Dear Dutee Chand, Stay True to Yourself. We’re so Proud of You

“Dutee Chand, we are with you, and you got this,” say members of the queer community.

Dutee is the first Indian sports star who has publicly admitted to being in a same-sex relationship.

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Members of the queer community have come together to express their solidarity with Dutee Chand. The sprinter recently revealed she’s in a same-sex relationship with her “soulmate” who is a girl from her hometown of Chaka Gopalpur in Odisha.

Dutee is the first Indian sports star who has publicly admitted to being in a same-sex relationship.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day when an Indian sportsperson or an Indian celebrity would come out. You know, it is such a small, tiny little action that gives so many of us so much hope.”

Dipalie Mehta

Dipalie was not the only one, Lameeya Parween too shared the same views.
“As a queer person, I just want to say how proud I am to see you living your truth and how inspiring it is for me,” said Lameeya.

Many thanked Dutee for coming out, which has made it easier for the rest to share their stories.

Reyansh Naarang from Nazariya feels that this would encourage other athletes to come out, and also kids who choose not have athletic careers because of their sexuality.

Bhavya Sharma feels time will fix everything. “About the people, you know, comments don’t really matter. Just don’t take anything to heart. Time fixes everything,” said Bhavya, who was upset with all the negative news around this.

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