Delhi Queer Pride brought rainbow colours, hope and promise to the people of the city and the country. People in bright rainbow colours came out in the streets singing and dancing, slogans about equality and diversity. The streets in the city were filled with colours, laughter and hope.
Unlike last year, this year saw a much larger turn out of around 700 people. The parade started at 3:30 in the evening. Those who marched included not only Delhiites, but also many foreigners from Europe, South East Asia and Africa. Many families too came out to support the movement. The parade reached the Jantar Mantar junction around 5:30 pm and culminated with speeches and slogans.
Legal protection of the LGBT community from harassment and discrimination, along with upholding of the Delhi High Court judgement on Sec 377 by Supreme Court of India, were the main demands of this year’s pride. The organisers demanded filling up of the legal lacunae to address LGBT issues. They also called for more inclusiveness in the laws and demanded that sexual violence against transgender people, Hijras and other sexual minorities be also brought under the ambit of the law against rape.
People now eagerly await the judgement of Supreme Court, which is expected in a few weeks. A press release issued by the organisers said, “Today we celebrate the spirit of queer people who continue to fight for their rights and slowly expand safe and open spaces in our cities. We look to the Supreme Court to listen to the voices of the parade-of the stories of people accepting themselves and each other, building a more inclusive and diverse society.”