ALTBalaji head Ekta Kapoor took to Twitter to respond to trolls who’ve been questioning the platform’s recent LGBTQ-themed shows, A Married Woman and His Storyy. Both these back-to-back releases explore same-sex relationships. While the former has garnered praise since its premiere in March, His Storyy is set to release this month.

Emphasising the importance of silver screen representation of the LGBTQ community, she added,

That’s how marginalized and lowly represented stories of the LGBT community are. Acceptance for all kinds of love and ALTernate storytelling is what we, at ALTBalaji wish to showcase with our stories! Our recent launch, #TheMarriedWoman has been loved and appreciated by all! We’re humbled with the response of the audience and critics alike on our same gender love story! Here’s hoping, our next show, #HisStoryy also makes a place in your hearts and helps people out there who are scared to be true to themselves.

Ekta Kapoor, producer of LGBTQ-themed shows The Married Woman and His Storyy

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Kapoor further explained how staying closeted can be claustrophobic, and how normalising these love stories is a step in the right direction. She also drew upon a dialogue from The Married Woman to express her beliefs.

Staying closeted could be claustrophobic, in a world where accepting one’s sexuality and gender choice is a constant struggle, let’s normalize these love stories one step at a time. Thank you India for giving us this support and acceptance in this alternative storytelling space. As our favourite dialogue from #TheMarriedWoman goes- “Love is beyond everything. It’s beyond sexuality. It’s beyond conditioning. It’s beyond gender” #LoveIsLove

Here’s how Twitter responded

Most Twitterati stood in support of Ekta Kapoor’s statement, giving the trolls close to no room to retort.

Why are we still questioning LGBTQ-themed shows and representation?

We wish we could say that we’ve come a long way since the scrapping of Section 377 in 2018 but such instances are a harsh reality check. The fact that Ekta Kapoor had to come forward to defend the release of just two LGBTQ-themed shows is shameful. Isn’t it time we move forward from our performative activism of Instagram stories and tweets?

Representational image of an LGBTQ protest

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The LGBTQIA+ community’s struggle for basic rights and representation extends beyond the realms of pride parades and consumerist brand activism.

Related: 27 Pictures From Pride Month Celebrations Around The World Which Will Fill Your Heart With Joy

Are LGBTQ-themed shows and films the ultimate solution? Absolutely not. But they are definitely a step forward. In a celeb-crazed nation like ours, inclusive storytelling may have the potential to influence the masses. As Ekta reiterated, love is love. Let’s not resist any opportunity to move towards becoming a more empathetic and accepting society.

Don’t forget to check out the trailers for The Married Woman and His Storyy.

 

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