City’s first LGBT Pride Walk marches out

“We have come here to get recognition for our community. But the beginning has to be made by the parents,they need to accept us first,” says Kajal Mangalmukhi,a transgender from Manimajra who also runs an organisation for transgenders.

Some were wearing masks,others were hiding their faces with scarfs as they came out in the open for the first time. “I’m gay. I cannot reveal my identity because my parents and relatives would not like to see me like this. But,I have come out,because today it was about fighting for our right to live,” said an 18-year-old community member,from Pathankot,on the condition of anonymity.

On being asked about the low turnout,Dhananjay Chauhan,president of Saksham Foundation said,“Many of the community members who were coming from far off places could not be there on time,because of the heavy rainfall the previous day. Some of them were also scared of coming out into the open and the presence of police added to their fear.”

“The event was not publicised much,there were not many posters and that too on very few locations. Even I got to know through a friend’s invite on Facebook,” shared Kriti,a research scholar from Department of English and cultural studies,Panjab University.

The crowd marched till Sector 17 plaza,where an awareness function was organised by the community members. A flash mob was also organised thereafter.

Surprised at ‘unusual’ event

Chandigarh: The residents of Chandigarh were taken by surprise as the first Pride walk of the city made its way through the streets on Friday.

People came out of their homes and shops to witness this “unusual” event. Children seemed amazed by so many colours on the street and were even found playing with the multi-coloured balloons. While some of the residents appreciated the event,others were critical.

“It is a good initiative. Our culture is opening up and accepting the diversity. There is a stigma attached with this community,which needs to be removed. The city is certainly ready for an event like this,” said Kamaldeep Singh,a Chandigarh-based government employee.

On the other hand,some seemed offended by the display of the LGBT (lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender) community on the streets. Sukhdev Kumar,who owns a tailor shop in Sector 15 rued,“It is still accepted in other countries,but India is not the place for such events. It is wrong.”

Arpita Dass,a social worker based in Chandigarh who was also a part of the first Pride Walk in Delhi said,“It’s a good turnout,since it is the first time. But people here seem quite curious,they want to know and understand,which is a good sign.” On being asked if the city is ready for the event,she replied,“If it is not ready today,then it never will be. Such issues cannot wait.”

PROUD PARENTS

Umer Singh,father of Dhananjay Chauhan,president of the Saksham Foundation,the main organiser,who also came to support his son said,“My son is fighting for this cause and I’m proud of him. People need to accept them and treat them with dignity. They should be given respectable jobs,ration cards only then they will progress.”

Holding the LGBT flag,Chauhan’s mother Parvati Devi added,“I’m happy,that my son has taken this initiative.” Whereas the family walked along with Dhananjay supporting the cause,his 20-year-old daughter was in Sector 17 plaza preparing for the flash mob contributing to her father’s event.