Pride Parade

Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;

Context
This year’s pride month celebrations ended on June 30^th

Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 1^st   July  2024

---

Pride Parade

The Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, marked a significant turning point for the community in their fight for political recognition and legal rights. Taking place in June 1969, this event galvanized the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the birth of the modern gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Over the years, the commemoration of this event evolved into what is now globally recognized as Pride Month.

Pride History in India

• On August 11, 1992, the AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA) staged India’s first protest for gay rights.
• This protest took place outside the ITO Police headquarters in Delhi.
• It was organized to protest the arrest of men on the suspicion of homosexuality.
• Tihar Jail Incident:
  • In 1994, ABVA activists faced significant resistance when attempting to address the high prevalence of same-sex relations reported from Tihar Jail.
  • The activists sought to distribute condoms to inmates to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
  • However, jail authorities refused to allow this, leading to further protests and highlighting the need for sexual health rights within prisons.
• PIL Against Section 377:
  • The ABVA filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court challenging the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
  • Section 377 criminalized homosexual acts as “against the order of nature.”
  • This PIL was one of the first legal challenges against the government’s repression of LGBTQ+ rights in India.

Pride Parades in India

• India’s first pride parade, known as the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk, was held on July 2, 1999.
• This parade also marked South Asia’s first pride event.
• It aimed to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and promote solidarity within the community.
• The event became an annual occurrence and inspired other cities in India to hold their own pride parades.

Social perspective (Indian society) of Homosexuality

• Social stigma : Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018 by the Supreme Court, homosexuality is still considered as a taboo and immoral by many people in India.
• Social Discrimination: Homosexuality couples face social and legal discrimination, harassment, violence, and ostracism from their families and communities.
• Social instability: Same-sex marriage might cause social instability and chaos by disrupting the existing norms and traditions that have been followed for centuries.
• Social change over time: Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that social change is inevitable and desirable, and that society should adapt to the changing times and needs of its members.
• Social consensus: A major challenge for same-sex marriage is to achieve social consensus and acceptance from the majority of the population, especially from the religious and conservative groups that oppose it on moral and cultural grounds.

Significance of Pride Parade

• Promoting LGBTQ+ Visibility:
  • Pride parades provide a public platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to express their identities openly and proudly.
  • They challenge societal norms and stereotypes, helping to normalize LGBTQ+ existence and reduce stigma.
• Raising Awareness:
  • These events draw attention to LGBTQ+ issues, educating the broader public about the challenges faced by the community.
  • They serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the progress still needed.
• Fostering Solidarity:
  • Pride parades create a sense of unity and belonging among LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • They offer a safe space for people to come together, celebrate their identities, and support one another.
• Advocating for Rights:
  • Pride parades are powerful tools for advocacy, drawing media attention and public support.
  • They highlight ongoing issues, such as the need for legal recognition of same-sex marriages and protection against discrimination.
• Mobilizing Activism:
  • These events inspire and mobilize individuals to get involved in activism.
  • They encourage participants to continue fighting for equality and to support initiatives aimed at improving LGBTQ+ rights.
• Celebrating Diversity:
  • Pride parades celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
  • They showcase different identities, cultures, and experiences, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
  • The parades often feature artistic performances, music, and colorful displays, reflecting the vibrant culture of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Influencing Policy:
  • The visibility and support generated by pride parades can influence political leaders and policymakers.
  • They create pressure for legislative changes and encourage the implementation of policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights.
• Global Collaboration Movement:
  • Pride parades are part of a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
  • They connect local struggles to international efforts, fostering a sense of global solidarity and shared goals.

Conclusion

Pride parades play a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility by providing a platform for expression, fostering community solidarity, and celebrating progress. They raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, commemorate achievements, and advocate for further legal and social acceptance.

References

The Hindu

Also Read

Same sex marriage

---

Related PYQ

How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2021]

---

Practice Question

Discuss the significance of Pride parades in promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Analyze how such events have evolved in India? [150 words]

---