Harish Iyer is a prominent LGBT rights activist in India.
AB Wire
NEW DELHI: Scanning through the Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day, one could be forgiven for quickly passing over a matrimonial advertisement similar to the thousands posted on a daily basis in India.
However, one ad, placed by the mother of 36-year-old Harish Iyer, could mark the first time a matrimonial advertisement in India has ever sought out a groom for an Indian man, reported the Indian Express.
“Seeking 25-40, Well-placed, Animal-loving, Vegetarian GROOM for my son (36, 5’11”) who works with an NGO, Caste No Bar (Though IYER preferred),” proclaimed the progressive ad.
Harish Iyer told Al-Jazeera that like most Indian mothers, his was “pretty concerned” about finding him a partner and planning a wedding.
“She thinks I need to settle down as I am growing old,” Iyer said, adding he has received six responses to the advertisement so far.
He also informed Al-Jazeera that both The Times of India and DNA newspapers declined to publish the advert for legal reasons, while The Hindustan Times opted not to provide a reason for refusal after his mother approached all three outlets last week.
“Editorially they show support for LGBT rights but when it comes to actually walking the talk, they hide behind the law,” Iyer told AFP news agency.
The Supreme Court of India restored a colonial-era ban on homosexuality in 2013 in a decision that has divided the Indian population. While LGBT and human rights campaigners have steadily denounced the arcane, if not draconian law, a significant conservative base continues wholeheartedly supports its implementation.
His mother’s matrimonial advert may be going viral on social media, but Iyer is no stranger to the public spotlight as a prominent, international LGBT activist. He heads the nonprofit United Way of Mumbai and was listed No.71 in the World Pride Powerlist 2013, reported the Indian Express. Iyer was the only Indian to make the list – a privilege he shared with famous LGBT individuals, including Sir Elton John, Martina Navratilova, and Ricky Martin.