On 29 June, Shankar Lal, a recent graduate from the Media Arts & Music Program at Hillcrest High School in New York, posted his fascinating coming out video on his Instagram account. Lal, 18, can be seen unveiling a pride flag hidden under his graduation gown as his name is called out during the graduation ceremony, while his classmates and attendees shout and clap in his support.
After watching his video on Instagram, Campus Watch editor Towfeeq Wani spoke with Shankar about his coming out, parental support, and the reaction of teachers and friends.
Towfeeq Wani: For you, what did coming out on the graduation day symbolize? I mean, why this particular day?
Shankar Lal: Graduation just felt like the perfect time for me to come out. It symbolized a new chapter in my life. I was leaving behind one aspect of my life and starting a new one. I wanted this new journey to be one that was filled with love, self-acceptance and freedom.
TW: When did you finally decide that you were going to come out (and the manner in which you did)?
SL: I finally decided to come out after I fully learned how to love and accept myself for who I am. It was a long and difficult process. However, in the end, it did pay off. It made me feel comfortable and confident enough to come out to people, even on such a large scale like graduation.
TW: Did you anticipate the reaction you got from people who can be heard shouting in your support in the video?
SL: I was so shocked by the reaction I received. Everyone was shouting and cheering me on. It felt amazing. I had the largest cheer at graduation. I did not expect that at all, however, I am very grateful for the amount of love and support I received that day.
TW: Has the school administration and teachers been supportive of your identity? What more can school admins and teachers do for students to feel comfortable in their respective identities?
SL: The school administration was very supportive of my identity. At graduation, my teachers gave me a hug and mentioned how proud they were of me. Even my Principal congratulated me!
TW: How have your parents reacted to your coming out?
SL: At first my parents were very taken aback and confused when I came out. This was something very new to them. They didn’t understand what it meant to be a part of the LGBT community. They were very concerned about how this would affect my life and my future. Therefore, I approached this situation as an opportunity to educate them. I did my best to help them understand and learn more about the LGBT lifestyle. Now my parents are more accepting and they’ve learned to be more compassionate.
TW: In India, Section 377 of the Indian Constitution criminalized homosexuality until a few days ago when the Supreme Court struck down the law. What would be your message to the Indian people in general, and Indian students who would want to come out in particular, in this scenario?
SL: My message to Indian people would be, to be more kind and understanding. In a world full of hate, corruption and injustice, we as human beings must remember to do what is morally right. Denying people the right to love and express themselves, is unjust and cruel. Be kind. Spread love and positivity. Be on the right side of history.
My advice for Indian students is to remember that they do not need permission or approval from others to live their lives. They must ultimately do what makes them happy regardless of how others feel. If your family, friends or peers don’t accept you, just give them time. Try your best to not let it affect you. Stay positive and live authentically.