Saturday a matter of Mumbai’s pride

January is the most happening month in a queer Mumbaikar’s life as it hosts over two dozen pride events. This means more visibility, more colour, more talent and more love. From an advocacy point of view, educational institutions have opened their hearts and minds to LGBTIQ equality. I have personally visited many colleges and communities to speak about discrimination and the power of equality. January 28 saw the inauguration of Pankh, a much-needed film festival focussed on lesbian-bisexual-transgender women. The post- and pre-pride parties are organised by LBT women. The celebration of pride is when the most oppressed is brought to the fore, and here, they take the lead.

This pride is special.  We will have all these diverse groups coming together and speak about LGBT equality. I always say that we are a bunch of homosexuals and transgenders and bisexuals and intersex people but we are not homogeneous. We may seem like peas of the pod to the other world. But if we look closely, even the peas of the pod are different and distinct. We will have different groups speaking about their rights while keeping with the central theme of gender and sexuality.

Wonder what you can expect at the pride? A group of proud parents walking with a banner that says “Sweekar”. People of all genders and sexualities celebrating their existance and their unique diversity. “Students for equality”, a mighty group of young energetic minds standing up for equality. “Future doctors for equality”, medical students taking a stand against discrimination. “Vegans for Equality”, a group of fellow vegans bringing forth the point that veganism is beyond just food, it is about respect for all beings, and their gender and sexuality.

“Moms for Equality”, a group of mothers called JAMMs (Journey of Mast Moms) asking for a world where their children don’t have to be scared of coming out, if they wish to. “Professors for Equality”, teachers paving the way for a better world for their students.

People from many nationalities will be joining in. There will be colour and zest and zeal.

The best thing is that all the people at the pride will not be from the LGBTIQ community. The backbone of the pride are our friends and family. These are  the people who will extend themselves beyond their comfort zones for the larger cause of humanity with the intent: “When we grow, we all grow together”. Just the way I don’t need to be an environmentalist to care for the environment, I don’t need to be queer to empathise with a queer individual.  

Be there to experience the magic. August Kranti Maidan, February 3, 3 pm.

Tikde bheetu yaa!

SPEAK UP

Write to sexualitydna@gmail.com to tell us how you feel about this column.