The acceptance of queer people within the South Asian community in the UK has seen significant evolution over the years.
Historically, traditional cultural values and religious beliefs have often posed challenges to full acceptance and understanding, leading to a complex environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Many have faced stigmatisation and pressure to conform to heteronormative expectations, resulting in a need for secrecy and suppression of their identities.
Project lead of The Open Minds of Project, Kuljit emphasised that in South Asian cultures, family and community play a central role in cultural life. He said, “Many LGBTQ+ individuals worry that revealing their identities to their families might lead to exclusion from these vital social circles. The relative invisibility of LGBTQ+ people in South Asian cultures exacerbates this issue, making it challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK to feel fully accepted as both LGBTQ+ and South Asian.”
“People of South Asian heritage in the UK have diverse migration histories and opportunities for integration, so it's important not to overgeneralise their LGBTQ+ experiences. While some find acceptance and integration, their stories are often unheard. Sexual and gender diversity has always existed in South Asian cultures and recognising these differences enriches our experiences and strengthens our communities. We need more allies within South Asian communities and better representation in arts and cultural spaces to foster positive change”, he added.
Founder of ‘Finding A Voice’, Khakan Qureshi BEM highlighted that the attitude depending upon the LGBTQ+ individuals vary from family to locality, in the UK. He said, “Some people tolerate us, whilst others accept us for who we are. But there are factions which want to ignore us or think we are a hindrance to the cycle of procreation. Within some sectors of the Muslim community, we are constantly perceived as being haram (forbidden) and a number of LGBTIQ+ individuals including myself, have received death threats and online abuse. However, I find that some Hindus and Sikh people have a better threshold, and seem to carry a “let them live and let live” attitude. Whilst this may seem controversial to many, the South Asian community still has a long way to go to acknowledge and accept that South Asian LGBTIQ+ individuals exist.”
Additionally, advocacy groups and support networks have emerged, offering safe spaces for queer South Asians to connect, share their experiences, and find solidarity. Khakan said, “Many South Asian LGBTIQ+ individuals and organisations tirelessly educate the wider community on acceptance and advocate for the Equality Act and UK laws to promote understanding and inclusion. Social support groups like the GIN network, Sarbat LGBT+ Sikhs, British Asian LGBTI, and my group, Finding A Voice, use recreational activities to foster change informally. Structured efforts by The Naz and Matt Foundation, Imaan LGBTIQ, and Hidayah involve campaigns, workshops, conferences, and events. Influential figures like Laks Mann, Asifa Lahore, and DJ Ritu also contribute through creative means, sparking discussion and socio-political change. Together, we strive to bring positive changes within the South Asian community.
