Cross-cultural love story reveals hidden LGBTQ+

Unicorns is a groundbreaking film that delves into the hidden world of the “gaysian” community, a clandestine subculture where gay Asian individuals navigate complex intersections of sexuality, ethnicity, and religion. The film follows a white, working-class mechanic, Luke, as he falls for Aysha, a captivating South Asian drag queen.

This unconventional love story serves as a platform to illuminate the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those with South Asian heritage. Many of these individuals grapple with ostracism from both mainstream society and their cultural backgrounds. The film’s directors, Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd have crafted a narrative that is both deeply personal and socially relevant.

Floyd, who is half-Indian and half-English, drew from his own experiences and the lives of friends like Asifa Lahore, the UK’s first openly Muslim drag queen, to create a world that feels authentic and raw. The film’s casting process was particularly poignant, with many aspiring actors from the gaysian community sharing their heartfelt stories, highlighting the lack of representation in mainstream media.

Unicorns is more than just a love story; it’s a powerful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit. By shining a spotlight on the gaysian community, the film hopes to foster greater understanding and empathy.

Re-reported from the article originally published on BBC.