Pride is a global festival celebrating the existence and identity of those among the LGBTQIA++ community. Pride month is celebrated by conducting various pride parade shows and events centered on the LGBTQIA+ community as an act of resistance painted in rainbow colors.
Pride is a protest against unjust policies and a demand for equality and inclusivity. This pride month let’s look at the cities that shaped the way for pride in India.
1. Mumbai
Mumbai, the city of dreams and aspirations is also known for its open-mindedness. Mumbai has played an integral part in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community in India.
The city hosts its annual Queer Azadi March which aimed to protest against article 377 of the constitution.
There is a prominent community of LGBTQIA+ people in Mumbai who organize events and marches to represent the community such as the KASHISH International Queer film festival which is also the biggest film festival in South Asia.
The residence of the gateway of India, Mumbai is not only a travel destination but a place where dreams come true. You can see a part of Indian history through the architecture of buildings in the southern part of the city which were made in the post-colonial era.
The most enjoyable part of the city would be its Nightlife with clubs and bars and an amazing drive-through of the streets of Mumbai.
Pride march: Queer Azaadi Mumbai
Places to visit: Marine Drive, Taj Hotel, Gateway of India, Sidhivinayak Mandir, Imagica Theme Park
2. Chennai
The Chennai Rainbow Pride March has been held since 2009 by the members of the LGBTQIA+ community with pop and color under the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition to celebrate Pride with full force.
The march was held in resistance to inhumane practices such as conversion therapy against the community. Chennai Rainbow Pride is the only pride march that coincides with international pride month in India.
Chennai also hosts the ‘Reel Desires’ where panelists discuss LGBTQIA+ empowerment and inclusion.
Chennai is the sixth-largest city in India and offers the best places to explore and rediscover India. Embedded with ancient temples beautiful beaches and scenic locations this city is also home to the best gold market in the country.
Chennai is a perfect place for art freaks with its museums and art galleries. Chennai is a hub for the best south Indian food. Chennai has diverse cultures with respect to the different socio-economic classes dwelling in the city.
Pride march: Chennai Rainbow Pride
Places to visit: Marina Beach, VGP Snow Kingdom, Kapaleshwar Temple, ISKON Krishna Temple
3. Kolkata
Kolkata has a deep connection with resistance as it is home to the start of many human rights movements in India such as feminist and Dalit rights. This historic city is where the first pride march of India was held in 1999 named The Friendship Walk.
The Kolkatta Rainbow Walk paved the way for an LGBTQIA+ revolution in the country with the community demanding equal rights and inclusivity. It also hosts the oldest LGBTQIA+ film festival in India.
Kolkatta is home to the most beautiful British architecture and is named the cultural capital of India. The busy streets of the city are brimming with creativity. Home to Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata has many must-visit temples mosques, and churches co-existing peacefully.
The city has a lot of ghats where you can relax and unwind as well as enjoy the amazing food.
Pride march: Kolkatta Rainbow Walk
Places to visit: Victoria Memorial, Park Street, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Howrah Bridge, Eden Gardens
4. Delhi
Delhi took the first few steps for LGBTQIA+ empowerment in India with the Delhi high court declaring section 377 which criminalized homosexuality, as unconstitutional and against human rights.
The Queer Pride Parade in Delhi started in 2007 and happens annually to celebrate lesbian gay bisexual and trans rights as well as the rights of people over the spectrum.
Delhi being the capital city of the country serves as a major tourist attraction due to its historic and political importance. the city has many important monuments such as the red fort, the Qutub Minar, and Humayun Tomb.
The food in Delhi ranges from Mughlai to street food and gives your taste buds an amazing experience. The markets in Delhi have handicrafts from all over the country and are full of vivid colors and cheap items.
Pride march: Delhi Queer Pride
Places to visit: Qutub Minar, Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib · Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Garden
5. Bengaluru
Bangaluru is one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in India mainly due to its inclusive work environment and open culture. Bengaluru has hosted the Namma pride march annually since 2008.
The Namma Pride March was the first to hold a Lesbian Bike on Dykes event in
its 2013 parade. It also hosts its annual Queer Film Festival to celebrate Lesbian Gay and Trans cinema.
Bengaluru is known as the garden city of India and the country’s Silicon Valley. The city is quite progressive and has many must-visit places hidden within it.
The city is famous for its nightlife with the city coming to life after night. The city will surely mesmerize every visitor.
Pride march: Namma Pride March
Places to visit: 1. Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore Palace
With annual pride parades organized all over India to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, it is also important to acknowledge their struggles through their journey towards a less homophobic India.
So enjoy flaunt your flag and scream out loud to show the ‘’We Exist and enjoy pride month in these colorful cities with their unique culture and LGBTQIA+ friendly environment
