No time for same-sex love

India's first music video on same-sex love, 'Miss You', which was released in September by Delhi-based gay band Friends of Linger, has been granted 'A' certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). "Certain visuals and lyrics require adult viewers," cites the certificate granted to the band on 5th October. This essentially means the video cannot be played on music channels, roadblocking attempts to normalise same-sex love in mainstream media. In the recent past, lifestyle brands and online shopping portals have aired advertisements with same-sex couples on TV.

"The music video has been sent back to the review by CBFC and we are awaiting a clearance to play on television channels," says Sharif D Rangnekar, founder of Friends of Linger. "The video has nothing objectionable; it has minimal embracing which would be common for a man and woman in love too."

"The certificate is given after reviewing the video, audio, theme, context and content," says Pahlaj Nihalani, Chairperson of CBFC.

"If the producer has a problem, s/he can reapply to the revising committee. Why do you want create hype for no reason? I am not answerable."

'Miss You' has been circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, gathering almost one lakh views in less than a month of its release. It currently stands at No 34 on the International Gay Music Chart 2016 at week 40, ahead of international artists such as Ricky Martin.

"Any person who is on the board and has a problem with the video showcasing same sex love, has a problem with equality, says activist and Mr Gay India 2014 Sushant Digvikar. "If the board is going to allow movies and videos which objectify women or men, this too should be allowed. The board should be a little more considerate. The country is burdened with homophobia, not homosexuality."

About Friends of Linger

The three-year-old Delhi-based band has been credited with India's first English track dedicated to the LGBT community – Head Held High.