Why LGBTQA+ activists are marching to Phule Wada to pay respects to Dr B R Ambedkar

The participants would be bearing the rainbow flag of sexual minorities and the blue flag of the Ambedkarite movement, along with placards and posters of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Dr B R Ambekar, and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

The heritage site of Phule Wada, a pilgrimage spot for progressive movements, was the residence of social activist Mahatma Phule, who was called the Martin Luther King of Maharashtra by Dr Ambedkar.

According to Ukarande, though sexual minorities and transgender people have made significant progress in terms of rights, the worrying aspect is the deep division within the community. “Unfortunately, caste and sexuality have different connotations. The multiple identities, at times, divide the community, which is a minority to start with. Our march is to ensure that the community stays united in its legal battles to gain rights,” he said.

Ukarande said that Dr Ambedkar and his vision encompassed the downtrodden section of society. “He was responsible for ensuring the rights for women, workers and farmers. Thus, as a community which has benefited from his vision, we want to pay our respects to him,” he said.

Vaidhehi Warhade, a transwoman who would be participating in the march, said the march is an occasion to show gratitude to the person (Ambedkar) who made it possible for sexual minorities to win their rights through the Constitution.

“Part 3 of the Constitution enabled us to get Fundamental Rights. Be it the NALSAR judgement or the Transgender Protection Bill, all were possible because of the constitution, which was his gift to us,” she said.

Bidumadhav Khire, LGBTQA+ activist and director of Bindu Queer Rights Foundation (BQRF), said he would participate in the march as he was concerned about the lack of inclusivity in society at large.

“Over the years, society seems to have become less tolerant towards ideas. I have read about the cancellation of the Amritsar Pride, which was allegedly due to a protest by some people. This is worrisome. The rights have been given to us by the Constitution and the courts, they have to be honoured,” he said.

In Pune, Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations are mainly held at the statue of the renowned social reformer near the Pune railway station and at Pimpri.