Two Indian cities held gay pride marched recently- Bengaluru on Nov 29th and Delhi on Dec 2nd. Both these cities have been holding pride marches since 2008. With a right wing government ruling India currently, and the shrinking space for free expression, pride march in both these cities extended support for other minorities and causes as well, demanding a society where everyone is able to freely express themselves. Homosexual acts remain criminalised in India under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
Bengaluru Pride
A participant has his body painted
A transgender person takes part in the pride march
Another person dresses up in a traditional attire
A gender queer participant
Delhi Pride
Foreigners take part in Delhi Pride
A poster demanding removal of Section 377
A participant dresses up as a Prince
Another poster points out that Sec 377 is a British Legacy
A participant in a feather dress
Sukhdeep Singh is the Founding Editor of Gaylaxy magazine which is India’s largest English language LGBT magazine. He grew up in Kolkata, in a Sikh family and in a liberal atmosphere. While studying in college he launched Gaylaxy magazine in 2010, which is now also available as an App. His message to the world is: “Treat everyone equally, with love and dignity.”