‘We are not monsters’

Updated On: 12 June, 2023 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar

Panel discussion on queer rights in Asia shows change happening but challenges persist; stories of hope and heart amongst hate

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(From left) Miguel J, Sunil Babu Pant, Opera Tang, Avni and Muskaan . Pic/Sameer Markande

A panel discussion on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) rights in Asia brought together a host of panellists from India, Lebanon, Nepal and Singapore to highlight community rights in Asian countries. The freewheeling chat was on the sidelines of the Kashish Queer Film Festival that concluded at the Liberty Cinema at Marine Lines, on Sunday.

India

The moderator Shruta Amit Rawat began the discussion with transgender actor Muskaan and another transgender, Avni, on the panel. Muskaan is a Bhopal-based transgender person. She said in the beginning, “My body is that of a man, but my mind and heart is of a woman. Bhopal is a lovely place though people have narrow minds. We still live under a cloud of fear and life is difficult.” She detailed constant questioning about how she dresses and recounted abusive, mocking comments that cut deep. Muskaan advocated that one needs a strong sense of self to combat this. “When you win the inner fight, you can win any battle,” she said.

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