August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai witnessed a different sort of kranti (revolution) on Saturday. To voice their fears and show their unity, the sexually-marginalized section of the society took out a march, the first in Mumbai, till Chowpatty beach.
Amidst a sizeable police presence, lesbians, gays, transgenders and people who support them marched their distance without any interference by the 'moral police'.
Though lacking in numbers, the marchers, led by Nandini Sardesai (mother of journalist Rajdeep Sardesai), made up with enthusiasm -- singing and dancing along the way. In fact, it was decided that August 16 will henceforth be observed as 'Queer Azadi Diwas'.
The marchers also raised slogans against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that terms homosexual activity as a crime.
The intention behind taking out a march was to highlight their needs to the government and to the people, they said, adding that they were sad that the society had refused to accept them as they were.
Calling for an end to homophobia and transphobia, they shouted '377 has to go'.
The homosexuals also want the Constitution to have a provision that deals with discrimination on the grounds of sexuality or gender.
There were no speeches at Chowpatty beach, where the march concluded, but individuals could be seen interacting with the media present there.
The Morcha was organized by Aanchal trust, Astitiva, Dai welfare society, GayBombay, Humsaaya, Humsafar trust, INFOSEM, Lesbians and Bisexuals in action, Queer Media Collective, Rainbow Pride Connexion, Sakhi Char Chowgi, Salvation Star, Sarathi and Symphony in pink.
The last song they sang before they dispersed as peacefully as they had assembled was Hum Honge Kamyab Ek Din
meaning one day 'we will succeed'. Only time can say when.
Reportage & Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar
