‘We need more queer filmmakers’

Bengaluru: Accurate representation of the LGBTQ community in mainstream cinema and TV shows is important, said panellists at a session titled ‘It’s Love, Actually: A Queer vision’. Speaking at the session held as part of the fifth edition of Times Litfest in Bengaluru on Sunday,

Apsara Reddy

, the Indian National Congress’s first transgender office-bearer said she has problems with the portrayal of

transpersons

on Indian TV shows.

“I have issues with the way transgender women and gay individuals are presented on TV shows and in cinema. We need more

queer filmmakers

to come forward and make movies,” said Apsara. Her co-panellist, former journalist Sharif Rangnekar, agreed that there’ve been very few or no accurate representations of queer characters in mainstream cinema.

“We haven’t seen love stories of gay couples or any kind of representation which comes close to the diversity of the whole community. The censor board must rise above homophobia and play a much bigger role,” said Rangnekar.

Reddy also said that several policy changes are needed to ensure that transpersons have access to equal opportunities. Speaking about the role of family, Reddy said, “For any parent in India, it is difficult to accept the drastic choice you are going to make, especially when it comes to gender transitioning. It’s the child’s responsibility to educate parents because your journey and your focus may not be very clear to them.”