Today as we celebrate 50 years of LGBTQ+ history, 50 years of struggle to get equal rights, to be considered as normal human beings, we have achieved a lot. Even though we have progressed and broaden our mindset but there are still some families who are victims of the social stigma and don’t accept their children. Dutee Chand, India’s first openly gay athlete who came out to the nation this year has been facing criticism and difficulties since then. But it got even more difficult for her when her own family refused to accept her. Dutee belongs to a very poor family and lives in a small village Golapur in Odisha. Dutee’s family and equally impoverished neighbours made a living as weavers. Living in a village with no identity and then suddenly coming into limelight because of their resident, it made villagers and Dutee’s parents proud. But after Dutee came out it seemed like the tables turned. Golapur’s residents are now embarrassed to mention the name of the ace sprinter who put their tiny village on Indian and the global map. The 23 year old athlete’s declaration of same sex love was a watershed moment in Indian sports but the village condemned her. Dutee’s family has been brutal, her father said “What she is doing is immortal and unethical. She has destroyed the reputation of the village. I can’t believe my own daughter”. While her own family doesn’t support her but Dutee is an inspiration for many to come out and not be afraid to show who they love. Dutee is not only an excellent athlete but also a brave girl who came over our societies stigma and was not afraid to accept who she is. Now she is in an open relationship and has found her soulmate who came into her life in 2017. Both of them are living a happy life despite of all the difficulties. #50yearsofpride #50yearsofLGBTQ+