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Aparajita Majumdar, founder of the group and the main organizer of the march, smiles with a big smile: "Every year, in December, Kolkata witnesses a pride march. But nobody ever did it in June, the month of pride. So we thought, why not organize a walk to which could also participate people outside the LGBTQIA + community. You never know, it could mark a new beginning for all of us, "she said.
MARKET WITH PRIDE
The march was reported from Park Street at 2 pm In the form of slogans like "Amar shorir amar mon; hard hok shob rajshashon (My body, my mind; stop this interference), "fills the air, there was applause, songs and boundless cheers from the crowd. The sense of unity and pride was palpable. The cars stopped and curious pbaders-by came to see what was going on. And when they learned the path of pride, a few joined them and applauded the rhythm of the slogans. "People are becoming more receptive. The pace may be slow, but society has begun to understand that we are like them. Our badual orientation or our choice of bad does not distinguish us. So we can proudly come out and talk about the choices of our life, "said Atashi Nath, a participant who has been living with her girlfriend in Kolkata for two years.
My love is like yours
As the march reached Exide's crossroads, several participants shouted slogans as they held hands. Among them were Aparna Gharami and Rama Deb. Aparna said that they had met two years ago via social media. "Meanwhile, we had different partners. Rama was subjected to violence and mental torture by his partner and eventually broke out of the relationship. During that time, I also had a breakup. Slowly, we became friends and then took the relationship to a higher level, "said Aparna, adding that they were looking for housing and will soon move in together. "Initiatives like this ensure that we are not alone and give us strength. On the other hand, he educates ordinary people about our community. Probably, these marches are the reason we have the courage to go out, "said Rama.
EXTENDING THE HAND OF ASSISTANCE
Among the participants, there were those who came from different parts of the country just to encourage members of the community. Ritika Maity of Gwalior and Chetna Khullar of Delhi were two of these individuals. Chetna, who is not a member of the queer community, went to the City of Joy with her friend. "I was really excited to hear about this initiative and could not prevent myself from participating. These walks function as a support system for many people. I am happy to be such support, "she added.
LIAISON ON PHOTOGRAPHY
As the march ended in Maidan after three hours, the photographers, gathered for the walk, took a break and engaged in additional activities. We saw few people laughing at Cha, while others simply sat down and sang We Shall Overcome. They held hands to make their voices heard. Pritam Sen, who was taking part for the first time in a pride march, told us: "I've always wanted to do a pride march not only because it's an excellent subject for photography, but also because I really wanted to experience it. So, I was delighted to learn this on Facebook. Today, I will not go home with some great photos but also very good friends, "he added.
Alivia Basu, photographer and transbadual, explained that the walk was a bonhomie exercise. "I love street photography because I can take pictures without any human interaction. Today, as I shared ideas of framing and composition with other photographers, I had no worries. I did not think what they would think or if they wanted to judge me. I think it's the biggest delivery of the ride, "he added.
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