Inclusive storytelling on OTT platforms: Breaking stereotypes and fostering empathy

The representation of the LGBTQ+ community in Indian media has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, shifting from marginalization to increasing visibility and celebration. For too long LGBTQ+ characters were seen performing stereotypical roles or treated as caricatures, often depicted through lenses of humour, victimhood or tragedy. Today, however, we see a growing movement toward inclusive storytelling that reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience without marking it as “different”.

Shows like ‘Taali’, which features Sushmita Sen as a transgender woman, showcase the power of human storytelling. They highlight not just the journey of gender transition, but also universal themes of identity, love, and struggle. Similarly, ‘Rainbow Rishta’, an Indian queer docu-series streaming on Prime Video, presents real-life stories of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating love and relationships. It breaks free from limiting tropes and focuses on the human side of relationships, exploring the challenges people face in their pursuit of love and happiness.

Shows and films like ‘Made in Heaven’, ‘Taali’, ‘Rainbow Rishta’, ‘Maja Ma’, and ‘Four More Shots Please’ are excellent examples of progress. They present LGBTQ+ characters as multifaceted individuals with real struggles, desires, and relationships. These stories broaden the scope of LGBTQ+ experiences, making them relatable to wider audiences while focusing on themes of love, acceptance, and identity. Even in Bollywood, we’re beginning to see a shift. Films like ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’ broke barriers by openly addressing same-sex relationships, albeit with humour, but in a way that didn’t diminish the authenticity of the experience.

Brijen Desai, Account Director, White Rivers Media, noted, “OTT platforms are driving a significant shift in LGBTQIA+ storytelling, offering authentic, diverse narratives that move beyond stereotypes. These platforms allow creators to explore professional, personal, and everyday challenges, making characters more nuanced and relatable.”

He added, “Audiences are responding positively to this evolution, engaging with content that broadens understanding and celebrates varied perspectives. By depicting LGBTQIA+ characters as professionals, parents, and friends, stories gain authenticity. This global response signals a new era of valued, diverse storytelling that fosters inclusion and true representation.”
From real to reel

Sankalp Tripathi, Creative Director, Dice Media - Pocket Aces, believed that while significant strides have been made in securing legal justice and societal acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community, one essential element remains: normalcy. He explained, “The LGBTQIA+ community has fought a long battle for justice and acceptance, not just in India but across the world. However, alongside legal justice and societal acceptance, one crucial element remains – normalcy. While many people may reserve their opinions due to court rulings, their mindset often doesn’t change.”

According to Tripathi, the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows plays a pivotal role in reshaping societal views. “The portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows reflects societal taboos while simultaneously challenging them. Stories have the power to make people think, and in that sense, they become a form of triumph. The real struggle lies in the fact that every human mind adapts at its own pace. But the process of normalising society’s outlook on the LGBTQIA+ community will, over time, gradually evolve into a triumph. And triumph is inevitable. Through these diverse portrayals, OTT content not only highlights real-life struggles but also plays a key role in reshaping attitudes and fostering acceptance.”

Sumitro Sircar, PR Professional and Queer Content Creator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows are essential in reflecting and challenging real-life struggles. He shared, “Diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows play a vital role in reflecting and challenging real-life struggles and triumphs within the community by presenting authentic, multifaceted experiences that resonate with audiences. For instance, Pose (USA) portrays the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the struggles of transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ people of colour while also celebrating their resilience and triumphs in the face of adversity.”

Sircar also pointed to ‘Made in Heaven’ (India), which explores the complexities of same-sex relationships within a conservative society. “It showcases both the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their pursuit of love and acceptance,” he explained. Shows like ‘Sex Education’ (UK) tackle pressing issues such as coming out, sexual identity, and mental health, offering relatable scenarios that reflect the real struggles faced by young LGBTQIA+ individuals. On the other hand, ‘Heartstopper’ (UK) presents an uplifting narrative, focusing on young love and friendship while celebrating the triumphs of LGBTQIA+ youth in a supportive environment.

OTT promoting inclusive storytelling

Inclusive storytelling on OTT platforms is playing a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and reshaping societal perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community. By offering diverse and authentic portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters, OTT shows are challenging traditional norms and fostering greater empathy among viewers.

Sumitro Sircar highlighted how diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in shows are both reflecting and challenging real-life struggles. He pointed to ‘Pose; (USA), which depicts the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on the struggles of transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ people of colour while celebrating their resilience. Similarly, ‘Made in Heaven’ (India) explores same-sex relationships in a conservative society, shedding light on the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face in their pursuit of love and acceptance. Other shows like Sex Education (UK) address coming out, sexual identity, and mental health, resonating with the real struggles of young LGBTQIA+ individuals today. Meanwhile, ‘Heartstopper’ (UK) presents an uplifting narrative, showcasing young love and the triumphs of LGBTQIA+ youth in a supportive environment.

By bringing these varied and multifaceted stories to the forefront, OTT platforms reflect the realities of the LGBTQIA+ community, challenge outdated norms, and foster understanding and empathy among audiences.

Sankalp Tripathi emphasized the shift in public thinking that is happening as LGBTQIA+ stories become more visible. “While legal justice and societal acceptance are crucial, the real battle lies in normalcy,” he said, adding, “The portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows challenges societal taboos and promotes a change in mindset. These stories make people think and gradually reshape attitudes, fostering acceptance over time.”

According to Tripathi, the normalizing of LGBTQIA+ characters is inevitable, and with each portrayal, the public’s outlook is evolving toward greater empathy and understanding.

The Shift in LGBTQIA+ Representation in Mainstream Media: Essential or Forced?

Ella D’Verma, Digital Content Creator, observed that this went back to the fact that LGBTQIA+ representation in itself is a ‘statement.’ ‘Every movie since the beginning of time has had a boy and girl falling in love; it can never be overdone simply because we consider it the norm. Anything other than that hetero-normative narrative is a bold choice, and so it may be perceived as overdone, but hello! India literally has the largest LGBTQIA+ population in the world. About time our media did too,” she said.

Sumitro Sircar also weighed in, saying, “The increasing representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in mainstream media is essential to authentic storytelling, as it reflects the diverse realities of society and provides a platform for voices that have historically been marginalized. Shows like ‘Pose’ (USA) and ‘Heartstopper’ (UK) offer genuine narratives that resonate with real-life experiences, allowing viewers to connect with LGBTQIA+ characters in meaningful ways. This representation not only enriches storytelling but also fosters understanding and empathy among audiences.”

At the same time, Sircar noted that there are instances where representation can feel forced, particularly when it is included as a checkbox rather than an integral part of the narrative. For example, some shows may introduce LGBTQIA+ characters or storylines without sufficient development or context, leading to superficial portrayals that do not resonate authentically.

A notable example of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ representation is the recent rejection of filmmaker Onir’s script for his film, ‘We Are’, by the Indian Defence Ministry. The script, inspired by the real-life story of a gay officer who quit the Indian Army, was ultimately not approved. Sircar had the opportunity to watch the rescripted version of the film, renamed ‘We Are Faheem and Karun’, at an international film festival. He shared, “I was deeply moved by it, as I could relate to the story of being in a queer relationship. The film not only inspired and educated me about authentic storytelling, but did so in the most romantic way.”

He also expressed his confusion over why Netflix removed ‘Tees’, a film by Dibakar Banerjee, after watching it at a film festival. “The film portrays the real-life struggles of a lesbian couple, convincingly played by Huma Qureshi, and contributes to the ongoing conversation around LGBTQIA+ representation.”

Ultimately, while the shift toward greater representation is crucial, Sircar emphasized that it must be approached thoughtfully and with depth. “Authentic storytelling requires that LGBTQIA+ characters are intricately woven into the narrative, contributing to the overall story rather than being included solely for diversity’s sake. This balance ensures that representation is both meaningful and impactful, enriching the media landscape and reflecting the complexities of real-life experiences.”