Gay prince disowned for coming out.

[Deja Q]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/06/062306iout.htm

(New Delhi) The eldest son and heir of one of India's princely families has been disowned after coming out publicly.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla quickly became the public face of the gay rights movement in Gujarat and is the patron of the region's biggest HIV/AIDS organization.

The prince learned that he had been stripped of his title, inheritance, and all rights in the newspaper.

His family, one of the richest in India, this week placed an official announcement in local papers accusing him of disobedience and of bringing dishonor to the royal family.

The announcement said that Prince Manvendra was involved in activities that are "unsuitable in society" and said that the family was severing all ties with him.

SNIP

He told the paper that he had come out to his family in 2002. "However, they may not have expected that I would go public with the issue."

Not much more to that article...

A better article is here:

(SNIPPED EXCERPT)
Earlier this year, he took the plunge, coming out to the public, becoming the first blue-blooded gay Indian. ''I came out as gay to a Gujarati daily because I wanted people to openly discuss homosexuality since it's a hidden affair with a lot of stigma attached,'' says Gohil, who is chairperson of Lakshya Trust, a Vadodara-based NGO working to check the spread of HIV/AIDS among the gay community in Gujarat.

His family would have none of it, though. It wasn't long before the prince was dispossessed - two days ago, two different notices in a leading vernacular daily in Vadodara put an end to his claim to the family property.

''Manvendra is not in control of his mother and involved in activities unacceptable to society,'' says one of the notices issued by his mother. ''Hence, he ceases to have rights as a son over the family property and the power of attorney issued to him also stands cancelled. Henceforth, no one must refer to my name as mother of Manvendra. If any individual or organisation dares to do so, it will invite contempt proceedings against him.''

Gohil's father Raghuvirsinh says, ''The power of attorney given to Manvendrasinh on December 19, 2002, about family properties in Gujarat and Maharashtra stands rejected. No one must deal with him about these properties.'' Raghuvirsinh's advocate, Pratap Singh Rathod based in Jodhpur, confirmed that he had issued the notices on behalf of his clients. Other than these two statements, Gohil's parents refused to comment further.

''They were afraid to even use the word gay. But I accept whatever my family has decided. I will abide by their decision in this matter and will not stake a claim on the property,'' says Gohil who is an only son. ''I have no regrets since I have found family in the community. Ashok Row Kavi is like my godmother. I will continue my activism and fight for my rights in India and wherever else I'm required to,'' says Gohil.

Article has more.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

1. That's the world's biggest democracy for ya

I am not suprised.

[spag68]

2. gay prince

Who cares? these side shows only take your eye off the ball. I don't mean the prince, just gay or lesbian in general. No one of us is qualified to judge such things, especially not politicians.

[Misunderestimator]

9. Side shows? What ball is this taking our eyes off of?

Do you know you are posting in the GLBT forum?

[cboy4]

3. Isn't gay prince redundant?

Just sayin' ;)

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. He's been promoted, actually

By royal decree, he can't be a prince because he's already a queen. :rofl:

[Divine Discontent]

10. of course it is, love...

and how is Prince not gay, or is he, I don't know celeb stuff anymore. I saw him on that American Idol finale and I thought, "Gay Days Parade" baby! Let's get dancin! ha.. I don't like his newer music, but his clothes are very gay friendly indeed!


he looks like judy garland or something from the 60's. like a little doll!

God bless...



www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<<--- check it out!

[Mist]

4. It seems very brave of him--his mother has "disowned" him to the

extent that if anyone refers to her as his mother, she'll SUE??

[wagthedogwar]

5. Rani Dev stylin'

His mom said there's only room for one Queen in this house??!!!

[triakis36]

7. Wow.. I really amire his conviction

As a Budhist, his example of compassion and self sacrifice sends quite a strong message. In Buddhism, anyone can reach Buddha. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha">Buddha simply means "awakened", to have gained a higher understanding. To achieve the highest level of enlightenment is to overcome anger, greed, ignorance, and suffering. Considering he has no malice toward his family (I deeply admire his respect and even acceptance of their decision), no attachment to his wealth, and is a strong advocate for open discussion; I think he's done quite well for himself. Though, only he can say if he is free of suffering. Maybe that's what makes hims so brave after all, to risk himself for the greater good.

[JoshWatermanMN]

8. Chessene!

Wanna have a friend over for some lunch?

Points to picture. :)

[Deja Q]

11. Definitely!! And two points of interest:

1. Welcome to DU!! :bounce: :party: :woohoo:

2. I tend to change my sig pic semi-frequently. What's Chessene today may be Sil tomorrow... :D