‘Films should treat queers with dignity’

Lucknow: How stereotyping transgender characters in Indian cinema as caricatures and sources of comedy continue to persist was the central theme of a symposium on ‘Advancing Understanding on the Queer Community: Sensitisation and Awareness' held at Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University on Monday.The event was organised in collaboration with Suramya Life Foundation. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion on ‘How Queer Community wants to be represented in Indian Cinema.' "Cinema has the power to normalise and educate, but when we are reduced to caricatures, it reinforces harmful stereotypes," said Jermayah Jacob, a transwoman and an activist.Ramkali, founder of Basera, also a transwoman, added, "Representation is not just about visibility, it's about dignity." "It's time filmmakers use their craft to represent the queer community with dignity, depth, and authenticity," said filmmaker Onir. Social welfare minister Asim Arun, former senior administrator in the planning and finance departments, Arvind Narayan Mishra, professor emeritus of Lucknow University, Nishi Pandey and producer of IQK Media, Iqbal Kidwai were present at the event sponsored by High Commission of Canada in India and NTPC.Lucknow: How stereotyping transgender characters in Indian cinema as caricatures and sources of comedy continue to persist was the central theme of a symposium on ‘Advancing Understanding on the Queer Community: Sensitisation and Awareness' held at Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University on Monday.The event was organised in collaboration with Suramya Life Foundation. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion on ‘How Queer Community wants to be represented in Indian Cinema.' "Cinema has the power to normalise and educate, but when we are reduced to caricatures, it reinforces harmful stereotypes," said Jermayah Jacob, a transwoman and an activist.Ramkali, founder of Basera, also a transwoman, added, "Representation is not just about visibility, it's about dignity." "It's time filmmakers use their craft to represent the queer community with dignity, depth, and authenticity," said filmmaker Onir. Social welfare minister Asim Arun, former senior administrator in the planning and finance departments, Arvind Narayan Mishra, professor emeritus of Lucknow University, Nishi Pandey and producer of IQK Media, Iqbal Kidwai were present at the event sponsored by High Commission of Canada in India and NTPC.