Pride Month: Representation of the LGBTQIA+ community on Malayalam TV

The month of June is widely observed as the pride month of the LGBTIQA+ community. Malayalam TV has always been at the forefront in supporting the community and the representations have received much praise too. From the first transgender reality show contestant Jazz D’Souza to Aanpirannol, the serial which portrays the life of a transman, there is a lot to be proud of on Malayalam TV.

In 2016, the popular dance reality show, 'D 4 Dance' welcomed the first-ever transgender contestant, Jazz D'Souza. The Mumbai-based dancer left everyone awed and indeed proud with her journey in the show.

Actress Anjali Ameer became the first transgender to enter Bigg Boss Malayalam. In the first season of the show, she joined the team as a wildcard entrant. Though she walked out of the show midway due to health issues, she managed to create an impact.

The celebrity show, 'Suryajodi No1' welcomed two transgenders as contestants in 2020. Harini and Deepthi, who are known for their modeling stint, created a huge impact with their performances as well as strong statements in the show.

Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 team surely deserves applause for the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The teaser showcases the different 'preferences' of people was much appreciated by fans. In the video, both a man and woman can be seen sharing their wish to get married to a 'beautiful girl'.

In the fourth season of Bigg Boss Malayalam, the team welcomed two lesbians Aparna Mulberry and Jasmine as contestants. The duo opened up about their love stories in the house and it was well accepted by the Malayali community. Notably, Aparna, who is also a US citizen, is married to her lady love, Amrita Sri.

Magician Aswin Vijayan, who was a contestant in Bigg Boss Malayalam 4, came out as gay in the house. In a private conversation with Jasmine and Aparna, he said he is gay but prefers to be in the closet. However, later, in the show he revealed his life story of falling in love with a temple priest.

Riyas Salim, who proudly calls himself an ally of the community could educate the Malayali community well in Bigg Boss Malayalam 4. During the call canter task in the show, he explained the acronym, LGBTQIA+ and it received applause from different quarters.

For the first time in the history of Malayalam TV, the life of a transman is depicted in a serial. 'Aanpirannol' starring Riya, showcases the hardships of a woman in her transformation into a man. Notably, the show also had trans actors namely Kajal, playing lead roles in the show.

Contestant Anjuz Rosh also came out in Bigg Boss Malayalam. The aspiring actress who calls herself a tomboy, opened up that he is romantically attracted to girls. She also narrated her five-year-long love story with a girl in the show.