Out of the closet: Royal accepts gay son

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Out of the closet: Royal accepts gay son

PRERNA SHAH, [4 Aug, 2006 2053hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

Raghubir Singh Gohil, the former maharaja of Rajpipla in Gujarat,

issued ads disowning his only son Manvendra, after the latter

admitted he was gay.

Raghubir Singh Gohil seems a little hesitant to talk about his son

Manvendra as he sits in his majestic drawing room inside the royal

palace in Rajpipla. The tag of a 'harsh father'has upset him.

" Manvendra has often held functions for the Lakshya Trust, which

deals with issues related to homosexuality at our palace. I knew

about him, " he says, carefully avoiding the word 'gay.'

" But when he gave a newspaper interview, all hell broke loose. I was

in an awkward situation and didn't know how do deal with it.

Relatives from all over the country called me up. Rajpipla is a

conservative place. Women still cover their heads with a pallu; sex

is a taboo topic. I was in the line of fire, " he says.

You tell him that Manvendra has set an example by coming out in the

open, perhaps the only person ever from a royal family to do so.

" But it was all the more difficult considering we come from a royal

family. I understand some people are different, I accept it. I had

never interfered in his life, but we are still a conservative

society, " he says.

So is being gay a crime? " I did it in anger. I was pressurised by

various people. Manvendra is a gifted individual. He is also very

dedicated and I must admit he never gave me any trouble.

It's a cruel world out there and not everyone will accept him, " he

trails off.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1855474.cms

[Moderators note: History of Rajpipla - Gohil dynasty.

c.1200 Rajpipla state founded, 1815- 1820 occupied by Baroda

Rulers (title Maharana) Gohil dynasty –

*1705* Mota Verisalji (b. ... - d. bf.1715)

*1715 - 1754 Jitsinhji (b. ... - d. 1754)

1754 - 1764 Pratapsinhji (b. ... - d. 1764)

1764 - 1786 Raisinhji (b. ... - d. 1786)

1786 - 15 Jan 1803 Ajabsinhji (b. 1750 - d. 1803)

15 Jan 1803 - 10 May 1810 Ramsinhji (b. ... - d. 1810)

10 May 1810 - 9 Aug 1821 Naharsinhji (b. c.1780 - d. 18...)

9 Aug 1821 - 1860 Verisalji (b. 1808 - d. 1868)

1860 - 10 Jan 1897 Gambhirsinhji (b. 1846 - d. 1897)

10 Jan 1897 - 26 Sep 1915 Chhatrasinhji b. 1862 - d. 1915)

26 Sep 1915 - 15 Aug 1947 Vijayasinhji Chhatrasinhji

(b. 1890 - d. 1951)