Print

Mail

wiki links

Indian gays ready for first nationwide pride marches

Homosexuality is officially illegal in India but the country’s lesbians and gays say that will not stop them coming out for the first nationwide pride marches on Sunday.

For the first time gay men, lesbians, transgendered individuals and their friends and family in several major Indian cities will join global gay pride events.

“That the march is happening now and not before is an indication that people are finally feeling brave enough to come out for that kind of celebration,” said Lesley Esteves, 32, a gay rights activist who is one of the organizers of the parade in New Delhi. “It’s only now we feel we have the numbers to do this.”

A British colonial-era provision in Indian law prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” and activists say this allows authorities to treat gay people like criminals.

Activists say that while few people are arrested or convicted under the law, many gays and lesbians prefer not to come out.

Small gay pride marches of several hundred people have been held in the eastern city of Kolkata before, but this year is the first time events will also be held in New Delhi and in Bangalore.
This story has been viewed 911 times.