Pride swells but their battle is far from won

NEW DELHI: Lutyens' Delhi was immersed in rainbow colours on Sunday as thousands of members of the LGBTQIA+ community took to the streets, with the capital hosting the queer pride parade after a gap of three years.
The first parade held post-pandemic brought colour, energy and vibrancy to the city. Members of the community said that while there had been a positive change since the Supreme Court scrapped down Section 377 of Indian Penal Code in 2018, there was still a long way to go.
Nick, a 23-year-old student who came out three years ago, said, "With Section 377, which criminalised homosexuality, having been removed, we are no longer branded as criminals. My friends and family have accepted me, but there are scores of people in the society who are not comfortable with the LGBTQ community." He added that they still needed to fight a long battle for acceptance in the society.
Jason, a student, said people in his college were appreciative about his sexuality, but older generations might not be comfortable with it. Another participant, Ruby, who identified herself as bisexual, said, "How long will we continue to live in fear? We have to remain visible in the society to fight for our rights."
The parade drew thousands of members from the community and supporters who walked to Jantar Mantar, singing, dancing and clapping. The stretch reverberated with the sound of dhols, with participants carrying placards, such as 'Jab Pyar Kiya toh gender kya', 'We're here, we're queer' and 'who cares'. They chanted slogans like 'azadi' (freedom) and 'hum honge kamyab' (we shall overcome). On the request of community members, policemen on duty posed for pictures and lent support to it. The annual parade, which began from 2008, was not held from 2020 to 2022 due to pandemic.
Some family members, too, turned up to extend support to their children who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Subodh Kanade (30), who walked while holding his mother's hand, said it was empowering for him. "My mother participated in the parade for the second time on Sunday. Before this, she walked along with me in 2018," said Kanade, who came out in 2011. "For me, the support of my mother is enough and I don't want acceptance from anyone else."
Tanu, who came to support her friend, was happy to take part in the parade for the first time. "There is love, joy and laughter in the air. I hope that the community doesn't have to protest for their rights and people accept them as they are."
Apart from people, some dogs donning colourful scarves participated in the parade. "Milo is my family and I brought him here. I have decided to inform my family after completing my education," said Utkarsh (name changed).
Manvi, who was accompanied by her pet, Chiku, said this was the first march of her dog in the parade.