Equally Human – Equally Proud – Mumbai Pride Parade 2016
6/2/2016 – The day of the
annual LGBTQ pride parade at Mumbai. Like every year scenes seemed same to a
level but there was something more to it. The support, the ray of hope after the
curative petition being accepted at the apex court, more and more people coming
out in support and international media walking along with the crowd helping to
spread the word about equality, was something to look forward for in our near future.
But even today, people
from the community are looked down upon as criminals even by the ones we call family, friends & colleagues.
I interviewed two amazing
people this year ;Mayuresh and Soniya. I asked both a few questions and I’m
sure after reading this post if you are a homophobic then to some extent it should be
able to eradicate this thought process of yours.
 |
| Soniya |
Soniya, an interior
designer who works for a Delhi based Company as a senior executive in Pune,
might look different to the orthodox thinkers but she is just like you and me. A
human being to be precise. I hawhich isood long conversation with her and it made
me feel that how we are still treating people “too differently”.
Soniya has opened up
about her sexuality to her mother but still there is some sort of resistance and being in Pune
has only a few friends. It was her 4th year at the Mumbai Pride Parade
and just like everyone else she had one plea for people of our nation and the government;
“Even we have our own identity, they (society) doesn’t recognize it. Even the
family members see us in a weird way and it’s emotionally very hurting. I’ve
never tried to commit suicide and never will. I am very PROUD of who I am. If I’m enjoying my work I want to enjoy my
sexuality as well”
All we (pro LGBT) are asking is to live happily as heterosexuals are. Some even say that heterosexuals don’t come out in such a manner. Well, given all the rights who needs to.
Furthermore, Soniya added
that the community is not asking for anything else like other sections are. Say
some quota, reservation or land etc. All that they need is equality, equality of identity. A demand, very small yet a basic fundamental right.
And when I asked her about the development or changes towards the community, the answer got a certain smile on my face. She said and I quote, “the behaviour has certainly improved in the recent past. There are people like you who come ahead to talk, take interviews, know what and how the struggle is like. Before even the media was scared to be associated with the community”.
After this positive feedback,
when asked about which city is more homosexual friendly and the experience at
pride parade 2016 her reply was not surprising at all. “Mumbai, it is the only
city which is open hearted & welcomes everyone irrespective of their gender or
sexuality”.
 |
| Mayuresh |
So, this was Soniya. A
member of the LGBT community and later on I asked a few questions from another
friend of mine, Mayuresh. An active member of the community and an amazing
person to talk to.
He was pretty happy with
the outcome of the parade, double to what it was last year. His look depicted
the rainbow flag of the community and only demand being that of to scrap
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. One happy being, who cares what his sexuality is! If u agree so , let me know in the comments below.
P.S I have not mentioned
as to what sexuality or gender the aforementioned people belong to. I believe in
just one thing –“HUMANITY”
One incredible experience,
a day, a march to recognize the value of being human. The Mumbai Pride Parade,
2016.
And flash – The next
pride parade is in Hyderabad on 22nd
February, 2016
Photographs
– Alembic photography (Abhijit Alka
Anil)
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