Entertainment /
Anouk’s Lesbian TV Ad
Anouk's latest video advertisement makes you think twice about queer sexuality in South Asian culture.
Homosexuality has been a forbidden topic of discussion in the South Asian cultural context for centuries. It's also considered an unacceptable "lifestyle" and "way of living" by people who still cling to their ancient cultural ideals. But for those of you who still view India as a country living in the past, Anouk's latest video advertisement will make you think again. In fact, it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air!
While South Asian society may struggle to accept the LGBTQ community, Anouk's latest advertisement shows that queer sexualities and identities do exist, and there are many South Asians who aren't afraid to showcase them. What makes this ad bold? It showcases a young lesbian couple in love and preparing to meet the parents. This ad further substantiates the concept of queer love because these two woman are commited and in a lasting relationship rather than a frivolous demonic act, as some may still consider queer relationships.
In 2013, India’s Supreme Court undid the 2009 Delhi High Court’s repealing of the 1861 colonial law (Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code) decriminalizing homosexuality. Section 377 was reinstated and homosexuality was criminalized once again, a step back in equal rights for people who identify as LGBTQ.
Anouk’s ad comes on the heels of a video ad released by the United Nations as part of their Free & Equal campaign that featured Celina Jaitly. In the video, two men, at first presumably straight, later join in matrimony via a big-budget Bollywood musical.
Anouk’s ad is a hopeful and necessary step toward battling the exclusionary and homophobic attitudes facing the LGBTQ community in India and abroad.
Featured Image:
Video Still From Anouk Ad
Daniel Pillai
Author
Daniel is the Digital Media Manager for ANOKHI MEDIA and the host for ANOKHI's entertainment channel, PULSE TV. As part of the dream team, Daniel manages all multiple channels under ANOKHI’s portfolio, while also training new on-air talent, and showing budding p...
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