Mothers with their kids, trans dhol tasha pathak mark Pune pride march

Deciding to take her 12-year-old son to the Pune Pride 202 on Sunday, city resident Ojas knew this would let him understand what the LGBTAQ community is all about. “This is the best exposure possible for him. As an ally, this is my way to ensure the next generation gets the best possible education,” she said as she explained the basics of sexual orientation and gender to him.

For Pune’s LGBTAQ community, this was the first Pride organised after issues like companies withdrawing their diversity, equality and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and scrapping funding have affected the community. This was also the first time that the Pride was organised by a collective of organisations. MIST LGBTQ Trust, Manthan Foundation, Jeevika, Pune Queer Sports Club, Qutcast Shikhandi – the transgender dhol tasha Pathak, NHRD and Muktaaa Charitable Foundation joined hands to organise the pride.

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This was also the first time that the Pride was organised by a collective of organisations. (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre)

Apart from members of the community, several allies — including mothers with their children — walked at the pride this year. A mother, who brought both her children said she decided to bring them to the march to sensitise them about the community. “Across social media, we have seen a lot of hateful content against the community. The pride parade is the best exposure they can get to break their misconceptions. First hand information is always better,” she said. Suraj Raut, director of MIST Foundation, brought his young nephew to the march. Raut, said the nephew wanted to come for the Pride after he saw pictures of Thane Pride which was held on Saturday. “He had a good time and even made a poster for me,” he said.

Apart from members of the community, several allies — including mothers with their children — walked at the pride this year. (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre)

Shikhandi — the dhol tasha Pathak — was the highlight of the march.