Bhubaneswar: A part of Bhubaneswar burst out in colours as hundreds of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, activists, friends, family members and supporters participated in the ‘Rainbow Pride Walk’ for the second day, on Monday.
Dressed in vibrant outfits, they walked through the city, waving rainbow flags and chanted slogans promoting equality and acceptance. “We have been manufactured in some labs. This is who we are. We are humans and deserve everything that others call their rights,” said a member of the community.
“I identify my self a homosexual gender fluid. The Pride Month was observed in June, but we holding the walk now due to some miscommunication on dates. The meaning of Pride is self-love, self-acceptance regardless of gender, bodytype and caste and the objective is to create awareness among people,” said a drag artist from the state, adding that society has undergone a change since 2018 when SC recognised LGBTQ members and set them free of legal boundaries.
Some supporting the ‘Pride March’ said that they should be accepted and provided with opportunities in life.
On Sunday, several community organisations and local businesses joined the march, extending their support for LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy. “I started the Pride Walk on my own with only nine people a few years ago. I am really happy to see so many people joining the pride walk today,” LGBTQ+ rights activist Meera Parida said.
There were performances by members of the community at the Ram Mandir Square, where they also shared their personal stories.
