Pride Month: Follow these Instagram accounts to learn about India’s LGBTQIA+ community

Why is Pride Month celebrated in June each year? What happened in Greenwich Village in 1969? What is homocapitalism? Which Indian politicians support Pride? These handles can help you understand all this and more

June is celebrated as Pride Month annually in support of the LGBTQIA+ community around the world. While there are many different activities, marches and events held every year, Pride Month has been visibly different in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. 

The history of Pride Month being celebrated in June goes back to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which took place on June 28 in New York City, after police raided a gay club called Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village. But what took the cops by surprise was that all the club’s patrons, in fact the entire neighbourhood, revolted for six days against them for continuously raiding and harassing the LGBTQIA+ community. 

To mark this successful revolution, which many consider a catalyst for the conversation on LGBTQIA+ rights not only in America, but around the world, the global community celebrates Pride Month throughout June since 1969. 

After 52 years, the world has changed in many ways, and rightfully so. As of January 2021, 29 countries allow same-sex marriage. With the rise of social media, there has been a far wider reach than ever before to not only support the community, but also to be better educated about it. 

Here are some Instagram accounts you can follow to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community in India: 

The Queer Muslim Project (@thequeermuslimproject) 
Started by gender and sexuality rights advocate Rafiul Alom Rahman, the Queer Muslim Project has been a breath of fresh air for Muslims from the community. With an aim to ‘counter queerphobia and Muslim hate, one story at a time’, the account explores what it is to be Muslim and queer — to be marginalised on two counts — in the world today. People from around the world share their stories. Reading about their journeys, from being kicked out of home to finding self-acceptance, inspires empathy and hope.

Yaariyan (@yaariyan_lgbtq) 
Yaariyan is an extension of The Humsafar Trust, which has been at the forefront of providing advocacy for the LGBTQAI+ community in India and the country. This Instagram account of the youth initiative not only celebrates the youth and people from the community by telling their stories but also has interactive education sessions. In the past, they have also spoken to several personalities from the community who have excelled in their field.

Yes, We Exist (@yesweexistindia)
If you want to be a better ally and are trying to learn more about the community, Yes, We Exist is a useful account to follow. They not only talk about the different identities and their various supporters but also call out instances of homophobia in culture and society. They have interactive sessions with their followers and keep them informed them about the latest developments on the law and political front vis-à-vis the LGBTQIA+ community in India. 

LGBTQAIP Plus History of India (@lgbthistoryindia)
Even though India decriminalised Section 377 in a historic judgment in 2018, many battles remain. Exploring the history of the community, the @lgbthistoryindia handle has a special focus on India, carrying a variety of snippets about queer history here, while also including experiences from Indian diasporas around the world. It gives a wide perspective of the country’s relationship with the community. 

Gaysi Family (@gaysifamily)
Gaysi Family is an account which aims to create a safe space for the desi LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories and problems. This includes coming out stories, failures and triumphs, through which they intend to give hope to others from the community. From active discussions with experts on intersectionality and inclusion to sharing erotic fiction, they have it all.

Pink List India (@pinklistindia)
Calling themselves the first archive of politicians supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, Pink List India not only talks about the community, but also focusses on politicians who have been supportive of them. They have a range of posts from encouraging fundraisers to educating people on vocabulary with snippets about subjects such as homocapitalism, and highlighting the case of Indians from the community who are currently in prison.

LGBT India (@lgbt_india)
With over 14,800 followers at last count, this group focusses on being “with and for” the community it serves. Their posts include guides on coming out, educating people about the LGBTQIA+ community, and sharing the experiences of those members who have had difficult lives. They even share active Telegram groups for seeking help. Besides discussing local laws and policies related to the community, they also feature the stories of celebrities like Elliot Page, Demi Lovato and Harry Styles, highlighting their beliefs and support for the community.

Also Read: Read these books to understand the queer experience better

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