Manav : “Gen Z Teens Embrace Coming Out with Family Support | India News”

Manav*, a typical 14-year-old boy, went through a transformative journey when he decided to declare his bisexuality to his parents. While initially taken aback, his parents eventually showed support and understanding, marking a positive transition in their relationship.

For many queer individuals in India, the social pressure of ‘coming out’ can be daunting. However, Manav’s decision to open up at such a young age is reflective of a growing phenomenon where teenagers are bravely owning their identities as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender while still in middle school.

Now 16, Manav recalls how his realization of his queer identity began as he delved into queer literature during his early teens. A family vacation to Turkey, where he witnessed a Pride Parade and a subsequent police crackdown, further solidified his feelings of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Upon returning home, Manav mustered the courage to come out to his parents and later to his friends at school. While he faced online bullying and hateful comments, he also found acceptance and support in new social circles that embraced his gender identity.

While concrete data on the trend of self-identifying at a younger age is limited, educators and support groups have noticed an increase in teenagers and even preteens expressing their gender identity without fear of ridicule or dismissal.

Aachal Jain, a pastoral care coordinator at Mumbai’s Aditya Birla World Academy, highlights the role of positive queer portrayals in popular culture in encouraging young students to explore their identities and come out earlier. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and accepting environment both at home and in schools.

Manav found support in his school’s Breaking Barriers club, which serves as a safe space for LGBTQ students at Tagore International School in Delhi. Priyanka Randhawa, the project director at the school, acknowledges the challenges students face in discussing their identities with family but emphasizes the importance of genuine self-discovery.

Counsellors like Aachal Jain have observed an increasing number of teenagers confidently identifying as gay, demigirl, or pansexual during their sessions. Jain stresses the significance of acceptance and validation of these identities, noting the fluidity and evolution of self-identification.

Highlighting the importance of early parental support, Jain shares a heartwarming anecdote of a six-year-old boy exploring his gender identity with the guidance of his supportive parents. This shift towards creating gender-neutral environments at home signifies a positive change in attitudes towards queer identities.

*Names changed for privacy