LGBT cause finds insta-appeal

Raichur says she finds ignorance about sexual diversity shockingly rampant

If it is not on a social media wall then it is not the writing on the wall. Those who used concrete walls to voice concerns of their times are now using social media to reach out to people.

Activists, writers, journalists are using the platform to tell stories or create support for campaigns. Now, after the text- heavy spaces of Facebook and twitter, Instagram too is being used creatively.

Raichur uses Devnagri text to make the work more relatable to Indians

Bengaluru-based graphic designer, Anusha Raichur has started series of colourful illustrations on Instagram in August to support and spread awareness about the LGBT community in the country and the followers of the campaign are growing in numbers.

The 24-year-old says she chose Instagram as she considers it the best online medium to display art. "It's a great platform for photos and art. I love discovering new art on Instagram. It also helps reach a large audience. With the right hashtags Instagram is a great medium," she says.

Her influences range from Mughal miniatures

Her images are diverse with a generous use of colour and the influences range from Mughal miniatures to Spanish gay pride. There are close-ups of faces or even astronauts holding hands to show that they are gay. The text, explaining the pictures is in Hindi.

"I wanted it to be a little more relatable to the Indian community. This could catch the eye of any Indian. I wanted anyone to be able to read it," Raichur explains.

Spanish gay pride

Having been passionate about the LGBT issues, she is unhappy with the ignorance levels.

"First, let's hope that people are even aware of what LGBT is, what the difference is and the struggle these people go through. We imagine that we're well educated as a generation, but you'll be shocked at how many people I know out there who're nonchalant. I started this series because I essentially wanted to spread some awareness about the bisexual and the transgender community," she says.

Anusha Raichur

Putting things in context, she adds, "Just because the US has legalised same-sex marriage and just because we see LGBT issues being addressed more openly in the US media doesn't mean that we've come a long way here, that is something we fail to realise as a generation. Indians can't even come out to us 'modern lot' how can they possibly come out to their parents in this regressive country?" she signs off.

Log on to www.instagram.com/nushaxx