Marching for Their Rights
The controversial Section 377 ruling by the Supreme Court of India left many people shattered. The verdict led to protests from scores of people, with many describing it as an insult to democracy and fundamental rights of the citizens. Driving a message among politicians to recognise their rights, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) communities in the city are going to organise ‘LGBT Pride March’ on Sunday from Hitech City railway station to Shilparamam. “There are around five lakh LGBT members in the state and every body has a right to vote. Whichever political party comes forward to take care of sexual minorities and their social entitlements like government recognised identity cards, pension etc, we will vote for them” said G Krishna, founder, Suraksha Society. Emphasising that it is a march for their rights and freedom, he said that the communities want political parties to put their issues like decriminalization of Section 377 in manifestos. “Three other organisation working for LGBT members are also part of organising committee. Close to 30 NGOs and women’s groups expressed their support to the march,” said Krishna.
More than 1000 people attended the pride march organised last year, however quite surprisingly, the numbers have come down this year. “We sent an invitation to around 500 people, but we are expecting more people than that to attend the march. Most of the members feel that the Supreme Court’s judgement, is unjustified” said Krishna adding that they feel it is unfair to deny them their rights based on their sexual orientation. “We are also a part of the society and contribute to it. If gay sex remained decriminalized, more people would have come out in open declaring their sexual orientation” he pointed out.
Celebrities and members of the community from various citites, such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai are expected to attend the march. “The march will be followed by thematic cultural shows, where two plays regarding LGBT rights will be performed,” added Krishna.