Instagram has emerged as a safe space for people to share their lives, and especially so for the Indian LGBTQI community who remain under the rule of the archaic Section 377, that criminalises their love.
TLC has been watching the Insta-space and found 10 of India’s young and fearless accounts run by members of the LGBTQI community who raise their voice, showcase their talents and let the world know that silence is not an option they’re willing to consider.
From the many Indian queer Instagram accounts that are downright gorgeous, moving and deserving of support, here are 10 of TLC’s favourites:
1. roro_love_makeup
Professional makeup artist Rohit Singh’s Instagram account is a haven for makeup lovers and artists alike. Why it earns a spot on this list, is that be it runway or bridal makeup, the artist is on the way to busting all kinds of gender stereotypes by giving gender neutral makeup a prominent space in his collection.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYDiRMzHdzq/?taken-by=roro_love_makeup
2. artwhoring
This artist-poet from Mumbai has a super active Instagram account featuring her stunning illustrations, many of which are accompanied by poetry.
Artwhoring’s account directly reflects the illustrator’s ideological leanings: she’s a proud feminist, supports mental health and body positivity, and is a dedicated supporter and advocate for all things Queer.
3. amra.odbhuth
The Instagram account of a unique Kolkata-based queer-friendly cafe and art space, Amra Odbhuth Queer Cafe, resonates with empathy, openness and overall queer-positivity.
Apart from featuring some very cool artwork, this account is an excellent source of information about the cafe’s the queer-friendly event.
4. mayathedragqueen
When she’s not busy delivering drag performances, Maya, a Malayalee drag queen based out of Bangalore, is also managing an active Instagram account. For an insight into Maya’s life, photos from her performances and details about upcoming shows, follow her and learn a little something about the drag performance scene in India.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZOsFK2DJBm/?taken-by=mayathedragqueen
5. kawaiibloggerchan
Featuring bold, daring and gorgeous pictures of the cross-dressing ‘runaway muse’ as he calls himself, Taksh Sharma’s Instagram blog sure is a treat for the eyes, busting all kinds of stereotypes about gender and sexuality. The account’s message for followers is clear: have the courage to be yourself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbFid6Mhe4e/?taken-by=kawaiibloggerchan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZLC7wfgcDx/?taken-by=kawaiibloggerchan
6. gaylaxymag
The Instagram handle of Galaxy Magazine reflects the content and tone of this LGBTQIA publication. It celebrates the triumphs and aspirations of India’s queer community and chronicles its many achievements and victories while highlighting the challenges that members of the queer community face every day.
7. yaariyan_lgbtq
A unique group of people identifying as queer or allies, Yaariyan’s Instagram blog is a bubble of positivity, spreading messages of love and countering hate speech and violence of all forms.
8. vqueer
Delhi’s academic circles associate Vqueeram Aditya Sahai with his firm stance as an LGBTQIA supporter. We additionally know him as a sartorial sensation. Trust: his style is on point. His Insta blog gives you a great insight into his life, beliefs and ideology.
9. avaniartproject
This Instagram handle is the embodiment of trans-positivity. Aiming to empower and encourage India’s highly stigmatised trans community through visual arts and socially inclusive experiments, this handle gives much-needed visibility to India’s minority trans-community.
10. queerkala
Queerkala, a platform for artists identifying as queer to showcase their talent, has a vibrant Instagram account, thrumming with queer positivity. Bonus: you can catch pictures of some beautiful artwork on this blog.
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