Say hello to Manvendra Singh Gohl, the only son of the King and Queen of India. And he’s gay!
The Prince is the first openly gay Indian royal. Unfortunately, though, since coming out a year ago – he has been disowned from his family.
It is sad and just wrong, but homosexuality is illegal in India and can be punishable with up to ten years in jail. As a result, it is estimated that 80% of gay men in India are married to women.
Many argue that the widespread denial of homosexuality inhibits education of safe sex practices, resulting in a rise in HIV and AIDS.
Says the Prince, “I came out because I wanted to show to the world that even a prince can be gay. I wanted people to discuss homosexuality, which was always considered taboo and a stigma…it’s been existing in India but no one talked about it.”
They’re sure talking now!
Click here for more of├é┬á├é┬áSingh Gohl’s story.