Taj Mahotsav is an annual event in the calendar of Agra that acts both as a cultural show as well as a platform for the artisans of India to showcase their craft and art. However this year’s Taj Mahotsav had something special. For the first time in its history, Agra and Taj Mahotsav were witness to a LGBT Fashion Show on February 24th.
The LGBT fashion show at Taj Mahotsav was the brainchild of Atul Kumar, a fashion designer who has also been working with acid attack survivors for a long time. When he was invited to be a part of the Taj Mahotsav festivities this year and showcase his collection, Atul thought of more than just showcasing his design. He based the fashion show on the theme “A Catwalk Against Discrimination” and brought together acid attack survivors and LGBTQ members, two groups that he says face a lot of stigma and discrimination in the society, and with whom he has been personally associated.
The Fashion Show comprised of three segments- the first segment had Acid Attack Survivors walking the ramp. This was followed by the LGBT segment where 20 members of the LGBT community took part. The last and concluding segment comprised of LGBT members, Acid Attack Survivors and straight men walking together, signifying an end of discrimination.
Acid Attack Survivors walking the ramp at Taj Mahotsav
Acid Attack Survivors walking the ramp at Taj Mahotsav
And thus, on a beautiful evening at Sadar Market in Agra, as the crowd munched on their food at the various fast food corners, the Emcee made announcement of a unique fashion show. As word about the LGBT Fashion show spread, more people started thronging the venue. The creations of Atul were uniquely rainbow in fashion. “I thought of using rainbow and have LGBT people model for the show,” says Atul.
Atul Kumar dressing up the models
Delhi based HIV/AIDS activist Gautam Yadav opened the LGBT segment of the show. Gautam is a United Nations campaigner and had come to Agra specially for the show, like some of the other participants. The models who walked the ramp were from all hues of the rainbow- lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and gender queer.
Gautam Yadav (right) walking the ramp
However the showstopper of the show was Balbir Krishan, a differently abled gay man and a famous painter whose paintings have been exhibited in Delhi and other cities. Balbir, who last year married his American partner Michael Giangrasso in a civil ceremony in the USA, had come with his partner. A double amputee who lost his legs after an accident, Balbir walked the ramp with Michael in a wheel chair. Mid way, he left the wheel chair and started walking on his amputated legs, with his partner by his side. This had the crowds cheering and left them amazed. “There was an over-whelming response from the crowd and non-stop applause at Balbir’s gesture,” recalls Atul.
Balbir Krishan and his American partner Michael Giangrasso walk the ramp
While the crowd cheered on, the fashion show did not go down too well with some conservative sections of the media as well as the organising committee. Some in the local media blamed the show for “destroying the tradition of Taj Mahotsav” (Parampara Tar Tar…). With criticism pouring in from some corners, the Stop Acid Attacks Facebook page posted the following message in support of the show and Atul:
When a group of people discourage Atul because they think their traditional understanding of sex and marriage is good, we thought, we should be motivating Atul by affirming our participate(sic) in his good work… We have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being, not mere the sexual orientation and we hope you will support Atul on humanity grounds
The final segment of the Fashion show had acid attack survivors, heterosexual men, and LGBT members walk together
The final segment of the Fashion show had acid attack survivors, heterosexual men, and LGBT members walk together
Atul though is least perturbed by the negative stories appearing in the local media. He instead has a message for everyone: “How does it bother you if LGBT community is coming in limelight and presents a human face to you? If you can’t respect us, then don’t disrespect us either. We are here to fight for our rights and we won’t let you decide our destiny!”
Update: An earlier version of the article had incorrectly mentioned the date of the Fashion Show as Feb 23rd.
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