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

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 Covid19 pandemic lockdownsThe 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 clubrsquos patrons in fact the entire neighbourhood revolted for six days against them for continuously raiding and harassing the LGBTQIA communityTo 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 1969After 52 years the world has changed in many ways and rightfully so As of January 2021 29 countries allow samesex 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 itHere are some Instagram accounts you can follow to learn more about the LGBTQ community in IndiaThe Queer Muslim Project thequeermuslimprojectStarted 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 lsquocounter queerphobia and Muslim hate one story at a timersquo the account explores what it is to be Muslim and queer mdash to be marginalised on two counts mdash in the world today People from around the world share their stories Reading about their journeys from being kicked out of home to finding selfacceptance inspires empathy and hopeYaariyan yaariyan_lgbtqYaariyan 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 fieldYes We Exist yesweexistindiaIf 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 visagravevis the LGBTQIA community in IndiaLGBTQAIP Plus History of India lgbthistoryindiaEven 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 countryrsquos relationship with the communityGaysi Family gaysifamilyGaysi 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 allPink List India pinklistindiaCalling 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 prisonLGBT India lgbt_indiaWith over 14800 followers at last count this group focusses on being ldquowith and forrdquo 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 communityAlso Read Read these books to understand the queer experience better