The LGBTQIA+ group will collect below Chandigarh’s open hand image – an emblem of unity of mankind – and march in direction of Sukhna Lake on Sunday (April 10) celebrating social and self-acceptance, and hard-won authorized rights.

Leading the pleasure parade, which is being organized after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, will probably be transgender activist Dhananjay Chauhan, who was instrumental in establishing a separate washroom for trans individuals on the Panjab University campus, and Patiala-born screenwriter and LGBTQIA+ activist Ghazal Dhaliwal, whose initiatives embrace Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Qarib Qarib Single, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and A Monsoon Date.

“Back when we wanted to hold the first pride parade in 2013, Panjab University officials told us that such an activity will not be allowed on campus. It was tough to explain the concept of pride to them. In fact, I was repeatedly called by cops who could not understand what LGBTQIA+ was, despite my best efforts. Ultimately, I told them it was an HIV AIDS awareness programme, only then did they give me their nod,” says Chauhan.

‘The prejudice continues’

“It is a constant struggle to sensitise people. One of our tribe was recently asked to vacate her lodgings by her landlord who bluntly told her ‘we do not rent to trans people’. It is only when legal action is taken against them will these people stop discriminating against us,” says Chauhan.

“Even at hostels, wardens are under the impression that transgenders are boys who like to wear sarees, their truth is constantly scrutinised, and doubted,” she says, including, “Sadly, people just want us to bless them, not make something of ourselves and rise above our circumstances.”

On the intense aspect, the cogs of change are slowly however certainly turning. Maninderjit Singh, a vivid postgraduate from Punjabi University, Patiala, who will quickly be going to Canada for larger research, says, “A few years ago, we could not walk around town hand-in-hand with our loved ones, but now people have evolved and there are fewer side glances and hostile glares.”

“At one time, it was difficult for queer people to get employment, but now I teach at an IELTS institute where my employers and colleagues are supportive of me,” says Singh.

‘Normalise the dialog’

Maninderjit, nonetheless, is cognisant of his privilege. “I come from a well-to-do household, so it has been a lot simpler for me than for many LGBTQIA+ individuals from the decrease socio-economic strata.”

He believes celebrities and in style tradition can go a good distance in lifting the taboo related to the LGBTQIA+ group. “I am a fan of Arundati Roy and could relate to Anjum, the ‘hijra’ in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness,” he adds.

Lending support to the pride parade is popular Punjabi actor Hasneen Chauhan. “It horrifies me to even think of the kind of struggle, toil and trouble people of the trans community have to endure for something that is totally natural. Leading a fulfilled life is everybody’s right,” the actor says.

Psychiatrist Dr Satyen Sharma, who has many sufferers from the group, can even march in assist of the LGBTQIA+ group.

“We need to normalize the conversation around sexual identity, sexual orientation and lifestyle choices to empower the LGBTQIA+ community,” Dr Sharma says.