How a small queer collective brought ‘Pride’ back to Assam

As the world continues to push for more tolerance along the lines of gender identity and sexual orientation, the LGBTQIA+ community in India is constantly finding its voice and expression in a country that has been traditionally conservative for centuries. This has culminated in a wave of coming out moments, rights-based associations and campaigns on tolerance and diversity to help entrench acceptance among Indians and ensure LGBTQIA+ members find a safe space in society.

In light of this responsibility, Drishti: a-queer collective – concerned with the rights and welfare of its members – is hosting the first Pride Walk in Jorhat, Assam. The Walk, set to hold on Sunday, April 17, 2022, starting at Jorhat Stadium is part of an effort to help members of this vulnerable community own their reality and gain confidence to live their lives as themselves, without the need to conceal their true identities.

The founder of Drishti, Rituparna Neog, explains that the Walk is another way to strengthen the voice of the community. “Drishti has done a lot of work towards creating a safe space for the community, also towards gender equality and mental health. But we wanted our voice to be strong enough so that people at large could hear us. Hence, the idea of organising a Queer Pride Walk came up recently. It has its historic importance because we want to demonstrate and promote self-affirmation, dignity, equality and human rights of the whole LGBTQIA+ community members,” he says.