Journalism of Courage
Hundreds of people supporting the LGBTQ community participated in the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk 2016in the city on Sunday (December 11)afternoon. Demanding revocation of the controversial Section 377 of the IPC, implementation of the NALSA judgment and withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, people marched with rainbow flags. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The enthusiastic participants flaunted vivid costumes, interesting placards, and rainbow-themed body art. Many were also spotted in attires of comic books characters such as Batman and Superman, along with those who turned up in rainbow-coloured costumes to mark this year's theme: Law and Rights. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
Highlighting their demands through slogans and catchy tunes, participants said that the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, should be withdrawn and a new bill incorporating the community's inputs should be introduced. "The Bill recommends the institution of boards comprising psychiatrists and governmental representatives who will determine whether a person can be granted a transgender certificate," says the organisers. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
The organisers also took up the cause to provide justice to Tara, a trans-woman whose burnt body was found outside a Chennai police station in November this year. They also demanded a judicial probe into Tara's death. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
They also asked for honouring the historic NALSA verdict of 2014 and a "read down" of Section 377 of the IPC to exclude consensual same-sex activity from its purview. The Supreme Court of India granted citizens the right to self- determination of gender, irrespective of their bodies or genitalia and specified that under the law all should be ensured of same rights. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
The participants began their walk on a chilly afternoon and made their way through Esplanade in central Kolkata to Park Circus Maidan singing and dancing. Many aboard mini-trucks, adorned in rainbow-hued balloons. Ending the long walk all shouted: "It is my body and my wish... be gone demons." (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
The organisers also had organised an interactive session earlier this month on December 2. A film was screened and many people shared their thoughts and queer writings at a evening event. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
