The Indian LGBTQIA+ community and activists are calling for action against cyberbullying following the tragic death of Pranshu, a 16-year-old queer makeup artist, suspected to be a suicide. Pranshu, who resided in Divine City, Ujjain, and was a Class 10 student, was found deceased by their mother on November 21. This incident has intensified concerns over online harassment, particularly towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pranshu, who had amassed thousands of followers on social media for showcasing their makeup artistry, faced a barrage of homophobic comments following a viral Instagram Reel in which they wore a saree. The advocacy group Yes, We Exist highlighted that the influencer’s last post, dated November 12, received over 4,000 comments, many of which were derogatory and homophobic.
In response to this tragedy, Yes, We Exist is urging Instagram, owned by Meta, to enhance its non-English language capabilities and strengthen its measures against cyberbullying. This demand comes amidst reports that the hashtag #JusticeForPranshu was blocked by Meta for allegedly violating community guidelines, a move that the advocacy group contests.
Jeet, the founder of Yes, We Exist, spoke to PinkNews about the “tragic loss” of Pranshu, emphasizing the dire real-world consequences of online bullying. The group calls for greater accountability from platforms like Instagram, advocating for more robust action against queerphobic content and a more equitable approach towards content moderation.
Pranshu’s death is not only a personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the systemic challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in India. It underscores the urgent need for social media platforms to take a proactive stance in combating cyberbullying and creating a safer online environment for all, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities. The Indian LGBTQIA+ community’s mourning extends beyond the loss of an individual to the broader issues of online safety, inclusivity, and support.