Walk with pride!

When and Where: Today, 2 pm, August Kranti Maidan

Not caring about prying eyes and shocked stares, the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) community in the city has planned to come out once again in rainbow colours today to reinforce their identities. The pride walk, organised by  Queer Azadi Mumbai (QAM), will see the participants and their supporters display costumes and personalities that speak of pride for their sexual orientation. After the judiciary decriminalised consensual sex among homosexuals, the community feels a lot more confident to come out in the open. Celebrating a week of awareness, a rock concert, a discussion about LGBT issues with Konkona Sen Sharma and a film festival, among other events, have been held across various places in the city to emphasise the  acceptance of the community.

Harish Iyer of Queer Azaadi Mumbai, says, “This year we have added Nashik dhols adding beats to the Pride Walk at Nana Chowk once the march has begun. We want everyone to come and join us as we walk across the city.”

The parade expects large number of people, largely youngsters, to turn up this year. The Mumbai Pride Parade will be flagged off from August Kranti Maidan. Sonal Giani, who works with Queer Azaadi March says, “You can expect high spirits and a lot of energy at this year’s pride. Being a celebration of our identities, this is one event which is going to be very colourful and happy, close to a carnival of sorts. Since our friends and supporters will march with us, this is definitely one of the most positive days of our lives.”