Lives Less Ordinary
Lives Less Ordinary
BBC World Service
Coming out as India’s first gay prince
39 minutes Posted Jan 2, 2023 at 12:30 am.
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Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil risked everything when he faced his parents and society

He was next in line to a centuries-old royal dynasty in the Indian state of Gujarat - and grew up in the 1970s in a gilded cage. His family's desire to keep his blue blood away from what they called ‘commoners’ meant that, growing up, he missed out on formative experiences like making friends. After a failed marriage to a princess, Manvendra finally shed his royal cocoon and was determined to break out and explore the world, and his sexuality. With the help of his new friend Ashok, a gay rights activist, the prince began a process of self-acceptance that would be put to the ultimate test.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar

Producer: Edgar Maddicott
Editor: Munazza Khan