LGBT community goes in a huddle as gay youngster commits suicide in the city

In a world where comedienne Ellen DeGeneres receives America’s highest civilian honour for her influence on the gay rights moment, singer Ricky Martin announces engagement to his boyfriend and straight people love to participate in boisterous and colourful gay pride parades without any qualms, there lies another side of this evolved scenario. The scary fact is that beneath all these success stories, lies a bitter reality of extremely high suicide rate among the LGBT youngsters that hurts their fight for equality.In Nagpur, quite a few LGBT members have come out in the open, but there are many who still find death more comforting than leading a dual life. Recent death of a gay city youngster Rohan (name changed) proves it yet again...
Shocking statistics
His friends reveal that 19-year-old Rohan was being blackmailed by a mischief-monger of the homosexual community, who threatened to share his intimate pictures with his family members who were unaware of his sexual orientation. Unable to bear the continuous harassment, Rohan decided to slit his wrist on Saturday. He was immediately rushed to Mayo Hospital, where he battled for life and finally breathed his last on Sunday. The statistics reveal that there are many who suffer in silence, says gay rights activist Anand Chandrani who adds, “According to our official data, the number of LGBT youngsters who committed suicide in last six months is 7, but unofficially the number is much more. Unfortunately, such cases are rising in city despite growing acceptance of LGBT people.”
Coming out is important
Experts believe that coming out of the closet can help many of these LGBT youngsters. Clinical psychologist and faculty member of Tirpude College Swati Dharmadhikari says, “I am saddened by the fact that youngsters from gay community seclude themselves and don’t want to open up to us. Looking at the current scenario, our college has formed a support group for LGBT students wherein they can come and share their problems with our friendly counsellors.” But youngsters have their own fears and reasons to stay in the closet. A 28-year old gay youth refusing to identify himself says, “On many occasions, I tried to commit suicide as for long I felt that I don’t fit in this society. Plus, I am under constant pressure from my family to get married as they know nothing of my sexual orientation. What stops me from coming out is the fear that I will become an object of ridicule. But now, I’m planning to come out because the pressure to get married is bogging me down.”
Forming a support group
It is the fear of rejection and bullying that push these youngsters towards the ultimate silence, and gay rights activists are forming support groups to stop this suicidal epidemic. “Seeing the rise of suicide rate in city among these youngsters, we are planning to start a helpline number to provide free counselling,” says Anand. He also adds, “We have social media pages where youngsters can message us and our volunteers will reach out to them for help when they need it.”