Queer characters are no longer just comic relief; they are being taken seriously now

Queer characters are no longer just comic relief; they are being taken seriously now

- SREYA DEB

Widely considered profane, films with queer themes and queer representation are now receiving quite an anonymous response. Queerness and queer representation in films, both in Indian cinema and abroad, have now become a matter of great respect and pride, as they should. Films with queer themes were being made sporadically then, as they are now, with likely just as many critics as they had then as well. However, the taboo around their making, and the inclusion of queer persons and characters in the film industries appears to be ebbing.

This Pride Month, the Australian High Commission and PVR Inox screened The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, directed by Stephan Elliott. An Australian musical drama made in 1994, the film made its mark when it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival that year. "In recognition of the important role that cinema's storytelling can play in shaping perspectives, reflecting cultures and driving social change, the screening of the iconic film during Pride Month is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, when it sashayed onto screens worldwide," said Australian High Commissioner Philip Green.

As for the Indian film industry, movies like Fire starring Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das in 1996 showed an intimate relationship between two women, My Brother... Nikhil in 2010 spoke of HIV/AIDS awareness, as well as