Non-binary Activist Turns Heads with Bridal Magazine Cover
Watch this clip of Alok Vaid-Menon.
Meet the non-binary Indian activist causing a firestorm over a magazine cover.
"A bridal magazine in India has divided readers after making the bold decision to put a non-binary model wearing a dress on their April cover," the Daily Mail reported.
The magazine Brides Today shared three digital covers featuring non-binary trans activist and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon posing in different gowns on Instagram.
Owned by the India Today news group, Brides Today shared on their social media that they released the cover "in support of the right to love and dignity for all."
"One of the three covers shows Alok wearing a golden dress with a plunging neckline showing off their hairy chest," the Mail said. "The bearded activist is wearing a bold red lip and eyeliner along with sumptuous bridal jewellery on both their forearms and down their chest. In the second cover, the comedian poses in a draped mint green sari showing their midriff and a gold hair piece beading with multicoloured jewels and a row of statement rings. The third cover shows them rocking a two-piece half lehenga in electric blue and gold, a choker and a floral hair piece."
The covers dropped as "India's supreme court prepares to rule on marriage equality for the Indian LGBTQ+ community. 'This case is crucial,' the activist said of the Indian Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality," according to the Mail.
Alok admitted they have been bullied for their identity, but hopes things will change.
"I wish I could be able to walk down the street—and exist in public—without fear of being attacked. I wish I could post an image of myself online without being inundated with hate mail," they said.
While some trolled them, many were supportive.
"You have such an elegant way of seeing things," one person told Alok in the comments.
"It makes me hopeful and free," another said.
"Truly, if people were secure in themselves they wouldn't give a s*** how other people exist. Love you, gorgeous photos," another said.