Dear Minister, 

I am a gay man from Independent India. I am writing to you with lot of hope. I am certain that as a leader in a democratic nation, you will hear and respond to my plea and the plea of several fellow queer family members in our great nation.  

In July 2020, a new requirement by the Ministry of Defence made it necessary for the ministry to approve all films concerning the military. Under this new rule, the Ministry of Defence has denied NOC (no-objection-certificate) to a script by my friend Onir, titled We Are, inspired by the true story of gay Major J. Suresh who quit the Army because of his sexual orientation. 

The Ministry was concerned that some films were “distorting the image of the Indian Army”. I wish to bring to your notice that LGBTQIA+ people exist everywhere – in every profession, in every region, in every religion, in every country.  By this simple truth, one can ascertain that LGBTQIA+ people exist in every army battalion of every nation. Nations may decide to look away, or deny the reality, but truth exceeds and excels through all distortion and denial. 

Queer people have existed ever since humans existed. Yet, it was only in 2018, in independent India that the honourable Supreme Court of India read down section 377 and suggested that the government works on sensitisation so as to reduce stigma and aid acceptance. This movie by Onir is a step in that direction. 

We are a nation that loves cinema. Cinema can heal. Cinema can change minds and spread peace. Onir’s films have done just that. And this film is a depiction of reality of a gay man’s lived experiences.  When a story is told, million possibilities unfold. 

It is in the interest of dignity and human rights of LGBTQIA+ community, we appeal to the Defence Ministry to reconsider its decision to ban Onir’s film reportedly inspired by homosexual army Major Suresh. His life’s story deserves to be told and celebrated. His sexual orientation does not make him less brave or less patriotic. He served the nation with utmost courage. We must be allowed to honour that by helping his truth be depicted the canvas of silver screens and digital screens.  

In hope, 
I remain. 
Harish