LGBTQ Fashion Designer Attacked in Delhi, Calls for Change

Fashion designer Param Sahib Singh was physically assaulted in Connaught Place, New Delhi, by individuals who recognized him from social media and targeted him with homophobic and casteist slurs. This incident follows a previous attack on his studio earlier this year, where an unknown group vandalized his workspace.

In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Singh detailed the traumatic experience he faced while filming a winter haul video with his team in broad daylight. “This is unfortunately the second attack that has happened on me in the past six months,” he stated, visibly shaken by the events. His description reveals a disturbing pattern of violence against him due to his identity as a queer individual.

While shooting content at various locations in Connaught Place, Singh noticed that he was being followed by three men. “They recognized me from my Instagram videos and were definitely part of the hate community that has formed against me on social media,” he explained. As he concluded his shoot and headed towards his cab near the Emporio area, the men seized the opportunity to attack.

“They attacked me from behind. They covered my face with a cloth, dragged me to the ground, and started hitting me—my face, my nose, my body, everywhere they could,” he recounted. The attackers hurled slurs, referring to him with derogatory names and asserting that he was a “disgrace to Sikhism.”

The brutal assault lasted for several minutes, leaving Singh shaken and injured. “When I got up, all my belongings were scattered on the floor. I somehow picked them up and called Jatin from my team. He reached in about 10-15 minutes, and we went to get my wounds treated,” he said.

Despite advice from friends against publicizing the incident, Singh felt compelled to share his story. “I’m here telling you that this is the reality of us living in a democracy and this fight is not over,” he emphasized, displaying visible bruises and swelling on his face.

This latest attack is not an isolated incident for Singh. Earlier this year, his office was vandalized, with significant damage inflicted on his creative space. “They destroyed everything there. Now, they’ve attacked me,” he lamented.

Singh, known for blending his Sikh identity with queer expression in his vibrant fashion designs, expressed the emotional toll these incidents take. “There is so much love and support from my friends, family, and extended community. But still, these moments leave me so vulnerable and knocked down that coming out of it each time becomes so tiring,” he shared.

In his closing remarks, Singh reflected on the harsh realities faced by queer individuals in India’s capital. “This is also a harsh reality of me living as an independent queer person in a national capital like Delhi,” he stated. His powerful message has sparked conversations online regarding the safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals, the prevalence of hate crimes, and the emotional burden of being visibly queer in a society that often does not accept them.

Singh’s courage in sharing his experience highlights the urgent need for greater acceptance and protection for queer voices in public spaces. As discussions around his attack circulate, the call for empathy and understanding becomes more pressing, emphasizing the importance of standing against hate and violence in all its forms.