PRIDE not prejudice!

A decade long struggle!

On Sunday June 24, 2018, I participated in my first  PRIDE March. That it had been taking place in conservative Chennai for the last ten years, was an eye opener in itself - I had not heard about the event in Chennai ever. It was also a reflection of the lack of my knowledge and awareness of the LGBTIQA+ scene in Chennai. Organised by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Collective, this year's March drew crowds in excess of 500, a record of sorts, I believe.

The March itself had a tentative start with permission from the police authorities coming at the nth hour. Starting at the Rajarathnam Stadium in Egmore, the route of the March was through a nondescript bylane filled with abandoned cars and grubby garages, dotted with run down hostels and slum dwellings, along the southern bank of filthy Cooum river. It was most ironical - I felt that it was a reflection of the lives of the LGBTIQA+ - mostly ignored, closeted, alienated, discriminated, victims of hate, violence and harassment. 

Human pin up board!

In contrast, the March was all colour. The bright shades of PRIDE were fully on show with many participants draped in colourful costumes. There was glitter and shine to add to the attraction with flags, umbrellas, banners and pompoms. Many hid their faces behind masks, struggling to come out fearing rejection and discrimination. The mood was festive and felt like a carnival, with participants singing, dancing and enjoying themselves along the way. The banners carried interesting slogans that emphasized the themes of acceptance and inclusion besides spreading love.

Team from Ford - photo courtesy: Sathish Vasudevan

There was heavy police presence for the March and many of the cops that I spoke to were curious to know why I was attending the event and inquired if my family was aware and supported my participation. A few of them wondered aloud if the parents/ family of the March participants "knew" they were there. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code came in for much criticism with slogans calling for repealing the same. Posters and banners also carried messages seeking review of its constitutional validity.

Gay abandon! Photo courtesy: The Hindu

The PRIDE March attempts to build a sense of community while allowing a safe space for members of the LGBTIQA+ fraternity to feel comfortable with their own identities and sexual preferences. 

I must admit that participation in the PRIDE March made me feel a sense of complete acceptance - I felt accepted as I was accepting of the other. What better way than this to drive a message on inclusion.