Agartala witnessed a historic event on Monday as hundreds of LGBTQIA+ activists flooded the streets adorned in vibrant rainbow attire, marking the state’s inaugural queer pride parade. This momentous occasion was organized by the non-governmental organization Swabhiman.
Representing LGBTQ social movements, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, along with their allies, proudly marched while waving rainbow flags. The spirited procession commenced from the premises of Umakanta Academy and spanned approximately five kilometers through the capital city until reaching Vivekananda Stadium.
Sneha Gupta Roy, President of the NGO, expressed her thoughts on the significance of this event, stating, “Pride marches are a regular feature in major cities and states across the country. However, Tripura has witnessed its first-ever queer pride walk. The primary objective of this parade is to celebrate and honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, while simultaneously raising awareness and dismantling the stigma and prejudices they face.”
Roy emphasized the importance of societal acceptance, urging communities to embrace individuals for who they truly are. In Tripura, there exists a lower level of awareness regarding LGBTQ issues, leading to instances of trolling, bullying, and harassment based on moral grounds. Roy passionately highlighted that such behavior has no place in a civilized society. She appealed for a broader and more inclusive mindset, urging society to accept everyone with open arms.
Additionally, Roy called for the establishment of a Transgender Assistance Council in Tripura to ensure the security and protection of rights for these marginalized groups. This council would provide a platform for their voices to be heard and their needs to be met.
Participants from various states joined the parade, with some even adorning their bodies with vibrant rainbow paintings. Many donned rainbow-colored garments, symbolizing their hope for a transformative shift in society’s perception of LGBTQ individuals.
The queer pride parade in Agartala serves as a testament to the growing movement for equality, understanding, and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This momentous event aims to foster a more compassionate and inclusive society where LGBTQ individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.