Not Safe to Be Seen: Why Millions Still Hide Their LGBTQ+ Identity
Abhishek dehariya | AP | Apr 13, 2025, 11:06 IST
( Image credit : Freepik )
The tale of those hues that are yet obscured by darkness Each hue has a narrative to tell. Some touch the soul, some calm the sight. What about the hues that society still doesn't recognize? This is the tale of the LGBTQIA+ community, the active yet marginalized segment of society. The brave parades and rainbow banners conceal unheard voices, unhealed hurts, and untold struggles. In this piece, the feelings, struggles, and silent bravery of people who are still looking for one thing—acceptance—are examined.
What happens when your truth doesn’t fit into the world’s comfort zone?
We live in a society that celebrates the rainbow — but only when it's painted on walls, not lived in real lives. Where diversity is applauded on stage, yet silenced at home. And where love, unless it follows a familiar script, is met with whispers, not warmth.
For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, identity is not a celebration — it’s a negotiation. Of safety over honesty. Of belonging over authenticity. Of silence over self.
They exist — fully, beautifully, painfully — in the spaces we refuse to see.
This article isn’t just about hidden sexual orientation. It’s about the cost of invisibility. The courage of quiet resistance. And the aching, universal desire to be seen — not as “different,” but simply, fully, human.
Because the real question isn’t whether someone is gay, queer, or trans.
It’s whether the world is brave enough to let them be.
From childhood, we’re taught how boys and girls “should” behave.
But what about the child who doesn’t fit those boxes?
The boy who’s more sensitive, or the girl who doesn’t like dresses — they’re mocked, bullied, and often told they’re “wrong.”
Some realize they’re attracted to the same gender. Others feel their body doesn’t match their identity.
But instead of support, they face judgment.
“Am I broken?” becomes a question that haunts them every single day.
They say a parent’s love is unconditional.
But when a child comes out as gay, lesbian, or transgender — that love often turns cold.
“You’ve been influenced.”
“This is just a phase.”
“Fix yourself or leave our house.”
Many are thrown out, sent to doctors, or emotionally blackmailed into hiding who they truly are.
The very place that should protect them becomes their greatest fear.
Have you seen trans people clapping on trains or begging on the streets?
Most of us look away, some laugh — but few ask why.
Transgender individuals are still denied basic rights: education, healthcare, employment.
They’re mocked, excluded, and often forced into lives they never chose.
But they are humans too — with dreams, emotions, and dignity.
They deserve more than pity.
They deserve a chance.
Falling in love is natural — but for LGBTQIA+ folks, it often becomes a war.
Two women loving each other, or two men holding hands — it invites stares, gossip, even violence.
They hide their love, their weddings, their families — because society won’t allow them to exist freely.
“We love each other, but the world won’t let us live.”
— a line many LGBTQIA+ couples whisper daily.
In 2018, India’s Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality by striking down Section 377.
A landmark decision.
But did it truly change anything?
Landlords still refuse to rent to same-sex couples.
Companies silently fire queer employees.
Families hide their LGBTQIA+ members from society.
The law changed.
But hearts?
Not yet.
Amid the darkness, there are sparks of light.
Queer influencers, artists, and activists are now seen and heard.
Schools are beginning to include gender education.
Movies like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Badhaai Do, Aligarh — are telling real stories with respect.
Pride marches, once small and secret, are now loud, proud, and filled with love.
Change is coming — slowly, but surely.
Change doesn’t need grand gestures.
Sometimes, it starts with simple kindness.
Here’s how we can truly support:
Listen without judgment.
Accept without conditions.
Include LGBTQIA+ topics in school education.
Create safe spaces in homes, schools, and workplaces.
Offer mental health support tailored to queer individuals.
Celebrate love in all its forms, not just the ones we’re used to.
This isn’t just the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight — it’s a test of our shared humanity.
They aren’t asking for extra rights. Just equal ones.
Their colors aren’t meant to be hidden — they’re meant to be celebrated.
A rainbow isn’t complete without all its colors.
Neither is our society.
It’s time we stop just hearing them and start embracing them.
Because every heart deserves to live, to love, and to shine —
without fear, and without shadows.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
We live in a society that celebrates the rainbow — but only when it's painted on walls, not lived in real lives. Where diversity is applauded on stage, yet silenced at home. And where love, unless it follows a familiar script, is met with whispers, not warmth.
For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, identity is not a celebration — it’s a negotiation. Of safety over honesty. Of belonging over authenticity. Of silence over self.
They exist — fully, beautifully, painfully — in the spaces we refuse to see.
This article isn’t just about hidden sexual orientation. It’s about the cost of invisibility. The courage of quiet resistance. And the aching, universal desire to be seen — not as “different,” but simply, fully, human.
Because the real question isn’t whether someone is gay, queer, or trans.
It’s whether the world is brave enough to let them be.
1. When Being ‘Different’ Feels Like a Crime
But what about the child who doesn’t fit those boxes?
The boy who’s more sensitive, or the girl who doesn’t like dresses — they’re mocked, bullied, and often told they’re “wrong.”
Some realize they’re attracted to the same gender. Others feel their body doesn’t match their identity.
But instead of support, they face judgment.
“Am I broken?” becomes a question that haunts them every single day.
2. The Place Called ‘Home’ Hurts
‘Home’ Hurts
( Image credit : Freepik )
But when a child comes out as gay, lesbian, or transgender — that love often turns cold.
“You’ve been influenced.”
“This is just a phase.”
“Fix yourself or leave our house.”
Many are thrown out, sent to doctors, or emotionally blackmailed into hiding who they truly are.
The very place that should protect them becomes their greatest fear.
3. Transgender Lives: Still a Joke to Society?
Transgender Lives
( Image credit : Freepik )
Most of us look away, some laugh — but few ask why.
Transgender individuals are still denied basic rights: education, healthcare, employment.
They’re mocked, excluded, and often forced into lives they never chose.
But they are humans too — with dreams, emotions, and dignity.
They deserve more than pity.
They deserve a chance.
4. When Loving Becomes a Battle
Loving Becomes a Battle
( Image credit : Freepik )
Two women loving each other, or two men holding hands — it invites stares, gossip, even violence.
They hide their love, their weddings, their families — because society won’t allow them to exist freely.
“We love each other, but the world won’t let us live.”
— a line many LGBTQIA+ couples whisper daily.
5. Laws May Change, But Minds Haven’t
Laws May Change, But Minds Haven’t
( Image credit : Freepik )
A landmark decision.
But did it truly change anything?
Landlords still refuse to rent to same-sex couples.
Companies silently fire queer employees.
Families hide their LGBTQIA+ members from society.
The law changed.
But hearts?
Not yet.
6. Rays of Hope Are Rising Too
Rays of Hope Are Rising Too
( Image credit : Freepik )
Queer influencers, artists, and activists are now seen and heard.
Schools are beginning to include gender education.
Movies like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Badhaai Do, Aligarh — are telling real stories with respect.
Pride marches, once small and secret, are now loud, proud, and filled with love.
Change is coming — slowly, but surely.
7. What Can We Do? (The Real Solutions)
What Can We Do?
( Image credit : Freepik )
Sometimes, it starts with simple kindness.
Here’s how we can truly support:
Listen without judgment.
Accept without conditions.
Include LGBTQIA+ topics in school education.
Create safe spaces in homes, schools, and workplaces.
Offer mental health support tailored to queer individuals.
Celebrate love in all its forms, not just the ones we’re used to.
This isn’t just the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight — it’s a test of our shared humanity.
Their colors aren’t meant to be hidden — they’re meant to be celebrated.
A rainbow isn’t complete without all its colors.
Neither is our society.
It’s time we stop just hearing them and start embracing them.
Because every heart deserves to live, to love, and to shine —
without fear, and without shadows.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!