Third Pride rally held in Agartala, organisers say government needs to create more awareness about transgender rights

Speaking to reporters, Sneha Gupta Roy, one of the rally organisers, said, “We have held Pride rallies in the past. We had a gap of a year in between; this is our third Pride. Pride rallies are held in all states. Members of the queer community and our supporters joined the rally.”

“Our message in this Pride is that we are equally a part of this society like everyone else. We face the same problems others do. So, we have tried to portray problems of different sections of society, including environmental pollution, and women’s education…” Gupta Roy added.

Gupta Roy, who is a member of the Tripura Transgender Board, said transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts.

“Once these cells are formed, it will be easier for LGBTQIA+ persons to be involved in discussions (with the government) about our issues,” she added.

Swabhiman leader Gupta Roy also commented that the Indian society was still “backward” and there was a need for the government to create greater awareness on transgender rights.

Saturday’s rally was joined by hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals waving rainbow flags and placards.