All-inclusive

In a country with 1.3 billion citizens, where identifying as LGBTQIA is a criminal offence and highly sigmatised but there is a bright side to the story growing up alongside. The capital saw trans models, models with disability and drag queens by some of the best names in the fashion industry, such as

Rohit Bal and Pallavi Mohan at Kitty Su.

“The shooting at a gay pub in Orlando made us realise we need to open more inclusive spaces all over the world, and especially in India,” said Monish, who choreographed the Under the Rainbow event.

The trans models were trained by Reena Rai, a heterosexual woman who started the Trans Queen India pageant in 2016. She says platforms like these are important to give visibility to the community. This is why she is taking her next show to an altogether different level, she adds.

This show also featured Alex Matthew, who wants to fight against inequality towards individualism, gender equality and feminism.

Such events redefine set society norms and can make a difference in changing the perception of individuals.

Photos: Pankaj Kumar