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Overall, patterns identified within each region reflect what we found across the U.S. Full details on the regional analyses can be found on page 37 of this report.
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But the movie isn't really about her. Let’s keep the conversation going, not just during Pride, but every month of the year.In a traditional style wedding.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Acceptance of same-sex marriage may be a modern mode of thought, but Indian Americans Sandeep and Karthik decided they wanted to celebrate their union in the most traditional way they could think of — the quintessential big Indian wedding.
Asianet Television reported the two gay men, of Malayalee origin, were married earlier this year in California under the warm auspices of both of their families.
It was 2012 when Sandeep, who hails from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, met Karthik, an American-born Palakkad brahmin, on a dating website.
They reached out to their parents in 2013 and asked for their permission to wed, and in a move that reportedly shocked them both, it was granted by both families.
The lavish Hindu wedding, which has reportedly become the topic of much discussion throughout closed online gay groups in Kerala, took over a year to plan and was attended by relatives and friends from around the world.
It’s simply… human. They just need permission — from themselves, from society — to say it out loud.
Another gem of a quote comes from Naveen’s sister, Arundhati: “The easiest thing to believe in is love.” And yet we often make it so complicated. This matters. One priest. He’s grounded in it. They didn’t Westernize it.
“They wanted to break all barriers and start a trend which would help others.”
Another strength of the film is that it doesn’t just focus on Naveen’s queerness.
And yes, he wants the big fat Indian wedding too.
What I love most about this film is that it doesn’t follow the typical “coming out” story arc. We’ve seen that before. This film reminds us that sometimes, we just need to lean in — to our hearts, our histories, and our humanity.
So no, this Pride Month didn’t feel like a celebration.
Watch it not because it’s a “queer film,” but because it’s a human film — rooted in the same values so many of us hold dear: family, faith, and love.
Call to Action:
Have you watched A Nice Indian Boy? Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, are an ally, or are just trying to be a better family member or friend — I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
But those tropes serve as familiar entry points into a story that’s doing something more radical: showing that queer Desi people belong in these traditions. But it did feel like a moment of reflection. Watch it with your family.
The rate of Medicaid enrollment for LGBT women with children is particularly high (approximately 30%).
Discrimination and Stressful Events
It's about Naveen, a young gay Indian American doctor who wants love. Maybe it’s the waves of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation or the unspoken fatigue from having to keep defending your right to simply exist. That even in our pursuit of progressive values, we still carry internal biases — like the mother sighing in relief when she assumes Naveen’s partner is Indian, only to be stunned when she realizes he’s white.
The moment that brought tears to my eyes was the wedding scene.
Our work has always been about helping people find not just a partner, but a meaningful, culturally resonant connection. Her character isn’t unsupportive; she’s overcompensating. What we haven’t seen nearly enough are stories that ask: what happens after?