LGBTQ+ Films and the Indian Legal System

Fire (1996) is widely regarded as the first mainstream Indian film to feature a gay protagonist. The film tells the story of two married women who fall in love with each other.

Aligarh (2015) was banned by the CBFC for its portrayal of homosexuality. The film is based on the real-life story of Aligarh Muslim University professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was suspended from his job after he was accused of being gay.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India recognized the rights of transgender individuals in the landmark case of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India. The Court held that transgender individuals have the right to self-identification, the right to change their name and gender on official documents, and the right to access education, employment, and healthcare.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues. The film tells the story of a lesbian woman who comes out to her family and friends.

Njan Marykutty (2018) is the first Indian film to feature a transgender protagonist. The film tells the story of a transgender woman who undergoes gender reassignment surgery and faces discrimination from her family and society.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017) was banned by the CBFC for its portrayal of a lesbian relationship. The film tells the story of four women who are struggling against the patriarchal norms of Indian society.

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020) was praised by critics for its sensitive portrayal of a gay relationship. The film tells the story of a gay couple who face opposition from their families and society.

Bombay Talkies (2013) was the first Indian film to feature a gay kiss. The film is an anthology of four short films, one of which tells the story of a gay couple who kiss each other.

Njan Marykutty (2018) is the first Indian film to feature a transgender character in a lead role. The film tells the story of a transgender woman who undergoes gender reassignment surgery and faces discrimination from her family and society.

Fire (1996) is the first Indian film to feature a lesbian character in a lead role. The film tells the story of two married women who fall in love with each other.

My Brother Nikhil (2005) is the first Indian film to feature a gay character in a lead role. The film tells the story of a young man who comes out to his family and friends.

Fire (1996) is the first Indian film to feature a transgender character in a supporting role. The film tells the story of two married women who fall in love with each other. The transgender character is played by Shabana Azmi.

My Brother Nikhil (2005) is the first Indian film to feature a gay character in a supporting role. The film tells the story of a young man who comes out to his family and friends. The gay character is played by Purab Kohli.

Fire (1996) is the first Indian film to feature a lesbian character in a supporting role. The film tells the story of two married women who fall in love with each other. The lesbian character is played by Nandita Das.

Fire (1996) is the first Indian film to feature a transgender character in a cameo role. The film tells the story of two married women who fall in love with each other. The transgender character is played by Shabana Azmi.