Ellen Page is in India to shoot for Gaycation, a Viceland documentary series which explores LGBT cultures and rights around the world. Page, who hosts the show with her close friend Ian Daniel, will be exploring the status of sexual minorities in the country.
A controversial colonial-era law criminalises homosexuality in India, deeming a same-sex relationship an “unnatural offence”. The country’s Supreme Court has recently agreed to reopen the debate on Section 377, giving some hope to the LGBT community.
Page has reportedly interviewed several people in Mumbai, including the Apurva Asrani, the writer of the critically-acclaimed Hindi film Aligarh, which focused on the life of a gay Indian professor and the prejudices surrounding homosexuality in India. The film was also subject to several cuts and given an 'adult' rating by the country's Censor Board.
Met the lovely #EllenPage and her buddy Ian. Gorgeous conversation & a wonderful evening with friends & family. pic.twitter.com/MSQ2TjMNxd— Apurva M Asrani (@Apurvasrani) May 7, 2016
When @EllenPage came to India! #ShootDiaries pic.twitter.com/ZaxS9x3Bpp— Nikhil Taneja (@tanejamainhoon) May 8, 2016
The first four episodes of Gaycation have explored LGBTQ cultures in the US, Jamaica, Brazil and Japan, tackling questions of homophobia and acceptance, and the challenges of gay people coming out to their families.
Page came out as a lesbian in 2014, and has been a vocal supporter of LGBT rights since then. "I'm here today because I am gay and because maybe I can make a difference, to help others have an easier and more hopeful time," she said in her 2014 speech. "Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility."