Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Tragic Toll of Online Harassment on LGBTQIA+ Lives and the Urgent Call for Compassion

In a world where bullying has been a daily torment for us, often overlooked, from celebrities to ordinary individuals, we've all encountered online trolling and public harassment. Comments like “Dekho Dekho kitni moti h,” “kaise kapde pehne hai isne,” “Aaj kal ke bache toh besharam ho gaye hai,” “Beta mummy khane ko nhi deti,” “____ hai kya jo aise kr rha h,” “Maa Baap ne yahi sikhaya h?” are sadly familiar, heard at least once in our lives. However, we have overcome this situation by ensuring no bullying policies and no ragging policies, but still, we end up envisioning hearing these words to the extent that sometimes we feel compelled to end our life. Someone can become so profoundly affected by these words that they believe ending their life is easier than confronting or addressing the situation. This reality is particularly amplified within the LGBTQIA+ community, where individuals face intensified levels of harassment daily. This article aims not to trigger or question but to emphasize the critical need for a conversation on this issue.

Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is as challenging as (it can't be compared to anything, just think about the toughest thing you know you can't do). While some may understand, societal acceptance often remains elusive.

Pranshu, a 16-year-old boy, a talented makeup artist, and a proud queer social media star, tragically took his own life due to relentless harassment, including life and rape threats, simply because he wore a saree and shared it online. The question arises: is wearing a saree such a significant issue? Men have portrayed Sita in Diwali and Dussehra plays, and men have worn sarees during various festive occasions in India. Yet, Pranshu faced severe backlash for expressing himself. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to stop judging people based on appearance and attire and to embrace them for who they are.

Consider the immense pressure and impact Pranshu experienced from November 12th to November 21st. In just nine days, he reached a point where he could no longer endure the harsh comments and chose to end his life. The comments were not only insulting to him but also demeaning to the entire LGBTQIA+ community and womanism. The stress, anxiety, and depression resulting from the relentless attacks eroded his self-esteem, fostering a profound sense of helplessness and isolation. Negative emotions, including guilt and shame, overwhelmed him, coupled with potential consequences such as social isolation and legal issues. The broader social impact extends to fostering a toxic online culture, undermining trust in online interactions, and diminishing the overall enjoyment of online spaces. We must address and combat the toxicity that leads to such tragic outcomes and work towards creating a more accepting and supportive society.

I know individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community who confidently wear sarees and short dresses, looking stunning. I admire their courage and self-expression, and I believe others can follow suit. Simply being there for these individuals and expressing support through small gestures can prevent similar incidents from occurring again. It's crucial to remember that for every person like Pranshu facing harassment, there are many more who may be silently struggling. Your single word or compassionate gesture has the potential to save someone from the despair that Pranshu experienced, underscoring the significance of collective support and understanding.