Sharif Rangnekar had been meaning to write his book – “Straight to Normal: My Life As A Gay Man” for the last many years, but he says the fear of backlash stopped him from doing so. Egged on by his mother to share his story with the world, the author finally decided to publish the book in January this year, post the Section 377 verdict.
“The purpose was always to share what I think is ‘common’ to the mental state and dilemmas that many queer people go through or are faced with. Resonation of such situations often provide strength to each other,” Rangnekar says, talking about why he decided to write it eventually.
Written as a linear autobiography, the book documents Rangnekar’s personal journey from confusion, through awareness and anxiety, to acceptance, as a gay man.
In an interview with YKA, Rangnekar spoke about what he makes of Indian society’s slowly changing perception towards the LGBTQ community, the changes in society that drive him as a writer and why the Indian audience is more than ready for LGBTQ literature.
Shikha Sharma (SS) Tell us a bit about Straight to Normal: My Life As A Gay Man and why you chose to write it.
Sharif Rangnekar (SR): My book is a linear autobiography covering my 50 plus years of existence. I had been meaning to write this book for several years but hesitated from doing so unsure of how the law will work or be misused against me. I also feared any backlash that my mother and family could face from society. However, the purpose has always been to share what I think is ‘common’ to the mental state and dilemmas that many queer people go through or are faced with. Resonation of such situations often provides strength to each other. At the same time, as my mother told me last August, the book can help not just our community but also parents who are unaware of the various normals that exist. In fact, it was when my mother told me last August that it was high time I wrote the book that I got the courage to take a step forward.
I finally wrote the first draft of the book between September 29 and October 27.
SS: How, in your opinion, has India’s LGBT community and society’s attitude towards it changed over the years?
SR: The LGBTQ community has grown in size and strength. This is indicative in the growing numbers of Pride marches in different cities as well as in the numbers turning up in big cities that have had such marches for the past several years. Even the increasing number of closed and open groups online and offline and NGOs, reflect a spread and presence of the community.
As for society, changes are more in pockets and within some families and regions. There is surely a greater openness but still far from where society at large needs to be. I am aware of depression-led suicides linked to sexuality and hate crimes – some that are now more visible than before. So there is a lot to be done and a long journey to be covered.
SR: I feel that the media coming around to be our ally of sorts is one huge change that makes me feel positive. I also find the debates on how to be more inclusive at the workplace as a significant change that spells out positivity and safety. The young queer groups in colleges and university and the vocal crop of activists is another change we must need to take care of – it makes a difference to not just their lives but to the lives around them and for generations to come. And of course the reading down of Section 377 – something that should have happened long ago.
SS: Do you think India’s young adults are ready for LGBTQ literature?
SR: India’s young adults – a large section that I have been interacting with – are more than ready for LGBTQ literature. So many have come forward thanking me for writing this book even though they were still to read it. The fact that there are groups – people who discuss and tell their stories, maybe just bits and pieces – is a reflection of just how important it is to have stories and why they wish to hold a book with such narratives.
SS: Finally, what message, if any, do you have for young people who are coming out of the closet?
SS: You know best when to come out but do so as soon as you can as it is a freeing experience. And today, in most urban parts, you have a more conducive world around you so don’t let it go or be wasted.
The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity