In a big step, Sikkim hosted its first Queer Pride Parade on Sunday, 27 January, with members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI) community and its supporters campaigning for equality, North-East Now reported.
The Parade was organised through the combined efforts of Gangtok-based Rainbow Hills Association (RHA) and Darjeeling-based Miitjyu Society.
The Pride Parade started from Gangtok’s Deorali with participants carrying banners and placards with pro-LGBTQI messages, continued along the National Highway and went up to the Hospital Dara and then to Paljor Stadium, before finally rounding up at Fish Pond, the report added.
RHA co-founder Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha told North-East Now that the organisation, which had been formed recently, had been working hard towards the welfare of the LGBTQI members of the state.
“This is the first ever Queer Pride Parade in the state to create awareness among the people of the society that we are also human being and everyone should accept us. We have won the law but we have to win the society. So, I would like to request the people to help them to come out and to express their identity.”Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha to North-East Now
The event witnessed hundreds of people showing up to the first location of the march, Deorali, joining hands to fight for social acceptance of the members of the community.
(With inputs from North-East Now)
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