When the historic news on the 6th of September came that India is finally breaking their 146th years old law against discrimination to the LGBTI community and to see that we have the same right as anyone else, I remembered that I had done an interview with Mister Gay India 2016 Anwesh Sahoo. A very friendly guy, creator and owner of “The Effeminare” and a spokesperson for the community in India. His response to this great news was immediately on Facebook: “HISTORIC JUDGEMENT OUT Y’ALL. Homosexual acts have been decriminalized in the nation. Welcoming a new wave of freedom. ???? The SC says we exist, our rights matter! We’re FREE!”
Unfortunately I have never published our great interview as I tried to look it up on my page and didn’t found it. It got lost through my heavy work load (no pun intended LOL), but NOW it is the best time to put it online, because Anwesh has done also a lot for their Indian LGBTI community and he is still a good spokesperson too. I am very proud of our interview and of him, so please take a moment and read what this outspoken, funny and sweet guy had to say a few years ago.
Anwesh, thank you for your time to do an interview for Pink In Our Lives. Can you tell us first about yourself? (When born, study/work, brothers/sisters etc)
“So I came into this world on 4th of July and I spent most of my childhood in a small township called Kaniha in Odisha that was light years away from the evils of the world. We moved into Delhi when I was 13 and I have been in Delhi since. I am pursuing my bachelors in Electronics and Communication engineering while I also work as a digital artist and sometimes as a writer for online blogs and magazines. I have one elder sister who has been my biggest support throughout”.
You are Mister Gay India? Why did you enter and what was your message/theme?
“Yes, I was crowned Mr. Gay World India at the start of 2016. Mr. Gay World had been a dream since I was 16, so I knew I had to eventually be a part of Mr. Gay World India. Mr. Gay World provides us with a platform to voice our views and opinions on a world stage, and that’s what attracted me the most towards the pageant. Today my opinions matter, I have a bigger reach, I can use the title to reach out to school kids and spread awareness related to the LGBTI community. My ultimate message is to empower ourselves for who we are. We must appreciate our originality and stand our ground”.
How is the Gay culture in India in 2016? Tell us more about it?
“India is a land of paradox. While there’s a transgender teen openly undergoing transition while in school in Delhi, there is also a fourteen year old setting himself on fire on being caught with his boyfriend. The Indian mythology is filled with transgender and gender queer characters; in fact the temples I was taken to growing up were filled with very erotic and sexualized statuettes of deities, which is depictive of how Kama or sex is a huge part of Hindu Mythology. 
The mindsets are changing, which is great. I am blessed with an amazing group of people around me, a huge chunk of which includes my family and acquaintances. But I’d be lying if I say there’s no opposition at all. Of course there is. But we all face adversities in our lives, and so do I. Big deal? There are some very good Gay clubs in India, companies have started understanding the importance of treating their LGBTI employees with dignity, Pride Parades are actively held all around the country, but there’s a long way to go”.
You went to Malta to compete for Mister Gay World 2016. How was that experience for you and did you make any friends there? (who did you hang out with or connected with and on what level or why?)
“Malta was incredible to say the least. It was my first time abroad and I was absolutely awestruck by how beautiful everything was and how great the people were. It never seemed like I didn’t belong. It was one happy family. I used to hang out with a lot of them, so I honestly can’t pick one. But I would really want to work with Bernie- Mr. Gay New Zealand. I respect his sincerity to the cause and it’d be great if we could collaborate. J I also hung out a lot with Aaron- Mr. Gay Germany. He is just a year older to me, and we’ve become very good friends and I look forward to visiting him in Cologne”.
At what age did you do your coming out and how did everybody react? Was it also the reaction you expected?
“I came out at sixteen, at first to my sister and then eventually to my friends and family. I came out to them with a clean slate. I don’t think I’d have ever come out, had I thought through it. But I wasn’t scared to come out. It was important to me, so that I could live my life without inhibitions. The most difficult part though was their denial to every logical and rational explanation I had to their questions. My sister was a huge support at once. My friends had a mixed reaction. Some accepted me at once, while some took quite a while”.
When gays want to plan their new holiday trip, why should they come to India? What can they expect? What could win them over?
“India is a country where love truly is the essence of life. India is a very diverse country and you’ll have to travel 
to every state to understand what India is all about. It is an experience in itself. Come to India with an open heart and you’ll fall in love with it at once. The food, the people, the clothes, the culture is so rich that once you’re here, India will make you keep coming back to it”.
Are you in a relationship or single ( This was in 2016, but he has now a great man next to his side)? What do you look for in a man? Describe him and what does he get in return?
“I’m very much single. Intellect and a well-groomed beard are two things that turn me on the most. I don’t want my man to be way too complex. Someone simple, honest, intelligent, light-hearted and someone who loves me unconditionally; and I’m hoping that shouldn’t be very difficult to find. What will he get in return? His locker secretly filled with butter scotch and my sheer awesomeness. Haha!”
Does India has a Gay Pride and do you feel the community still needs these Prides?
“Of course we do. All the major cities in the country hold their individual Pride Parades and everyone queer and fabulous is invited.
Yes! There are no two ways about it. The first time I went to Pride (which was only two years ago), I felt a sense of belonging. Pride Parades happen to be that one day when we celebrate our true identities without any sense of fear and let the world know that we exist and we’re here to stay. We need it for all those who’re still closeted and fear the unknown. We need them to come out and appreciate their individuality”.
What secret about yourself that you can share with our readers, that not a lot of people know about you?
“I’m a super procrastinator. People think I manage stuff super well, because I’m doing so many things together. On the contrary I’m almost always in a crisis-like situation. I need to learn to manage my stuff much better”.
What does the future hold for you and what would you like to achieve in ten years?
“At this point of time, I’m taking up everything coming my way. I’m in a very happy space right now and I hope it stays this way for long. I look forward to finishing my graduation first. Fashion and Performing Arts have always been a huge part of my life. So I do see myself doing really well in the field of fashion and acting. I’m always going to be true to my cause of LGBTI acceptance in the world and I’m hoping to contribute in a lot better way in the coming years”.
We have some statements or questions and would like you to respond with a quick short answer:
Briefs or boxers: Briefs
First love: Adam Levine
Favorite holiday destination: Now that I’ve been to Malta, I’m going to pick Malta. It’s breathtaking!
Clubbing or hanging in a bar: Clubbing!
Sexiest male: Freddie Mercury
Favorite movie: Monsoon Wedding
Hobby: Art
Mister gay India: and Sushant Divgikar, thank you for everything.
Marriage or children: Children
Pink In Our Lives: Biiiiig Hug and kisses
Sexiest body part: Legs
Open relationship or one-man-guy: One-man-guy.
If you want to share anything else, just let me know: I follow you guys on Instagram and all the hot guys you share your pictures with and I’m totally envying you guys right now. May be we should swap our lives for a day? 😛
Thank you for this lovely interview Anwesh and congratulations to INDIA for decriminalizing homosexuality. A BIG step for LGBT rights that homosexual actions are no longer given a penalty or is no longer punishable. Love always wins let’s keep our fight for equal human rights everywhere on this globe until people can love who they want to!!!
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Big kiss,
Lesley Middleton, owner of PINK IN OUR LIVES