Bengaluru: Walk with ‘Pride’ for LGBTQIA+ rights

Bengaluru: The vibrant ‘Namma Pride Walk’, organised by Namma Pride and Karnataka Queer Habba, took to Bengaluru’s streets on Sunday, uniting around 5,000 participants from the Sree Kanteerava Stadium to Samsa Bayalu Ranga Mandira, near Town Hall.

Decked in rainbow colours, ethnic attire, tiaras, and jewellery, attendees celebrated LGBTQIA+ with pride and resilience.

Ayaan Syed, one of the organisers, said the walk is focused on raising awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community and securing vital reservations. “We demand the immediate establishment of a Karnataka Transgender Corporation. We also urge the government to implement reservations for the LGBTQIA+ community in education, politics, employment, healthcare, and more. Police sensitisation remains crucial,” Syed stated, noting that the attitude of the police have improved over time.

Mallu Kumbar, another organiser, concurred on the need for ongoing gender and sexuality education for law enforcement. Reflecting on the 2018 Supreme Court verdict decriminalising Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, she said, “Awareness of gender rights has grown, yet issues around sexuality rights, including marriage and adoption, remain contentious.”

Riyana Raju, also an organiser, highlighted the 2017 Karnataka State Policy on Transgenders, which outlines rights and protections for transgender individuals. “We seek systematic enforcement of the 1% job reservation for transgender people in Karnataka’s government sector,” she explained. Other demands include secure shelter for those who have faced familial rejection and comprehensive healthcare for HIV-positive individuals.

Right to marry and adopt

Elen and Kiran, a gay couple, expressed appreciation for the event as a platform to voice concerns. “Marriage and legal rights to adopt should be available to all,” said Elen, with Kiran adding, “We don’t ask for special privileges — just the same rights as everyone else.”

A shorter route

This year’s walk covered a shorter route, following discussions with the police to clarify it as a ‘freedom walk’ rather than a protest. A High Court ruling mandates that all protests in Bengaluru take place at Freedom Park.

Supporters and members of the LGBTQIA+ community at the annual Namma Pride Walk in Bengaluru on Sunday. The walk commenced at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium and culminated at Samsa Bayalu Ranga Mandira.