How does it matter if your child is a boy or girl or a homosexual as long as he or she is ‘your own kid’? People accept physically challenged, mentally challenged, deformed or special kids with arms wide open, then why not accept a Gay or a Lesbian? Is life all about sexual orientation?
It is not about Sexual orientation, it is about the choice that you make…
Who says Gays or anyone from the LGBT community can’t progress in life? Sushant Divgikar won the Mr Gay India accolade in 2014 and represented India at the Mr Gay World 2014 and won several awards there too. He was the first Indian to win these honours at a young age as he was just 24 years old then. Later in 2014, he entered the reality show ‘Big Boss Season 8’ as a celebrity contestant. He also hosted a web show called ‘Backseat with Sushant’ which was directed by ex-head MTV Cyrus Oshidar. A model, singer, karaoke specialist, dancer, VJ, host and profound orator, Sushant has paved his way far beyond his sexual orientation to success and self-respect. He claims, “I am Gay, so what? How does it matter to you? It is my choice; don’t I have the right to choose my style of living?”
Parents and friends play a major role more than society…
Parents are the ones who affect a child’s life profusely be it a kid, teen or even an adult. Often, kids and teens confide in them after going through all their peer groups and close pals. “When a parent accepts you the way are, it gives you the confidence to face the unwelcoming society. Friends also act as significant players because as teenagers and youth we are more comfortable with friends than parents,” he highlights.
Come out of the closet…
It is difficult to come out of the closet and accept yourself the way you are. He believes, “My father and mother accepted me willingly when I revealed my sexual orientation to them. This boosted my morale to a great extent because the ones who mattered to me had embraced me lovingly, so I didn’t care about the rest of the world who didn’t even know me.”
But this is not the case with everyone, a lot of youngsters and teens today commit suicide because they are not accepted by their near ones due to their sexual orientation and their choice of living. Sushant believes that life is worth much more, and nobody can get back your life once you end it. Suicide is a grave end, and death is the only thing in this world that cannot be replaced.
Do not Fake it to Make it…
A celebrity at the young age of 25, Sushant still makes his way in an autorickshaw or a BEST bus. While a lot of celebrities in India find it, middle class, to travel in public transport, Sushant believes in being humble and true to himself in every little thing. “Travelling in an autorickshaw does not make you small or poor. You are still the same celebrity. And everybody, be it a celebrity or a star has reached the point of honour and fame only after travelling through these phases of life when faced with poverty. Nobody has become a celebrity overnight,” he admits.
Fashion is how you wear and carry it more than what you wear…
Mumbai is known to be a sole hub of fashion accessories, clothing and attires. Sushant, being a Fashion Model himself, wears both branded and simple clothes. He picks up clothing from Hill Road and Link Road and from branded stores too. “You should always buy according to your budget. Because at the end of the day it is your pocket that is crunched just for a little showoff. Fashion depends on how you carry yourself more than which brands you carry,” he explains.
Be hungry for knowledge and prune yourself…
Having spent his childhood, teenage and his youth in Bandra, Sushant has been a Bandra boy as he studied in AVM School at Bandra West. Further, he completed his graduation in Psychology from Mithibai College. But his wit and hunger for knowledge didn’t stop there; he then gained a Masters Degree in Industrial Psychology from Mumbai University and today conducts Corporate training sessions and gender awareness during his free time. He also uses his public speaking skills to spread awareness about the LGBT community and hosts various events for the same.
Be straightforward, ignore a few and prove yourself to the rest…
Discrimination, downfall and mockery are all a part of life. In this competitive world, we often find the ‘Crab effect’ where people try to pull each other down. They just can’t see others succeeding in life. Sushant too faced some kind of discrimination when he entered the entertainment industry. He encourages, “There will always be people who will make fun of you but just ask yourself – ‘Do they matter?’ In fact, you should use this mockery positively, prove yourself to them and emerge victorious. Talent speaks for itself so be candid and maintain your self-respect.”
Unity lacks in the LGBT community…
The LGBT community in India is now gaining some kind of space and respect in the society due to various laws and policies implemented by the government. Still, India has a long way to go. The corporate and professional industry has still not accepted Eunuchs. A lot of Gay and Lesbian celebrities too are hiding their sexual orientation. He admits, “The LGBT community has a lot of indifference, jealousy and politics within, this should wipe out so that we can stand as one family against the rest.”
A masterpiece of the Almighty filled with spell bound talent, a combination of beauty with brains, a humble celebrity who has tasted the highest point of success yet has his feet grounded, Sushant Divgikar is a true inspiration for all the youngsters who are still hiding their sexual orientation. “Be what you are instead of being what you are not. Don’t live as someone else. You are special and unique in your own way,” concludes Sushant Divgikar.
