For sexual and gender minorities, the ‘Pride Walk’ held in the city on Sunday was more of a matter of dignity.
Thus, they move a step closer to becoming a part of the mainstream and contributing to the society rather than just asserting their right to exist. The first edition of the walk, organised by Queerythm, an organisation that works among the LGBTIQ community here, was attended by persons from various sexual and gender minorities.
Together, they filled the streets with colour and gaeity as they strutted from University College to Manaveeyam Veedhi. The march was flagged off by City Police Commissioner G. Sparjan Kumar from University College to the accompaniment of music and band. It concluded at Manaveeyam Veedhi where photo exhibition, play, and other events were held.
A. Sampath, MP, who inaugurated the gathering, in his address said that members of the LGBTIQ community were fighting to claim their space in society. Everyone had the responsibility to find their space, struggle for it, and once they find it, strive to maintain it, be it an individual or a community. Dignity of a human being should be preserved from a person’s birth to death.
The MP gave away study material collected the LGBTIQ community for 50 schoolchildren on the occasion. Besides distribution of study material to schoolchildren, Queerythm also honoured two teachers of City Vocational Higher Secondary School that was all set to be closed down but staged a comeback with 100% results in examinations.
“It is an expression of our social responsibility and desire to work for society and inclusiveness,” Queerythm secretary Prijith P.K. said.
Kerala State Youth Commission chairperson Chintha Jerome said sexual and gender minorities had historically been discriminated against for no fault of theirs. “To change this, not only them but entire society also should come forward to support them and address their problems,” she said.
She also flayed the term ‘third gender’ that is used to address members of the transgender community. LGBTIQ community members Transgender Justice Board member Soorya Abhilash, UST Global employee Zara Sheikha, ‘Queen of Queer’ Shyama, and Oasis Cultural Society vice-president Sandhya Rajesh were honoured by Ms. Jerome on the occasion.
Kerala State Literacy Mission Director P.S. Sreekala spoke about the activities of the mission for continuing education of members of the transgender community.
Councillor Binu I.P., Dhwayah Transgender Arts and Charitable Society secretary and make-up artiste Renju Renjimar, and Queerythm president M.N. Parasuraman spoke.
A play ‘Dhwaya Paravakal’ was staged on the occasion.
