From Mohanlal rooting for lesbian couple Adhila and Noora to Aswin Vijayan coming out as gay: Here's how Bigg Boss Malayalam celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community

Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 has been widely praised for its progressive stance, especially after the show and host Mohanlal stood firmly in support of lesbian couple Adhila and Noora following an insensitive comment made by fellow contestant Lakshmi. However, this is not the first time the show has championed inclusivity. Since its inception, Bigg Boss Malayalam has provided a respectful and empowering platform for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here's a look back at how the show has celebrated diversity over the seasons.

Actress Anjali Ameer made history by becoming the first transgender woman to enter Bigg Boss Malayalam. Joining Season 1 as a wildcard entrant, Anjali had to leave midway due to health issues, but her presence left a lasting impression on the audience and helped pave the way for more inclusive representation in the seasons that followed.

Season 4 received particular praise for its thoughtful and inclusive representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The official teaser featured both a man and a woman expressing their desire to marry a "beautiful girl", a subtle but powerful nod to diverse sexual orientations, which was warmly received by fans.

Magician Aswin Vijayan, also part of Season 4, initially confided in Jasmine and Aparna that he was gay but preferred to remain closeted. Eventually, he opened up to the house and the nation, sharing his deeply personal story about falling in love with a temple priest.

Season 4 welcomed lesbian contestants Aparna Mulberry and Jasmine Moosa, who openly shared their love stories inside the house. Their candid conversations and heartfelt stories resonated with viewers. Aparna, an American citizen, is married to her wife Amrita Sri. The Malayalam audience largely embraced their presence and stories with sensitivity and support.

Riyas Salim, a self-proclaimed ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, used his time in the house to educate both housemates and viewers. During a “call center” task, Riyas took the opportunity to explain the LGBTQIA+ acronym, a moment that was widely appreciated across social media and by the larger Malayali audience for spreading awareness.

Contestant Anjuz Rosh also came out during her time on the show. Calling herself a tomboy, she revealed her romantic attraction towards women and shared a heartfelt story about a five-year-long relationship with a girl.

Transgender rights activist and actress Nadira Mehrin made history in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5 by becoming the first trans woman to reach the grand finale, after winning the 'Ticket to Finale' task. Not just that, Nadira was welcomed back to her family after her stint on the reality show.

In Season 7, Adhila and Noora made headlines by entering the house as the first-ever lesbian couple, not just in the Malayalam version but in any version of Bigg Boss globally. Their entry as a single contestant marked a historic moment for the reality show, symbolizing visibility, acceptance, and bold representation.

In one of the most emotionally charged weekend episodes of Season 7, host Mohanlal took a powerful stand against contestant Lakshmi, who made derogatory remarks against Adhila and Noora. Lakshmi had claimed that such individuals are not "accepted in society" and wouldn't be welcomed into the homes of others.

In response, Mohanlal firmly stated, “I will welcome them to my home. Let them come to my home.” His words were met with applause from both housemates and the audience. Adhila and Noora, visibly moved, expressed their gratitude. Mohanlal also lauded the couple for being independent, self-sufficient, and courageous, directly challenging Lakshmi’s narrow-minded assertions.