TO ORGANIZE A BOLD PRIDE PARADE IN ORANGE CITY NAGPUR

SMALL TOWN, BIG CHANGE

A small city in the heart of India awash with rainbow flags in march. This was a radical change for the LGBT community of the entire central India who are used to being in the closet, looked down upon and bullying. That day though, they were out on the streets, proudly strutting their selves. All this was happening in bastion of India’s right wing capital -Nagpur.

The LGBT community of the city, are organising the second edition of Nagpur pride in February 2017. The first pride was organized with limited resources, amid much fear and anxiety. But its success was overwhelming. The reaction of the people was nothing short of heartwarming. Therefore, we decided to go bigger and bolder this year. And we need your help for making this possible.

STATE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY IN INDIA

We are battling discrimination at every stage. The most burning issue at the moment is “section 377 of Indian Penal Code” which criminalises homosexuality. It was implemented by the British during their colonial rule and has been abolished in the United Kingdom around five decades ago.

In India, this law still serves a purpose, protecting children and animals against carnal sexual abuse. But unfortunately, consenting adults are part of this law, too. This means that adults are not allowed to lead their private lives on their own accord. The law tells us who we can make love to in our own homes!! If caught in such a “criminal’ act, an individual can even endure a life imprisonment under section 377.

THE ORGANISER: SARATHI TRUST

It was not an easy journey to make Nagpurians accept the community. Fighting against all odds, Mr. Anand Chandrani chose to be the first openly gay man in the city. He never shied away from talking about himself or “other like him”, even with the media. He was determined to go against the so called “norms” of society and the authorities to create a path for “Unity in Diversity” and create a safe space for alternative sexualities.

In 2006, he formed Sarathi Trust to provide support and place where youngsters from LGBT community. could be themselves eventually, the Trust started working towards issue like HIV/ADIS and community. Currently, it is running an intervention and capacity building project called TARANG focusing on health issues of gay men.

WHY DOES NAGPUR NEED IT OWN PRIDE?

There are bigger prides in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Is there a need for one more?

Nagpur is the only one cosmopolitan city in a very conservative region of central India. The community in all the smaller towns and villages nearby often comes to Sarathi office with horrifying tales that tell us how little acceptance and understanding of the community is among the people in these areas. The attitude and mentality with regards to alternate sexuality can never be successful if it doesn’t reach the smaller towns and villages. The big cities should be not remain the only safe space for LGBT youth.

The logistical importance of Nagpur as being the center of India has been talked about for decades. The city is like crossroads and so we are trying to mobilize as many people from all over India to participate in the “one India pride march”. It would be a matter of great significance if we succeeded in doing so with your kind help.