First LGBT taxi service in Mumbai

Transgender social activist Chamcham Gajbhiye admits that the incident has truly shaken her up. Her voice trembles as she shares candidly, “They were punished because there is a certain group that is convinced that homosexuals are sinful people bringing disgrace to the rest of the so-called normal society. My biggest fear now is: what will stop others, who are equally intolerant, from following suit and using the pretext of religion or mental instability or just eccentricity to pull off something so heinous? How do we as a vulnerable group ensure our safety?”

But it’s not all so dismal insists Uttam Baba, one of the leaders of the Hijra community, who is convinced that such acts of cowardice against humanity also bring out the best in others.
“Undoubtedly the ghastly killings have scarred the entire LGBT community across the world. But, at the same time, it has also been heartening to see so many people from across the spectrum come out and offer their support by donating blood, helping to evacuate the injured and rallying around those that are physically or mentally traumatised,” says Uttam.

Delhi Queer Pride 2015 ( photo credit Indian Express)

Of course, as the shock gives way to anxiety and fear for their lot, Chandrani beings to focus an important issue: he feels it’s time to ensure that such vicious instances against the LGBT community are curtailed in the future. “Once the raw edge of grief subsides strong action must be taken, which will prove to be sure shot deterrents for people like Omar Mateen. It also means ensuring that guns aren’t so freely available. Till the time such stringent steps are taken, the community around the world, and especially in the West, will not be able to live in peace.”

Agreeing with Chandrani’s observations and call for action, Prince Manvendra Singh, the first royal to come out of the closet in India, who, incidentally, was visiting the US to participate in the LA Pride Parade when the Orlando shooting took place, says, “More than anything else, the reigning emotion among most of the members of the LGBT community in the US today is anger. In fact, this callous and barbaric act has strengthened their resolve to fight the hatred and bias with greater determination.”

Prince Manvendra first gay Indian royal

Ask him if the local LGBT community is hesitant to step up in public after the carnage and Manvendra replies, “On the contrary, in fact. The incident has toughened the willpower of the American gay community. They are more willing than ever to accept their sexuality and stand by one another. We all realise that whether we are in a so-called progressive nation or in a more conservative developing world, our fight is the same and far from over. To secure equal social status, we still have a long way ahead and the path is not easy. However, one thing is for certain: there will be no backing down.”

Uttam Baba adds, “The reality is that the deep-seated aversion for LGBT people and their chosen lifestyle cuts across social, geographical and cultural boundaries. And if people are fed with false information things go from bad to worse. Today, governments must understand that not only do they have to fight terror and its perpetrators, they also have to fight bigotry and skewed belief systems; they have to defend every human being’s right to live and exercise their choices freely.”

This gory incident has certainly stirred some strong emotions, brought hidden concerns to the fore, and served as a wake-up call to many among the LGBT community. And there is a consensus that seems to have emerged in its aftermath – that there is a need to stay united and fight the menace of hatred and bias, head-on. As Chamcham signs off, “One thing is certain we will not be intimidated in the face of such cowardly acts. We will fight our battles with double the vigour and will not give up our right to be as free and happy as any other person in this world.”