Chennai held its 10th edition of the rainbow pride parade on Sunday, 24 June, with residents of Chennai gathering in large numbers to demand rights for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community, reported The Indian Express.
Those attending the march, which began at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore, Chennai, took to the streets by the hundreds, wearing bright colours, lending a colourful, cheerful look to the city, according to The New Indian Express.
Many told The New Indian Express that this was the best edition of the Chennai pride, with many more people turning up than usual. People also felt that it was a positive sign, since Chennai is usually seen as a largely conservative city, not welcoming of the LGBTQ community.
Many turned up for the march with posters carrying bold, strong statements, as they celebrated alternate sexualities, gender identities and sex characteristics.
Some children were also spotted at the march, with parents taking them along for the celebration.
Chennai has been holding the Rainbow Pride every year since 2009; the march takes place on the last Sunday of June.
The month of June is celebrated across the world as Pride Month and thousands of people march in many cities across the world. Cities like New York and San Francisco also held their pride marches on Sunday.
The movement began in 1970, with the aim of demanding legal rights, such as same-sex marriage, and dignity for the LGBTQ community.
Historically, it dates back to 28 June 1969, when it It first organised in response to police raids on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, in New York’s Greenwich Village, reported The Indian Express.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and The New Indian Express. )
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