What made Celina an activist?

Ever wondered why Celina Jaitley is a gay rights
activist? Whether it’s a gay parade or the launch of a magazine for gays, Celina
is always there. She recently revealed that her first boyfriend was gay. Since
then Celina has always supported the gay community. Recalling the incident, she
said that while she was studying in Kolkata, she met this guy at a night club.
They became good friends and after a couple of meetings, he proposed to her.
Celina accepted his proposal. But after a few months she realised that he was a
closet gay.They broke off but continued to be good friends. After his
preferences became public, the guy led a very abusive and a traumatised life. He
passed away last year due to heart failure.

But Celina could not forget her first love.Her love
for this person continues to be a major factor in her life and in her quest for
gay rights in India.Celina had faced hurdles for supporting this cause. She says
that there is a Bollywood website where she has been abused.I have got
threatening letters from certain cultural activists but I have carried on
because somebody has to take the first step,” says Celina. “This is a human
rights issue and not charity.

I worked with a gay group in Kolkata. I have also
worked in HIV awareness camps. I hope to do much more and the health ministry is
also very supportive of it. There is a student community that has supported my
Facebook group,” adds Celina.