The Prince of Rajpipla Turns His Palace into An LGBTQ+ Community Centre
Mahendra Singh Gohil, born on 23 September 1965, is the only child of the royal family of Rajpipla in Gujarat. The prince was aware of his sexuality, but could not come to terms with it because of being belonged to a conservative family. His family moreover was well respected and popular in their times.
tatler.com
So, it was not easy for him to disclose his sexuality. Since he could not reveal his identity, he got married to a woman in the 90s. It was more than obvious that the marriage would fail. Because firstly, his family tied him up into an arranged marriage, and secondly, it was with the wrong gender irrespective of his sexuality.
His parents, most importantly, still could not accept the fact that their son was gay. Hence, they denied his sayings. Moreover, his mother, published an advertisement in the newspaper stating that they have disowned their son from the royal inheritance. However, since Gohil was their only and dearest son, they visited several psychiatrists for their son’s sake. To sum up, they needed an explanation and knowledge about being gay. Thus, finally after such various visits, they understood what it is like for their son to be gay.
punemirror.com
At last in 2006, after his family’s acceptance, Gohil came out with his true sexuality to the whole world
Of course, his community and region had a negative response to it. Nobody from his community was ready to accept him. However, after some time, he was invited by Oprah Winfrey to her show. It was then that he became a global celebrity. He presented himself in his traditional royal attire and won everybody’s heart and appreciation especially the LGBTQ community.
huffpost.com
His sheer honesty about his identity gave confidence to the gay community. He definitely presented them well and above all paved a positive way for them. He turned his palace into a loving shelter for the LGBTQ community with warm and open hearts. Now, the royal palace is regarded as Queer Bagh, the community centre for LGBTQ+.
The palace has been transformed into a community home. The team and the centre welcome people from the community who have run away from their homes or have been disowned by their families because of their true identity. When those people are left with nothing, Queer Bagh provides them training along with shelter to be able to stand on their feet.
Mahendra Singh Gohil states that his husband DeAndre Richardson inspired him to start this centre
The couple met online in 2009 and got married in 2013. He further states that initially the palace was supposed to be turned into a retirement home for the LGBTQ community, but on his husband’s suggestion, it has now become an American LGBTQ community centre.
YouTube
Queer Bagh has a library, free down stay, and an organic farm. Anybody from the gay community from India or abroad can stay here as long as they volunteer in cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the property. Moreover, the place is entirely on donations. Above all, there is no limit to the stay.
For example, one person stayed there for 4 years. Queer Bagh even provides medical and mental help for those who struggle to accept their identity. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Gohil brought his royalty and status to the right usage by standing up for the gay community and helping them out in any possible way that he can. He definitely is a true inspiration for us all and a messiah for the LGBTQ community.
India’s First Transgender Doctor to Head a COVID Centre
When She Became India’s First Transgender Judge
Author: Simran K Parmar
A post graduate in English Literature, secular humanist, critical thinker, an outspoken atheist, follower of equality and a lover of philosophy. craftedfashion94@gmail.com
Add to favorites
