Investigate The Change in Perceptions of Young Adults Towards the LGBTQIA Community by The Illustrations of LGBTQIA Characters in Bollywood Industry

The aim of the study is to dive deeper into the ever changing perceptions of LGBTQIA individuals in Bollywood movies and also to understand all the nuances of this influence on the attitude formation towards LGBTQIA individuals, especially focusing towards young adults. The paper looks into multiple aspects like societal expectations and legal reforms, specifically the decriminalisation of Section 377, that has mostly influenced the recent representations of LGBTQIA+ identities. It does shed light on the movement from stereotypical or humorous representations to more understanding, complex characterizations in the case of Kapoor & Sons and some other recent pieces of art. These visuals aid in the formation of the audience's views, more so among the youth who are very much influenced by the media and thus, the narratives. Despite the fact that Bollywood's cultural reach is not limited to India and, therefore, the potential ability to influence globally is wider, the study also points out major limitations. It mentions the need for cross-industry comparisons based on regions and more focus on authenticity, intersectionality, and representation to be the key issues in future research. In a way, the paper points out that media has the power to confront established prejudices and contribute to the process of social acceptance; however, it also requires that the portrayals of the LGBTQIA communities be accurate and inclusive.