Manvendra Singh Gohil

ABOUT
Manvendra Singh Gohil is an Indian prince famously known for being a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights advocate. As a royal descendent of the erstwhile princely state of Rajpipla in Gujarat, he gained international attention when he came out as gay, breaking societal and cultural norms prevalent in traditional Indian society. Born on September 23, 1965, Manvendra's courageous public revelation about his sexuality has made him a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India and around the world.

BEFORE FAME
Manvendra’s life before coming out publicly was marked by personal turmoil and societal pressures. He was married in 1991 but the marriage ended in divorce, largely due to the internal conflict he faced regarding his true sexual orientation. His coming out journey was not an easy one; it led to ostracization by his family and society, pushing him into severe mental distress. Yet, it was these experiences that galvanized him to become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.

TRIVIA

• Manvendra Singh Gohil is the first openly gay prince in the world.
• He appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2007, which significantly raised his profile as an LGBTQ+ rights advocate internationally.
• Manvendra founded the Lakshya Trust, an organization that works for HIV/AIDS prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other LGBTQ+ individuals.
• He has been featured in various international media outlets including BBC, and the New York Times, cementing his role as a global LGBTQ+ activist.
• His efforts also extend to running a care center and helpline for LGBTQ+ individuals, providing support and counseling to those in need.

FAMILY LIFE
Manvendra hails from the noble Gohil dynasty of Rajpipla and is the son of Maharana Shri Raghubir Singhji Rajendrasinhji Sahib and Rani Smt. Rukmani Devi. His decision to come out as gay initially led to a strained relationship with his family, with his parents publicly disowning him. However, over time, there has been a progression toward reconciliation, albeit gradual. His journey underscores the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals often face within the confines of traditional family structures, particularly in conservative settings.

ASSOCIATED WITH
Manvendra's advocacy has seen him collaborate with numerous national and international organizations promoting LGBTQ+ rights and health. He has worked alongside NGOs, UN bodies, and influential figures to advance the cause. Notably, his appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" brought his story to millions, highlighting the plight and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative societies. This exposure has galvanized further support and awareness around LGBTQ+ issues globally.

Through his activism and charitable initiatives, Manvendra Singh Gohil continues to inspire countless individuals and remains a symbol of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.