21 beautiful photos from a defiant Mumbai Queer Pride

Mumbai Queer Pride took place in India on Friday (Feb. 20). The march was initially scheduled to take place on January 31. However, due to “administrative law enforcement issues”, the event was postponed until last week, following successful negotiations between organizers and local police.

Although the date change meant some of those who originally planned to attend could not do so, the event — celebrating its 16th anniversary — was a great success.

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Gay sex was officially legalized in India by a Supreme Court ruling in 2018. However, queer citizens in the most populated country on earth (1.46 billion people and rising) continue to call out for equal rights.

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples, and few anti-discrimination laws. The country also has highly visible trans and gender nonconforming communities, who also deserve and demand protections.

“Pride is our bridge from the margins to the mainstream,” said Ashish Pandya, an LGBTQIA+ activist, addressing the festivalgoers from a small stage (below). “We are grateful to the city for its support, but the journey to full citizenship is far from over. We aren’t just seeking tolerance; we are claiming our constitutional right to belong.”

“A pure joy to experience”

One of those attending was Suman Mondel (@storyofmoments on Instagram – pictured above).

“This was my second year at the Mumbai Pride march,” he told GayCities. “Like many people, I also moved to Mumbai to get somewhere in life. They call it the City of Dreams. Mumbai Pride also felt like a kind of dream, too. When the entire world is fighting, here people gather together to celebrate love and themselves.

“It’s not easy in a place like India where repressed desires, understanding, and individuality are seen as a threat and are systematically being ignored, exploited, and controlled in the name of tradition and culture. Here, living life on one’s own terms is considered an act of rebellion. But at this gathering, for a few hours, people came to celebrate , understand and appreciate themselves.

“The positive energy that inclusivity brings is a pure joy to experience. Mumbai Pride gave that to me.”

Check out more photos below.

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