Walking through the gates of the Regional Theatre in Thrissur, I could feel the ecstasy, pride and relief in the air. On July 2, as queer people across the country celebrated the first anniversary of the Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising homosexuality, Kerala’s queer community held the state’s first Pride parade. Around 300 LGBT people participated in the rally in an attempt to
assert their rightful space in society. With brightly-painted faces and heavy jewellery, they danced through the streets celebrating one year without Section 377.
“I travelled down from Delhi to Thrissur just to extend my support to such a unique and daring event which is happening for the first time in Kerala,” said Gayathri, a postgraduate student at Delhi’s JNU. “We have nothing to lose but our families.”
Kalki, a transgender activist from the Chennai-based Sahodari, lauded Kerala’s queer community. “There are many who suppress their sexuality because of social fear,” she said. “More and more people from LGBT groups should unite and fight for their right to be respected.”
Sunil Menon, founder of the Chennai-based Sahodaran, said that the Delhi High Court verdict was a turning point in the lives of LGBT people. “Such get-togethers are important as we cannot work in isolation to articulate our needs,” he said.
Explained Manu, a bisexual participant: “We celebrate the Pride on this day as we see the judgment as a historical moment in the lives of queer people.”
— Girish is a travel writer based in Palakkad. mgirishnair@gmail.com