Email
Print
ShareThe gay pride march on August 16 was a success, but the question on everyone's mind is 'What next?'
On August 16, a day after Independence Day, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community came out on the streets of Mumbai with much enthusiasm. Yes, Bangalore and Delhi beat us to it - but the message was clear: There is no need to hide one's sexuality, and it's time Mumbaikars accept people for who they are. And with the Union Health Minister, A Ramadoss, favouring the legalisation of homosexuality and the alteration of Section 377 of the IPC, for the LGBT community, the march was the first step towards a new dawn.
But the fact that it took so long to happen still rankles. Fashion designer, James Feriera, who participated in the parade said, "I came out 30 years go. And this march is happening only now."
But better late than never, and the parade can be touted as one of the more successful gay marches Mumbai has witnessed in recent times, as it drew a massive response not just from the homosexual community, but from a cross-section of society.
Nitin Karani of the Humsafar Trust, who was one of the organisers, said, "The march saw an eclectic mix of people from all classes, gender, age groups and sexualities. There were parents as well as two-year-old kids who showed their active participation." But the question now being asked is 'What next?'
Design director, Krsna Mehta was all praise for the event. "I don't think this parade was symbolic as it boils down to the theory of visibility. The turnout was fantastic," he said.
Reena Kagti, one of participants in the parade and director of the movie Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, a film which centres around the acceptance of the gay community, said, "Regardless of what people think about homosexuality, it's time that the government takes some positive measures to recognise this section." She added that this parade had to be taken beyond face value, as it sent a deeper message to all.
When on one hand the procession was a big thing for the community in terms of visibility and recognition, it was also important to Mumbaikars. Shikha Pandey, a media professional, was one among the many who took part in the parade. "We were preparing banners and placards two weeks in advance. There is a dire need to re-look at Section 377, and hence, allowing consensual sex between two adults. More than anything else, the spirit was simply unbelievable," she said.
For many Mumbaikars it was a one-of-a-kind event. Prarthana Channa, an ad professional, who was there to support her gay friends, loved the entire experience. "It was overwhelming to see the huge number of people from the community present. This clearly contradicted the general belief that gays lead a double life."
The parade, which witnessed more than 500 participants from diverse backgrounds, was truly a success story with hardly any negative reaction from the people. Sociologist Nandini Sardesai, who was present at the event, said, "For me, this parade is symbolic in spreading awareness and education; it's not about homosexuals, but about humanity. But I also believe that such marches shouldn't be held off and on as they lose their significance."
But at the same time, members believe that the momentum shouldn't be lost. The ultimate aim, they said, is acceptance and a change in the laws.
h_ansari@dnaindia.net
