Celina Jaitly Is Pride Toronto's 2015 International Grand Marshall
It may have been a while since we saw Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly grace the silver screen, but she's back! And this time, her presence has value and meaning. Celina will be making her debut as the International Grand Marshall at Toronto's Pride Parade 2015.
For years, Jaitly, whom the United Nations also recently named an Equality Champion, has advocated for equal rights for the LGBTQ community, especially in India, where traditional and cultural customs have prevented LGBTQ community members from being fully integrated, accepted and tolerated. Her support truly came to light and hit the public eye when, in 2014, Jaitly along with the United Nations Free & Equal campaign presented the first-ever Bollywood music video for gay rights.
"In short, there are people in the LGBTQ community who have played important roles in my life. … I’ve seen their agonies and ecstasies. The biggest problem in our country is people do not educate themselves about homosexuality. But I saw what my friends from the LGBTQ community were going through," said Jaitly to the Toronto Star newspaper.
In 2013, India’s Supreme Court undid the 2009 Delhi High Court’s repealing of the 1861 colonial law (Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code) decriminalizing homosexuality. Section 377 was reinstated and homosexuality was criminalized once again, a step back in equal rights for people who identify as LGBTQ.
It's the support of Bollywood celebrities such as Jaitly that helps credibly back political initiatives and community advocacy for the LGBTQ community in India. Bollywood as an industry holds power, so when actors like Jaitly come to the forefront with their relentless support, they help LGBTQ communities to be heard.
While her return to movies is a short wait away, rather than prancing around to a dance number, Celina Jaitly continues to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community, especially in India — where she hopes to foster a community of acceptance and tolerance.
In 2011, Jaitly announced her engagement to Austrian business mogul Peter Haag, marrying him later that year. One year later, she became the mother of twin boys.
Feature Image: facebook.com/celinajaitlyofficialpage
Blog Image: indianexpress.com
Source: TorontoStar.com
Watch "The Welcome" — The United Nations Free & Equal Bollywood Music Video Below:
Daniel Pillai
Author
Daniel is the Digital Media Manager for ANOKHI MEDIA and the host for ANOKHI's entertainment channel, PULSE TV. As part of the dream team, Daniel manages all multiple channels under ANOKHI’s portfolio, while also training new on-air talent, and showing budding p...
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