Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 25 June 2023: Satisfaction March: Members and supporters of LGBTQIA+ celebrating pleasure month at Langs Backyard street, Egmore in Chennai on Sunday. Picture: Akhila Easwaran/ The Hindu
| Picture Credit score: Akhila Easwaran
On Sunday afternoon, curious onlookers on Langs Backyard Highway in Egmore, peered from their home windows, as the colors of the rainbow carpeted their road for the most important version of Chennai’s pleasure march but.
A whirlwind of pink, purple and blue, in addition to banners and fireworks heralded this parade-like occasion as hundreds walked down the street, undeterred by the warmth of the afternoon solar. Some took to climbing tall parapet partitions, waving rainbow flags in declarance of their id. Many held up charged indicators, encouraging acceptance and contesting homophobia. Take as an example the placards that learn ‘Love, It’s by no means a part’ or ‘Satisfaction is political’.
Additionally learn:Satisfaction month 2023 | This web site celebrates queer recollections from the world over
Satisfaction was greater than only a visible spectacle this yr — it thrummed with power. Members have been breaking out into enthusiastic dance numbers to the beats of parai drums and Tamil kuthu songs in teams. Buddies hugged, kissed and cheered as a part of this celebration. Mother and father arrived in droves, accompanying their kids to their pleasure. Inside a matter of few hours, an amazing sense of neighborhood and celebration shined by.
“I really feel seen,” mentioned an nameless participant within the march. “Neighborhood is about rising above hatred and celebrating a spectrum,” they added.
Coronary heart on sleeve
“I’m fairly positive I noticed somebody sporting a rainbow-coloured veshti,” shares Darsan Ranjit, an undergraduate pupil.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 25 June 2023: Satisfaction March: Members and supporters of LGBTIQ+ celebrating pleasure month at Langs Backyard street, Egmorein Chennai on Sunday. Picture: Akhila Easwaran/ The Hindu
| Picture Credit score:
Akhila Easwaran
Self-expression was a key type of celebration on the march this yr. The street was filled with individuals of all ages and background, flaunting daring flag colors and even bolder outfits. The parade was a feast for the eyes, as individuals draped rainbow-coloured sarees and sported feather boas, whereas others donned tasteful corsets and glamorous jewelry. Make up was an integral a part of the style scene as shimmery eyeshadows, vibrant eyeliner, and a range within the shade of lipsticks, tuned heads.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 25 June 2023: Satisfaction March: Members and supporters of LGBTIQ+ celebrating pleasure month at Langs Backyard street, Egmore in Chennai on Sunday. Picture: Akhila Easwaran/ The Hindu
| Picture Credit score:
Akhila Easwaran
Very like Blake Energetic on the 2022 MET Gala parade, native individuals remodeled out of their unique outfits, fashioning bandana tops and headgear out of rainbow flags. Younger kids have been additionally decked in rainbow regalia. Even pets partook within the glamour, with pleasant Labradors and beagles decked in rainbow-coloured collars and capes. One other furry companion was noticed flaunting a pearl necklace.
“Folks may put on no matter they wished and be themselves. You usually wouldn’t see individuals sporting such garments and expressing themselves like this . The great thing about it was that it, turned a secure area, ” says Adrian John who had come to help his mates in the neighborhood.
Coming collectively
The Chennai Rainbow March 2023 noticed an incredible enhance in participation since final yr’s march. The march noticed a variety of first-time individuals.Many got here in help of their mates and kin in the neighborhood. “I’ve a number of mates who’re part of the neighborhood. I’ve heard about their experiences. I wished to know what it’s wish to be right here,” shares a participant, additionally attending the march for the primary time.
“It’s my first pleasure march, and it’s gratifying to see so many individuals popping out in help of the neighborhood. It is rather lovely,” says Keertana Kartik, who’s from Hyderabad and occurred to be in Chennai to catch the pleasure march.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 25 June 2023: Satisfaction March: Members and supporters of LGBTIQ+ celebrating pleasure month at Langs Backyard street, Egmorein Chennai on Sunday. Picture: Akhila Easwaran/ The Hindu
| Picture Credit score:
Akhila Easwaran
“I got here to the march in help of my son, and I met many who informed me it was an excellent factor that I’ve accepted my son for who he’s,” shares G Parmila, a mom who had attended the march together with her son, G Ranjith, a member of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. A number of mother and father have been additionally seen with vast smiles and vibrant indicators studying “Clear and proud” and “Satisfaction and never Prejudice”.
Though there’s nonetheless progress to be made, the Satisfaction March appeared like a becoming fruits to the celebration of queer euphoria.