`Queer Swabhimana Yatra': After 3 years, Hyderabad's LGBTQ community set to lead pride march
“The primary aim of the pride march is to create awareness about the queer community in the society,” said Sandipan Kushary one of the organizers.
By Amrutha Kosuru Published on 12 Nov 2022 5:05 AM GMT
After three-year hiatus, Hyderabad's LGBTQ community will hold a pride march on November 13.
`Queer Swabhimana Yatra' will begin at 1 pm at Sundaraiah Park, Baghlingampally, and march to Dharna Chowk, Indira Park.
Nine persons from the LGBTQIA+ community are organizing the rally. Around 1000 people are expected to take part in this year's pride march.
"The primary aim of the pride march is to create awareness about the queer community in the society," said Sandipan Kushary one of the organizers.
Sandipan said that due to the pandemic the pride march couldn't be conducted.
"Also, this march is special because this is the first march being conducted after Section 377 was scrapped," he said.
The Supreme Court struck down Section 377 which criminalizes gay sex in 2018.
Sandipan said that the lockdown changed a lot of things for the queer community. "Personally, I have seen a lot of people coming out of the closet and embracing their sexual identities freely. Similarly, there has been accepted as well," he said.
Sandipan said this pride march will be the first for many members of the community. "And the first pride march is always special for anyone," he added,
Around 40 policemen will be stationed across rally points to control the crowd and ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
Additional 40-50 volunteers from various LGBTQIA+ support groups will be deployed for crowd control and other activities.
"I came out as a Lesbian very recently. It has been an incredible journey. It is both exciting and terrifying. This is the first time I will be participating in a pride march. Until now, I have only seen pictures and videos online. I am so excited to be a part of this," said Harshita, a software engineer.
She said that pride marches are important as they create awareness and sensitize society about various issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ahead of the Pride March, a 'Queer Carnival' has been set up on Saturday at St Francis College. The Carnival comprises various small business stalls owned by members of the queer community.
