India’s Censor Board of Film Certification has approved an LGBTI music video for the first time — and without seeking any edits.
The song Head Held High is performed by Friends of Linger – a band of professional musicians with amateur singers, all friends freed by the equations of gender, sexuality and the emotions of music.’
The video, can now be aired on Indian TV, though it was given a parental guidance rating for children under the age of 12.
This song covers the journey of any individual’s struggle to understand his or her sexuality conditioned by society’s norms, the realization and the joy that comes with that, as one seeks nothing but love from the world around them”
The video features nine people from different walks of life, two of whom are from the LGBT community.
Director Payal Shah said in a statement,
The very idea to work around this concept was a big thrill as it reflected my inner self — free-spirited and comfortable in my own skin. Acceptance, judgment, norms, society etc are constricting formats and this video aims to break through these very layers and emerge liberated. I feel even more empowered today! Empowered and liberated.”
