Rainbow Pride II a huge success

CHENNAI: As the rain gods relented, colourfully dressed men, women and transgenders walked the Marina stretch to reiterate their right to laughter, liberty and happiness. The members of the coalition received a wave of support from the exposed and equally from the uninitiated. Madan Kumar, a local auto driver who was a bystander said, “It is about time people realise that there are different layers to society. A uni-dimensional society is definitely not God’s will.” As the lovely group walked with a spring in their step, one thing was evident — Chennai has truly embraced the community and the incidence of crime against the same have starkly reduced. According to Commissioner of Police, T Rajendran, “We take utmost care while handling any cases of crime against the alternate sexualities. And crimes have reduced in the city. We are always about supporting every citizen and are inclusive in our approach.”

Magdalene Jeyarathnam, Director, Centre for Counselling says, “The pride according to me was a tremendous success despite a lower turnout compared to our first edition last year. It could be bad weather or lack of awareness but what is touching is that those previously in the closet made an appearance.” She also added that, “The masks were off, no body paint and it was real people walking for a real cause.” It was a touching sight to watch men, women and their families with children walk in support of a gay brother or sister in the family. Raghavan, a 70-year-old man who asked his driver to take him for a joy ride was ecstatic, “In my days, we couldn’t have done all this. The minute I heard about this I had to come,” he smiles and says, “My driver doesn’t know.” As he sped away, I realised, what a tremendous amount of liberation and joy it gives us today, to be in a era where we can frock up and walk the beach.

Kalki, Founder of Sahodari Foundation, a very active organisation championing the cause of transgendered women says, “I felt great that the community came together.” But she poses a larger question — “The whole equality angle is great, but is there equality within the community? The elitist people maintain a distance and act very different. This divisive attitude is very wrong. We need to embrace our own first before we talk about vision and strategy to engage greater society.”

Shivakumar, state co-ordinator of Sangama, a NGO that works in the field of Human Rights and health promotion said, “Last year we had predominantly the transgendered presence but this time we had a lot of bi-sexual and gay men showing their inner courage.” He also adds, “We need greater society to come and support us but I guess the rains played spoilsport. We also received threats from various religious political groups.”

The community which previously remained largely anonymous today is a  voice out in force with cognizance of the pain, progress and pride.