JOIN USArainbow display of colours, placards emblazoned with messages like ‘Equeerity’ and posters mocking the entertainment industry for its mindless stereotyping dominated the mood of the sixth edition of Delhi Queer Pride 2013 parade, recently.
Metrolife catches up with Delhiites to understand their concerns as the event marks its sixth anniversary in the Capital and the world observes sweeping changes in terms of legalisation of same-sex marriages in France, Brazil, England and Wales and a few other countries this year.
For the theatre artiste, Zorian Cross, whose work centers around LGBT-sensitive themes in his productions, “It was a significant parade as it featured not just the queer community and their supporters but also kids from some schools marching along with us.” Zorian emphatically adds, “A 17-year-old high school student fought with her parents to attend this parade as a part of the community. While her parents were wary of their neighbour’s reaction earlier, they were supportive later. I wish I had that freedom at her age.”
Aman Arora looks at these parades as a symbol of unity and pride as he says, “It makes me believe we are not alone and we do not need to hide from anybody. Even the environment at workplace has changed owing to the sensitisation through media. Some private companies are introducing a certain percentage of quota for us, which is a very welcome move.”
Vikramaditya Sahay, a PhD student in the department of Political Science of Delhi University, missed the annual parade this year but moderated an open discussion for the same at Max Mueller Bhawan. Sharing this year’s theme, he says, “Brilliance of Pride lies in the fact that it is associated with the politics of hope.
The agenda of the Pride was a combination of the politics of hope and violence this year. Violence, not just against the queer community. Violence that is a reflection of the masculine, patriarch state.” Representing queer community, he adds, “Ever since its conception, Pride is known for its anti-normative stance for empowering and building alliances who are fighting against violence of all sorts, be it, on the basis of gender, class
or caste.”
On the question of worldwide changes, Vikram refuses to answer on behalf of a heterogenous community but says, “For a majority, recognition as a third gender can be an achievement but I do not want superfluous changes such as an addition of a box for categorising queers.” In Aman’s view, “It comes as a hope of a sort that one day we can also live with our life partners and nobody would look down upon us. For that day to come, we are waiting for the impending decision of the Supreme Court to take the first step forward.”