Born into royalty but destined to break centuries of tradition, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil has carved out a place in history as the world’s first openly gay prince. A member of the former royal family of Rajpipla in Gujarat, India, Gohil’s life story is one of courage, self-acceptance, and advocacy in the face of immense personal and social challenges. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Born into royalty but destined to break centuries of tradition, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil has carved out a place in history as the world’s first openly gay prince. A member of the former royal family of Rajpipla in Gujarat, India, Gohil’s life story is one of courage, self-acceptance, and advocacy in the face of immense personal and social challenges. (Image: Instagram/ @princemanvendragohil)
In keeping with royal customs and societal expectations, Gohil married a princess from another royal family in the early 1990s. However, the marriage lasted only a short time and was annulled. Years later, he publicly acknowledged that he was gay, a decision that would change his life forever. (Image: Instagram @princemanvendragohil)
In 2006, Manvendra Singh Gohil came out publicly in an interview with a Gujarati newspaper, making headlines around the world. The announcement was met with criticism and hostility from sections of society. Reports at the time noted that he was temporarily ostracised and even faced protests outside the royal residence. However, his parents later reconciled with him, and over time he emerged as a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights in India and beyond. (Image: Instagram/@jatinsaraswati)
Determined to help others who faced similar struggles, Gohil founded the Lakshya Trust, an organisation focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and support for LGBTQ+ communities. Through education, outreach programmes, and advocacy, the trust has worked extensively with vulnerable and marginalised groups. His openness and activism earned him international recognition. He appeared on several global platforms, including talk shows hosted by prominent personalities, and was featured in documentaries and magazines that highlighted his journey. (Image :Instagram/@jatinsaraswati)
Perhaps one of his most inspiring initiatives has been transforming part of the family estate into a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals. Hanumanteshwar 1927, located near Vadodara, serves as a community space and safe haven aimed at promoting acceptance and inclusion. (Image: Instagram/@jatinsaraswati)
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil has been celebrated globally for challenging stereotypes surrounding royalty and sexuality. In 2014, he was listed among the world’s notable LGBTQ+ figures and has since become an international symbol of resilience and authenticity. (Image: Instagram/@jatinsaraswati)
Long before India’s Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality in 2018, Gohil was advocating for acceptance and equal rights. His story resonated not only because he was a prince, but because he chose honesty over convention and used his position to support others. By embracing his truth and speaking openly about it, he transformed a deeply personal journey into a powerful movement for change. (File Photo)
