MUMBAI – Members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communityon Saturday took out `Pride March’ through the city streets. The theme ofthe parade this year was `Section 377 Quit India’, stressing thecommunity’s demand to do away with section 377 of the Indian Penal Codewhich criminalises sex “against the order of nature”.

Pride marches or parades are organised every year across the world toassert the community’s collective voice and to demand equal rights anddignity.

The march started from August Kranti Maidan (where Mahatma Gandhilink> had announced the QuitIndia movement) and ended at the Girgaum Chowpaaty beach. It also markedthe culmination of `Mumbai Pride Month’ which had started on January 5.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, goodwill ambassador of non-profitorganisation AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said on this occasion,“Homosexuality has existed in our country since the bygone era and we alsofind evidence of the same in our mythology, culture, literature, art andtradition. It’s important for the society to realise that no amount ofstigmatisation and discrimination will deter the queer community fromfighting for and securing their rights.

As the section 377 of IPC is under judicial review (in the Supreme Court),“hopefully the future shall hold some positive outcomes,” he said.

Gay activist Bismaya Raulo, program coordinator, Impulse New Delhi, a partof AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said, “Stigma and discrimination against thequeers pose a huge challenge for the community to come out of their closetand express their sexual identity.”

The LGBT community in Mumbai organised several events during the PrideMonth, ranging from film screenings, plays, drag shows, rainbow kite flyingand street performances. – PTI