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“Celebration. It surrounds us.” When I went for my first Kolkata Pride march in the year 2016, K’naan’s masterpiece of a song Waving Flags was playing in my head and for the first time, not in the context of football. It was the electrifying collective energy in the air, the bright colors, the wonderful attires, the gigantic rainbow flag carried on the shoulders of thousands — the sheer visual spectacle of it all was quite overwhelming for a young boy fresh out of school. But beyond the visual feast, it symbolized something more powerful — freedom of expression. In a world that thrives from silencing and homogenizing people, celebrating oneself is a radical act and the Pride March embodies that. Since that year, I have been going to the Kolkata Pride March every year.
Each year, the celebrations manifest themselves in a more grandiose manner than the previous year. It has a lot to do with the fact that more and more young people are joining in as the Gen-Z generation is more liberated in thought and more expressive of their sexualities and genders. They are thoroughly active in online spaces, as well. There are several new Kolkata queer collectives, NGOs and queer-inclusive spaces cropping up every other day and that is adding to LGBTQIA+ visibility. Last but not least is the evolution and modernization of the cultural and legal perception of homosexuality with each passing year. Scrapping of archaic colonial laws like Section 377 and an almost global acceptance and celebration of alternate sexual identities all translate into the ever-growing popularity of not just the Kolkata Pride Walk but Pride Walks organized across India.
Today, the Kolkata Pride Walk, one of Asia’s oldest Pride Walks, witnesses a vibrant gathering of thousands of individuals. However, like most great things, it too, had humble beginnings. On a rainy day in July 1999, amidst the monsoon season in Kolkata, a small but determined group of 15 individuals embarked on a journey that would mark a significant milestone in India's LGBTQ+ movement. Led by Pawan Dhall and inspired by global celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Stonewall riots (the landmark event in New York, that sparked the LGBTQIA+ movement in the USA), these intrepid marchers participated in what would later be recognized as India's first Pride Walk. Before I continue telling you how the historic day unfolded, I’d just take a moment to express my admiration for Pawan Dhall. In 2019, I worked with him and wrote for his webzine, Varta. He is one of the kindest and gentlest men you’ll ever meet.
Warping back to the historic day in July 1999, the marchers, clad in custom-made bright yellow t-shirts adorned with pink triangles, braved the downpour, turning “what was meant to be a walk into more of a wade”, as told by Pawan Dhall in an interview with BBC news. They chose to call the event a "Friendship Walk" to avoid legal and political backlash. We must realize that this was during a time when homosexuality was still a criminal offense in India. Queer life was mostly restricted underground and wasn’t openly visible in public spaces. Despite the tactful decision to proceed with an innocuous name for the event, it was their brave footsteps that went on to define the Indian LGBTQIA+ movement in the years to come.
The road to organizing the walk was not without its obstacles. Some members of the community expressed skepticism and resistance, while the logistical and financial constraints posed significant challenges. However, the unwavering determination of Owais Khan, one of the conveners of the LGBTQ+ India group, echoed the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi's famous Salt March during India's independence struggle when he announced” "Friends, The Walk is happening even if I am the only walker." The impact of the walk, both within India and abroad, was profound. Reactions poured in from around the world, with messages of support and solidarity underscoring the significance of this bold act of visibility and advocacy.
Now, each year when the community celebrates the Kolkata Pride Walk with such joy and exuberance, they cannot help but recall with fond nostalgia the historic day when the rains continued to pour, reminding them of a time when things were much more difficult for the community. Even though we have come a long way in terms of progress toward gender equality in our country, the struggle still ensues. The legacy of Kolkata's first Pride Walk serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have fought and continue to fight for LGBTQIA+ visibility, acceptance, and liberation.
This year, on 17th December at 2 PM in Park Circus, come join us at the Kolkata Pride Walk as we march towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
