YouUnlike the typical vibe of Pride parades in India, Chandigarh showcased more of a cultural extravaganza than a cry against injustice.
The history of LGBT+ parades and the stigma the community has faced over the centuries makes Pride essentially a political protest. From Delhi to Mumbai, the pride posters have often divided opinion around the community, both straight and non-straight. Usually people come to these parades to make a statement, express their anger against homophobia and question the apathy of the government, which ends with some kind of stage show. But not in my hometown. This way.
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punjabi pride
On the eve of a Punjabi wedding, the bride’s family performs a ritual with a decorated vessel, walking around the neighborhood, singing and dancing. The ceremony is called ‘Jago’ and informs people about the wedding. Over the years, ‘Jago’ has become a part of many auspicious events (at least in the university). Panjab University organizes Jaago during its annual events.
This Punjabi wedding ceremony made its place in Chandigarh pride this year. Earlier wake uptranswomen performed traditional giddha (Folk Punjabi Women’s Dance), sung Bids (ridiculous rhyme) and danced with an audience that included a diverse background, not just members of the community.
Hooting and clapping to the beat of drums and the energy of the transwomen added to the fun.
The week-long festival culminated on Sunday with panel discussions on gay rights and laws and gender-affirmative health care. Street show (Street Play) and Nati, a folk dance of Himachal Pradesh, and a film screening.
It made me wonder why Delhi’s LGBT pride has been reduced to a fundraising party and massive fame? Even the Pride Walk felt vastly different here.
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walk
The biggest shocker for me was the absence of political posters in what is known as a protest. There were some posters asking questions as to why the government rejected the Trans Reservation Bill. But by and large, it was ‘free hugs’, ‘I like men/girls’ and printed posters of sponsors. There were also posters that read ‘Justice for Arvey’, the Faridabad boy who committed suicide due to alleged bullying at school.
I did not find posters attacking anyone’s political affiliation, or anyone’s religious identity or faith. Instead, some of the lines that the transwomen sang were prayers to God for the good of the people.
In a state where religious undercurrents often surface causing tension and political unrest, not targeting religious fundamentalists seems a smart move. Not to be forgotten is the amount of bullying gay Sikh men face on social media for wearing make-up or participating in pride parades with women’s clothing.
Those differences seemed to have ended on this pride – all because of the reverence of the trans community in the state. Straight men also joined the transwomen in their giddha, donating. That is the level of comfort it has to offer pride of place.
Slogans of ‘Azadi’ were also raised, but only by the people who came from Delhi. Also, Chandigarh pride missed out on creative posters in the march.
What stood out to me was the fact that in this male-dominated parade, women outnumbered men. This could also be because most men in Punjab do not want to come out and toxic masculinity has locked them into direct marriages or secret affairs.
It is good to see transwomen leading the pride celebration while keeping the traditional and cultural heritage alive. Giving them leadership roles is also a way of acknowledging the pioneers. After all, he has historically led the fight for LGBTQ rights around the world.
Thoughts are personal.
(Editing by Anurag Choubey)