Vishal Pinjani crowned Mr Gay India: Advocate for rural LGBTQ+ issues

Vishal Pinjani, a 40-year-old activist from Kolhapur, was crowned Mr Gay India and will represent the country at the upcoming Mr Gay World beauty pageant in Cape Town, South Africa.

Pinjani, who heads the community-based organization Abhimaan, stood out for his extensive work addressing LGBTQ+ issues in rural India.

He aims to shed light on the challenges faced by gay men in rural communities, emphasizing that LGBTQ+ concerns extend beyond urban areas.

Another finalist, 25-year-old software developer Abhishek Jayadeep from Thrissur, Kerala, received the title of Mr Gay Kerala.

Abhishek, who recently came out to his family, highlighted the societal stigma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

The event's chief guest, Manvendra Singh Gohil, India's first openly gay prince, emphasized the significance of such platforms in elevating the Indian LGBTQ+ community globally.

Organized by the Pune-based MIST Foundation, founded by Shyam Konnur, Mr Gay India 2020, the event was conducted online over nearly a month.

Konnur, unable to participate in international rounds due to the pandemic, aimed to ensure the pageant's accessibility.

Lesbian activist and corporate professional Ankita Mehra stressed the need for equitable representation within the community, underscoring the importance of addressing disparities in visibility among different LGBTQ+ identities.

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