On September 21, filmmaker Onir was honoured with the Gay Bombay Icon Award by Gay Bombay for bringing queer stories to the fore with his movies. The award — given out by the LGBTQIA+ organisation that was founded in 1998 — recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing queer representation and rights in society. Onir then was a fitting choice.
Over his 20-year career that saw films like My Brother Nikhil (2005) and I Am (2010), the director has consistently brought LGBTQIA+ narratives to the fore, thus giving visibility to identities that had long been marginalised. For Onir, the honour holds a personal meaning. He said, “To be honoured by an organisation that has been such an integral part of India’s queer journey is humbling. When I started out as a filmmaker, I often felt alone in the industry, carrying stories that many didn’t want to hear. Over the years, it has been the community, our solidarity, and the courage of countless queer individuals that has given me the strength to keep going.”
What makes it all the more special is that the award is bestowed upon him by an organisation that operates out of Mumbai. “This city gave me both a home and a voice,” he shared.
