Moustache, marriage, material I wear, menstruation, and making babies… what defines my manhood?” reads Delfina’s (one of the organisers) poem, which he recited on Literature Day, which was held recently as part of Pride Month’s celebrations this year.
Every June, the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition organises a series of events and cultural programmes to raise awareness for the LGBT community across the world. This year, the organisers have a lot more awareness to voice out to the government.
“In 2009, when we decided to walk for the first time, there were just 15 of us — and we laughed at ourselves before the walk because such a small number could create no impact! To our surprise, there were hundreds of supporters who came to march. Since then, we have had enough confidence to pull it off,” says Siva, another organiser from the ‘Chennai Rainbow Pride March’.
Still, with the objective of setting things right for the LGBT community, the supporters feel that Chennai is a bit conservative even now and the community needs support of parents, family and the government to live a normal and happy life. Admissions to schools and colleges must be made easy.
The special theme chosen to address this year was dealing with online harassment. Expounding it, Siva adds, “Some people use fraudulent methods on the internet, and harass the transwomen and bisexual men for money. Since many are unable to distinguish right from wrong, they fall easy prey. This year, we want to educate them and coach them to escape from such criminals.”
Theatre artiste, performer and host Shankari, who is also part of the cultural crew, states, “I am extremely proud to be part of this awareness programme. Organising events like rangoli, dancing and singing, etc., are so encouraging and gratifying. Although I wish people would come forward to participate in the programmes and show more support through action more than words, the backing from college students has been overwhelming.”
Talking about the cultural programmes at the event, Delfina states, “Even among the LGBT community, I have noticed that many gay and bi-sexual men participate in cultural and organise events, while women are just passive observers. This year, the case has been somewhat different. Women organisers and event managers were more in number than men — that’s something to be proud about. We don’t encourage any kind of bias here.”
“We want to tell the minority who are scared that we are here for them,” declared Siva, adding that the team also expects a humongous crowd of about 500 supporters this year from all over TN. Stating that they will always be a shoulder for all, the team also asserts that since it is a peaceful protest, legal police permission is always sought.
