Pride, dignity, the feeling of being accepted with your own identity, the ability to come out in open with self assurance are some indispensable rights that have been suppressed, for a major section of our society… The LGBT Community! The Indian LGBT community since more than a decade have been organising Pride Parades in different cities and have exponentially grown with time. Here’s a first hand account from this year’s Delhi Pride Parade from one of the participants, Sumit Pawar.
Sumit Pawar, a social activist from Mumbai along with his four friends attended the parade organised in Baroda, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and now Delhi.The main aim and objective of that, being able to witness the happenings and basic difference in all the cities at the day of pride. Not only did these group of friends attended the parade but through their attire they gave a very strong message to the unaware and orthodox society.
At the Bangalore pride Sumit’s outfit comprised of a head gear that of a Kathakali dancer, representing the essence of the south Indian culture. Moving to the outfit it consisted of a Dhoti, again representing the Indian Culture. Even the ornaments were carefully selected to depict the connection with Carnatic culture.
The main aim being, to show that no matter what one’s sexual orientation is we all belong to the same society, country and, mostly importantly we all are humans. It’s no secret! We all come in this world through the same medium.
Talking about the Delhi pride parade, the second biggest pride after Mumbai. It was more of than just an extravagant affair. With more number of people supporting the cause for equality these bunch of friends decided to participate in this parade in the most extravagant manner.
Sumit’s outfit consisted of an orange turban, showcasing the importance of North India, Green dhoti along with a white cover with blue jacket. His outfit depicting the unity in the form of our tricolour. Even the accessories consisted of a pearl necklace, India’s proud piece of jewellery and earnings of a peacock’s feather. Every piece , every cloth meant just one thing; Equality. It’s not a western influence and one should stay true to what one is. Manoj, an another participant decided to showcase his connection with our culture in a very spicy manner. He decided to carry a dupatta with lehenga and nathni while keeping his masculine look of a bearded guy. Be it a Trans-man, trans woman, lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, all of them had gathered to celebrate the day of pride. Nobody to judge, nobody to comment on a person’s physical or sexual appearance. Just one goal – Legality of LGBT relation and decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
This year’s pride was unique in its very own way. When the parade ended at Jantar Mantar, there came the announcement of Shashi Tharoor to introduce a private members bill in the parliament. Not only this but the comment from Arun Jaitley in support of the LGBTQ community also made the end of the 8th annual parade a happy event for all including Sumit.
Here are some glimpses of this year’s pride,
With the anticipation of Mumbai Pride in early February(2016). You can show your support through the upcoming event by QueerKala,”Queer Hugs” on 12th December 2015 at Marine Drive, Mumbai. So come out and show your love and support.
Written By : Ashna JD
Published by : Aaryaa Vyas
Picture Courtesy : Sumit Pawar (Bangalore Pride Parade 2015)
Yadavendra Singh Darvesh (Delhi Pride Parade 2015)
