South Asian Heritage Month: 'I'm proud of who I am and being LGBTQ+'

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Charlotte Wilkins

Prior to British Colonialism, gender and sexual diversity were celebrated in South Asian communities.

But legislation banning so called 'unnatural acts' was inherited from British rule and left in place following independence, with damaging effect. 

For years, many LGBTQ+ people within those communities have been silenced and marginalised.

As part of South Asian Heritage Month, ITV News Meridian has heard from two people who are proud to be South Asian and LGBTQ+, and who want to give others hope for the future.

Ameet VaghelaAmeet Vaghela turned to writing poetry to help him through a dark time last year. 

"I grew up in Zambia in South Central Africa. I guess being from a SA family, perhaps being gay, being different and also in a country where it's illegal to be gay, it's difficult to voice who you are...your own identity."

Ameet came out to his parents at the age of 17. 

"If anything over the years, my parents have been a lot more accepting. My dad was very supportive later on in my life. Especially when they met my boyfriend, my now husband - they made it a lot easier."

Ameet found love with Tarun who is also of South Asian descent but their experiences growing up have been quite different. 

"I think he had a lot of difficulties, challenges about fitting in. He's been in the UK from when he was 14 his family are a little bit more traditional than mine."

While Ameet lacked a role model growing up he hopes to show others they can be happy.

"I want to feel as if I'm able to give that role model you know that actually, he has a job, he has a life, he's living his life - I can do that too."

Mia Bungaroo

Despite being born and raised in Brighton, a city known for its large LGBTQ+ community,  Mia Bungaroo, a DJ of Mauritian descent, says she initially hid her sexuality. 

"When you're 14 and already insecure, when you're into boy's sports, you're not fitting in."

"You're brown in a white community; it wasn't an option to explore my sexuality at that age."

Mia found comfort in listening to Mauritian music during those early years. 

"It brought back happy memories and was very nostalgic and reminded me of who I am." 

Mia's parents were both supportive when she later came out, but she hasn't discussed her sexuality with her extended family in Mauritius.

After initial struggles with her identity, now Mia couldn't be happier. 

"I feel great I mean, to look at that 10 year period and see all the things which I fought so hard against are the things which I celebrate in myself now."

NHS doctor and TV Presenter Dr Ranj Singh is patron of South Asian Heritage Month. Dr Ranj grew up in a traditional Sikh household in Kent and came out as gay later in his life.

His message to anyone struggling with their identity is that they are not alone and that there is support out there.