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Amid cheers of ‘happy pride’, rainbow rules Delhi
Those who speak of intolerance should learn tolerance from us. LGBT rights are human rights Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, activist India, your women, differently-abled and queer citizens are asking for their rights Vasu Primlani, stand-up comedian The protests will continue till we get our rights. It would not be all hunky dory after that either Harish Iyer, activist
Kyun chahiye mask? Chehra dikhao iss bar!” a collective sentiment marked the eighth anniversary celebrations of Delhi Queer Pride on Sunday afternoon. Dressed in vibrant hues of rainbow to demand equality of gender and sexuality, hundreds took to the streets, not just from different states but from countries such as England and Taiwan as well. For some it was a celebration and for some like Arpan Lahiri, it was a protest against a masked identity, “I come from a middle class background and my family is not broad-minded. I am forced to wear a mask like this in my daily life because of Section 377 which criminalises homosexual acts. I hope my mask comes off one day.” Another participant Prabhdeep Singh said, “My folks have accepted me for who I am. It feels wonderful to be here.”
From singing popular film numbers such as Phir Se Ud Chala to holding Bollywoodinspired placards like ‘Hum hoGay kaamyab ek din’, ‘LGBT, naam toh suna hoga’ and ‘Keh ke lenge azaadi’ Rainbow ruled the streets of Delhi. People danced and marched their way to Jantar Mantar. Exchange of hugs and kisses and echoes of ‘Halla Bol’ and ‘Azaadi’ were a prominent sight. Mohnish Malhotra, activist and member of the Delhi Queer Pride Committee, said, “The pride parade is also a protest against the continuing discrimination against queer people.” LGBT activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi said: “Those who speak of intolerance should learn tolerance from us. LGBT rights are human rights. We will never give up the fight.” Standup comedian Vasu Primlani echoed similar sentiments. “India, your women, differently-abled and queer citizens are asking for rights and justice. Gandhigiri inse sikho ... they are still dancing and singing.”