In the first year of Chennai’s Rainbow Pride March in 2009, held then on Marina’s sandy shores, placards demanding the right to exist and be acknowledged by the world became one of the central demands. It was a self-respect movement that has since gained great momentum.

The — an amalgamation of LGBTQIA+ organisations, activists, and volunteers, has not only aided in advocacy of policy to help the queer community gain marginal reservations in areas such as education and housing. It has also ensured that the rights of the queer community are not trampled on. When the latter has happened, the community has sounded voices of protest, filed complaints, and chosen to take action.

The annual Rainbow Pride March on June 28 is going to be a celebration of years of efforts put into creating, and more importantly, sustaining a diverse community. If you have walked in one of those marches, you are sure to have experienced euphoria like no other.

Eighteen years after the first pride parade, Jaya, manager of Sahodaran, a non-governmental organisation, says, “Come be part of our joy. In our joy lies politics, colour, sloganeering, activism, conversation, learning, and a whole lot of dance,” she says.

Jaya adds that just like the previous 17 editions, a talent show called Vannangal will be held a day before the March on June 27 at 5pm in Amjikarai to welcome the community that has travelled from different parts of the State to be part of the pride parade. “It has been a space for members of the community to showcase their talent. We have had singers, dancers, poets, and writers from the community tell us the things they have been working on. We will also have a short briefing session on the following day’s March,” she says.

She adds that the next day at Rajarathnam Stadium, the queer community, often dressed to the nines, will be marching down the streets of Chennai. “We will have our allies, and often senior members of the judiciary, or bureaucrats speaking to the community. It will end with another talent and fashion show,” she says. This year, discussions regarding the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill will be held too.

Jaya adds that on June 23, the Ripon Buildings was lit up for the Pride March. “We are looking forward to our interactions with Tamil Nadu’s new government formed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). We are hoping for our voices to be heard by the Centre and the State,” she adds.