On December 21st, Vadodara- the cultural capital of Gujarat- will see an awareness march by MS University (MSU) students rallying for decriminalizing homosexuality in India. The initiative has been tagged as unique since the youngsters came out to lend voice against Section 377 of Indian Penal Code and they intend to spread awareness and hold a discussion among public about homosexuality.
The event will be supported by Gujarat LGBT Pride Festival (GLGBTPF) and Foram Foundation, groups that had organized gay prides in the cities of Surat and Ahmedabad this year. “If students outside the LGBT community can bring out such a wonderful concept then why should we wait to support and assist such cause?” said Swagat Shah of Foram Foundation. “This event can be joined by everybody irrespective of their sexuality and pitch for equal rights to all,” he added.
The march will start at 11 AM at Kamathi Baug Main Gate and proceed towards Dairy Den Circle. There will be short street plays as well apart from public discussions. The organizers have invited people from across the city and the state to join them for the cause which is now being publically voiced by non-LGBTs as well.
The city will see another event supported by gay prince from Rajpipla, Manvendra Singh Gohil. Lakshya Trust has organized a silent demonstration in the evening from 5 pm to 6: 30 pm to protest against the recent Supreme Court verdict that overturned a Delhi High Court judgment decriminalizing homosexuality. Both the events in the city have all the required permission and will be held under complete protection of police.