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A barrage of criticism from LGBTQIA+ activists, queer collectives, and social justice activists has been directed at Member of Parliament and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan, following the resurfacing of a video from an April 12 student event in which he referred to same-sex love as “perversion”.
The remarks were made in response to a question from a law student, also named Thirumavalavan, who asked whether same-sex love aligns with Tamil philosophical definitions of love. Thirumavalavan responded by saying: “In English, they call that ‘perversion’. If love happens between a man and another man, that is perversion. It is something that goes against nature.” The quip elicited laughs and claps from the audience.
This was followed by his poetic reflection on the universality and depth of love, where he said love cannot be defined by us. However, his remarks about same-sex love was in contrast to the philosophy of love the leader provided on the stage.
The Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition (TNRC) issued an open letter, denouncing the remarks and calling them contrary to both modern science and Ambedkarite values: “Equating same-gender desire to ‘perversion’ reinforces stigma, fuels discrimination, and directly contributes to the violence and alienation faced by queer people.”
The letter noted that homosexuality was declassified as a disorder by the World Health Organization in 1990 and is legally protected in India.
“We urge Thozhar Dr. Thirumavalavan to reflect on the immense harm caused by his statement… and lead VCK by example towards a more inclusive and equitable worldview.”
In a collective statement, queer activists expressed alarm saying, “We are deeply disturbed by this statement made by VCK chief Dr Thol Thirumavalavan, where he referred to love between two people of the same gender as ‘perversion’. This comment, made during a public event among students and met with laughter and applause, sends a painful and dangerous message.”
“A movement that claims to fight for liberation cannot exclude people based on who they love. Social justice cannot be selective,” the statement said.
The group highlighted historical precedents, stating that BR Ambedkar cited sexologist Havelock Ellis to argue in court that homosexuality is natural, not perverse.
The Kattiyakkari Theatre Group issued a statement as well: “These comments do not just hurt — they endanger the lives and mental well-being of already marginalised communities… Queer rights are not separate from the rights of the oppressed — they are a part of the same struggle.”
“Thozhar Thiruma’s words land like a betrayal... There are thousands of queer Dalits who have looked up to him as a symbol of hope. Today, many of us feel betrayed, alienated, and forsaken,” the statement added.
A social media post by trans and queer activist Living smile Vidya criticised the VCK chief for calling queer identities “perversions,” reminding him that Dr BR Ambedkar had supported queer rights and fought legal battles on their behalf. The post questioned how caste and social justice could be pursued while excluding queer people, and pointed out that many queer individuals in progressive spaces consider Thirumavalavan a leader. It called his remarks regressive and fear-inducing, especially when applauded by his followers. She urged him to apologise sincerely and uphold Ambedkar’s inclusive vision by respecting queer voices within his party and the larger anti-caste movement.
Dalit rights activist Shalin Maria Lawrence also called for a retraction. Stating that homosexuality is not perversion or unnatural, she said the Tirumavalavan should unlearn his gender bias, queer phobia and issue an apology.
A detailed statement was issued by Aruvi, who was present at the event along with her friends and her younger sister. “My sister is in a stage of confusion about her sexuality. When he used the word ‘perversion,’ we were stunned. Others laughed. We just looked at each other in shock,” she said.
“He is someone who explains the meaning of each syllable — how could he say this?” she wrote.
Sasha, Director of Chennai Dost and Chairperson of the Chennai Rainbow Film Festival, stated: “Same-sex love is not perversion. It is companionship. It is a fundamental right… Calling it ‘perversion’ is homophobic, scientifically unfounded, and contributes to the ongoing marginalization and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
“Love is not a crime. Being queer is not a deviation. It is identity, it is resilience, and it is beautiful,” Sasha added.
The collective of LGBTQIA+ persons who stand for social justice also posed a set of pointed questions: “Has the leader taken time to understand lesbian and gay lives before speaking publicly about us? Does he know how queer individuals, especially young people, face isolation, mental health struggles, and violence as a result of such public statements? Is he aware of how such comments can be weaponized by regressive forces to push back against hard-won rights? Does he understand that political alliances he is part of, like the INDIA bloc, have consistently supported LGBTQIA+ rights in their manifestos and public commitments? Does he recognize that the Tamil Nadu DMK government and the Madras High Court have taken progressive steps toward LGBTQIA+ rights?”
“A leader who works for justice must not and should not discriminate over questions of love,” the statement added.
Despite the hurt and condemnation, most statements were framed not in hostility but in an invitation to have a dialogue.
“We extend this letter not with hostility,” wrote the TNRC, “but in the fervent hope that progressive leadership can evolve through reflection and dialogue.”
Thirumavalavan is yet to issue a response or clarification regarding the remarks.