26 June 2023, Mumbai: Renowned veteran actor Zeenat Aman has taken to social media to share a heartfelt message in honour of Pride Month, addressing straight individuals, particularly those from older generations, who struggle to accept or deny the existence of queer identities. Posting on Instagram, she also identified herself as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and expressed her gratitude for being a part of the #searchforchange campaign initiated by Google India.
In her Instagram post, Zeenat Aman wrote a poignant message calling on straight individuals to break free from the chains of hate and ignorance. She acknowledged that, as a heterosexual person, she could not fully comprehend the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community but emphasised her commitment to supporting and standing with them.
The veteran actor shared a striking black and white photograph of herself alongside the caption, “Happy Pride Month, dear followers.” Zeenat further explained that when approached by Google India to participate in the campaign, she instinctively suggested involving someone from the LGBTQIA+ community, as they are best equipped to speak about their own experiences.
Zeenat Aman, who has had the privilege of befriending, knowing, and working with many talented and creative individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, directed her message towards those who struggle with accepting queer identities. She refuted the arguments often used against such relationships, such as cultural or natural justifications, highlighting that healthy cultures evolve and queer relationships exist among various species.
The acclaimed actor emphasised the importance of free will, expressing her confusion at anyone taking offence to personal choices that do no harm. Zeenat Aman advocated for a philosophy of “live and let live” and encouraged her audience to choose love over hate and reason over prejudice. She referenced the timeless Tagore poem, “Where the Mind is Without Fear,” which envisions a world where reason and thought prevail.In conclusion, Zeenat Aman urged those who harbour apprehensions about queerness not to be bound by the dead habit of hate or ignorance. She reminded them that times are always changing and that ignorance is a choice that can be rectified through knowledge and understanding. Zeenat encouraged individuals to utilise the tools at their disposal, such as searching for information on LGBTQIA+ topics and concepts, to foster personal growth and acceptance.
Zeenat Aman’s message serves as a reminder that acceptance and love should transcend all boundaries, promoting a society that embraces diversity and inclusion. As an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, her words carry substantial weight, inspiring others to reflect on their own biases and join the movement towards a more accepting and inclusive world.
By; Tanya Chantola