.