Representation of Queer and Transgender Persons in Indian

Representation of queer and
transgender persons in Indian

cinema/television
Group - 26
• Introduction
• Historical context
• Queer representation in Indian cinema and

television
Topics Covered • Challenges and controversies
• Impact of representation on society
• Future of queer and transgender

representation in Indian cinemas
Introduction
• In a country like India where cinema has the potential to shape the
perception of majority, realistic films about the LGBT community
will have a massive positive impact on the mindsets of the people.
• These representations have struggled to dismantle societal taboos or
challenge traditional beliefs, failing to shift perceptions effectively.
• The struggle is to find a space in society where gender non conformity is not
being condemned as abnormal.
• Gender non-conformity faces hurdles in finding acceptance due to prevalent
stereotypes perpetuated by films, impacting societal views passed down
through generations.
• Realistic depictions in films could significantly impact mindsets, fostering a
more accepting and open-minded society toward gender diversity.
2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 3

Historical context
In early stages of Indian Cinema, queer and transgender characters were shown through stereotypical, often for
comic relief or portrayed as villains, reinforcing societal biases and misconceptions.
• The first movie, which represented LGBTQ+

characters was “Badnam Basti”(1971)
directed by Prem Kapoor.
• But the movie disappeared into oblivion soon

after a limited release. The A-rated title is not
mentioned in the Encyclopaedia of Indian
Cinema. No print exists, even at the National
Film Archive of India

Historical context
After that , Films like "Fire" (1996) , "My Brother... Nikhil" (2005) and “Memories in March” addressed LGBTQ+
themes more seriously, but they were met with controversy and censorship due to societal norms and
conservative attitudes prevalent in India at the time.

Historical context
"Memories in March" was the first movie to cast an LGBTQ+ artist Rituparno Gosh, challenging stereotypes that
raised awareness and empathy for the community in Indian society.
As time went on, more films began to tell stories that more
positively portrayed LGBTQ+ individuals. 2018 saw a
modification to Section 377 of the law, which declared that
homosexuality is not illegal
This created new opportunities for more authentic and diverse
representations of queer and transgender individuals in Indian
media

Queer Representation in Indian Cinema and
Television – Case Studies
1. Kanchana
• The film is notable for its portrayal of LGBTQ themes,

particularly the transgender community.
• The film challenges stereotypes associated with transgender
individuals and addresses the societal discrimination they
often face.
• It also addresses the societal prejudices against the
transgender community, highlighting their struggles and the
importance of acceptance.
• It goes beyond the supernatural elements to deliver a
powerful message about empathy, understanding,
and equal rights.
2. Shubh Mangal
Zyada Saavdhan
• The film addresses the struggles of LGBTQ individuals,

emphasizing the importance of family acceptance and
the normalization of diverse sexual orientations and
challenging societal norms.
• It stands as a significant step in mainstream cinema
towards inclusive storytelling, advocating for love and
acceptance beyond traditional expectations.
• The movie also showcases the generation gap in
understanding the LGBTQ issues.
3. Romil & Jugal
• This Series stands out for its positive and authentic

portrayal of a same-sex relationship.
• The series not only challenges stereotypes associated
with LGBTQ characters but also serves as a poignant
narrative advocating for inclusivity and equal
representation in mainstream media.
• The series contributes to breaking down societal barriers
and fostering a more understanding and accepting
society.
• The series received positive impact on the LGBTQ
community by providing authentic representation and a
relatable narrative.
Challenges and Controversies
• One of the biggest challenges is the limited representation of queer and transgender individuals in Indian
media. This has led to a misunderstanding and stereotypes, fostering discrimination due to insufficient
awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Negative portrayals in Indian media of queer and transgender

characters, often depicted as villains or subjects of ridicule,
perpetuate harmful stereotypes and disrespect toward the LGBTQ+
community.
• Indian media's limited portrayal of diverse narratives within the
LGBTQ+ community overlooks the multifaceted experiences and
stories of queer and transgender individuals, failing to capture their
true diversity.

• These shortcomings contribute to reinforcing the idea that queer and transgender
people are undeserving of respect and dignity, fuelling misconceptions and limiting
understanding.
• Strict Indian censorship restricts accurate portrayal of queer and transgender characters
in media, pressuring filmmakers to conform to societal norms and avoid controversy,
hindering authentic representation

Impact of Representation on Society
• In India, Representation of queer and transgender individuals on media significantly influences societal
attitudes, policies and is pivotal in shaping an accepting society for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Portrayals of queer and transgender individuals in Indian

media have shattered stereotypes and societal taboos by
presenting them as multifaceted, layered characters.
• These representations have played a pivotal role in

challenging narrow-minded perceptions, offering a more
nuanced view of their identities and lives.

• Through showcasing the complexities of their experiences, media has fostered greater empathy and
understanding among audiences, humanizing their struggles and successes.
• The increased visibility of queer and transgender persons in

Indian cinema and television has significantly contributed to
a shift in societal acceptance and acknowledgment of their
realities.
• By highlighting their stories, media has aided in breaking

down barriers, fostering compassion, and promoting a more
inclusive narrative in society.

Future of Queer and Transgender
Representation in Indian Media
• The representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television has come a long way,
but there is still a long way to go.
• As society becomes more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, it is important that media reflects this
change.
• It is important that queer and transgender characters are played by queer and transgender actors. This
not only provides more accurate representation, but also provides opportunities for these actors to
showcase their talent.
• Queer and transgender stories should be told by queer and transgender writers and directors. This
ensures that the stories are told in an authentic and respectful manner.

Thank you

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Representation of queer and

transgender persons in Indian

• Queer representation in Indian cinema and

Topics Covered • Challenges and controversies

• Impact of representation on society

• Future of queer and transgender

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 3

• The first movie, which represented LGBTQ+

• But the movie disappeared into oblivion soon

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 4

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 5

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 6

• The film is notable for its portrayal of LGBTQ themes,

• The film addresses the struggles of LGBTQ individuals,

• This Series stands out for its positive and authentic

• Negative portrayals in Indian media of queer and transgender

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 11

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 12

• Portrayals of queer and transgender individuals in Indian

• These representations have played a pivotal role in

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 13

• The increased visibility of queer and transgender persons in

• By highlighting their stories, media has aided in breaking

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 14

2023 Representation of queer and transgender persons in Indian cinema/television 15

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