Pride Month is celebrated every June and it is dedicated to the upliftment of LGBTQ voices and the celebration of the culture and community across the globe. Also known as Gay Pride, it is celebrated in June as the events that led to the LGBTQ rights movement reportedly happened in June 1969 in New York City’s Greenwich Village, at the Stonewall Inn.

Now, as we are celebrating Pride Month, PeepingMoon.com spoke to Mozez Singh. The filmmaker has been an active voice for representation and equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Talking to us, he agreed that the community is misrepresented and while measures are taken to normalise it, we still have a long way to go. 

Excerpts from the interview:

Being a filmmaker, do you think cinema is a strong medium that can normalise LGBTQ in countries like India?
Yes, I do believe cinema has the strength to create positive and strong conversations about the LBGTQ community. It has the power to normalise what the community experiences. It has the power to treat the LGBTQ community as normal and not the 'other'. It is a part and parcel of our daily lives and universe. So it should be treated in that manner. Films are basically stories in motion and have the power to tell these amazing stories that everybody realises normalcy is the only way forward for the LGBTQ community and it should never be put in a box. 

Do you still feel the community is misrepresented?
Yes, the community is misrepresented in many ways. It is shown as weak, comical and many other wrong ways in which the LGBTQ community is represented. Having said that, there are many steps taken in order to restore normalcy and representation of the community and a lot of people are doing that as well. We still have a long way to go in completely representing the community in the most authentic way possible. 

What are the challenges a filmmaker has to face while making films on queer?
Frankly, I have not faced any challenges while making films on the queer community or stories. That might have been the case 10 years ago but everything has shifted now. The conversation has shifted, and the cultural landscape has shifted. Now is the time to tell such stories as the public is accepting them. This is a great sign and a way forward. 

The LGBTQA+ is an underrepresented community. Do you agree?
So, we don't know a lot of people who are a part of the LGBTQ community. But yes, there is a way to further enhance the power and prestige of the community for sure. 

Badhaai Do was a remarkable film revolving around lavender marriage..

Badhaai Do is one of my favourite films of the year. I loved how they handled it, I loved how it was made. It was a beautiful film and I am glad that it got made. I am proud of the actors, writers, the director and the makers for telling a story so truthfully. I hope to see such beautiful films coming out in the future representing the LGBTQ experience in the most nuanced, heartwarming and touching manner.