Growing Up Gay in India | Harish Iyer on Abuse, Law & Compassion | Ep. 120

What does it take to live authentically in a society that fears "difference"? In this episode of the Meri Saheli Podcast, world-renowned activist Harish Iyer opens up about the harsh realities of growing up gay in India, surviving childhood sexual abuse, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ marriage equality and transgender rights. From understanding sexual orientation, gender identity, and societal conditioning to breaking myths around sex education in India, Harshil speaks fearlessly about what it truly means to live authentically. He opens up about: Realities of growing up gay in India Surviving child sexual abuse The importance of sex & gender education Transgender rights & legal battles (Section 377, NALSA judgment) Blood donation ban on LGBTQ community Marriage equality debate Compassionate education Animal rights & the Supreme Court dog case debate This conversation challenges societal norms and asks one simple question: Why do we think “different” means “wrong”? Watch till the end — this episode may change the way you see identity, acceptance, and humanity. Follow Meri Saheli on Social Media - Website - https://www.merisaheli.com/ Instagram -   / merisaheli.podcast   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0DsBpcA... Facebook -   / merisahelimagazine   Twitter -   / merisaheliind   Pinterest -   / merisaheli   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - When Did You Realise You’re Different? 06:10 - Growing Up Gay in 90s India 09:30 - Child S*xual Abuse Reality 18:50 - Cinema & Survival 21:40 - College Bullying & S*uicide Attempts 40:10 - Jimmy: The Dog Who Saved My Life 42:20 - Why S*x Education Is Important 47:25 - How To Teach Children About Body & Gender 59:05 - Village Myths About LGBTQ Children 01:02:10 - S*x vs Gender Explained 01:05:25 - Trans Bathroom Challenges 01:11:30 - Reservation & NALSA Judgment 01:14:05 - Section 377 & Marriage Equality 01:17:40 - Blood Donation Ban Debate 01:18:30 - Supreme Court Dog Case 01:29:00 - Compassionate Education & Humanity #HarishIyer #LGBTQIndia #EqualRights #GenderIdentity #SexEducation #Section377 #TransRights #ChildAbuseAwareness #MarriageEquality #AnimalRights #MeriSaheli #IndianPodcast #lgbtqindia #humanrights #socialjustice #sexeducationindia #prideindia #mentalhealthawareness #podcastindia #marriageequality #MeriSaheliPodcast