Bengaluru’s streets came alive with colour and pride as the annual ‘Namma Pride Walk’ took place on Sunday, uniting around 5,000 participants. The event, organized by Namma Pride and Karnataka Queer Habba, began at Sree Kanteerava Stadium and culminated at Samsa Bayalu Ranga Mandira near Town Hall. Participants, adorned in rainbow colours, ethnic wear, tiaras, and jewellery, celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community with passion and resilience.
Ayaan Syed, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the walk’s focus on raising awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community and securing crucial reservations for its members. “We demand the immediate establishment of a Karnataka Transgender Corporation and reservations in education, politics, employment, and healthcare for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Syed said. He also acknowledged improvements in police attitudes but stressed the importance of continued sensitization. Mallu Kumbar, another organizer, highlighted the need for ongoing education around gender and sexuality within law enforcement, reflecting on the 2018 Supreme Court verdict decriminalizing Section 377. “While awareness of gender rights has grown, issues like marriage and adoption rights are still contentious,” Kumbar said.
Riyana Raju, also an organizer, pointed to the 2017 Karnataka State Policy on Transgenders, calling for the proper enforcement of a 1% job reservation for transgender people in Karnataka’s government sector. Other key demands included secure shelter for those rejected by families and comprehensive healthcare for HIV-positive individuals.
Elen and Kiran, a gay couple attending the event, expressed their desire for equal rights. “Marriage and legal adoption rights should be available to all,” said Elen, while Kiran added, “We don’t ask for special privileges—just the same rights as everyone else.”
This year’s walk took a shorter route after discussions with the police to clarify that it was a ‘freedom walk,’ not a protest, in compliance with a High Court ruling requiring all protests in Bengaluru to be held at Freedom Park.
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