Kolkata Pride kick-started its events for the Kolkata Pride Month with the Annual Queernival 2023 and health camp on December 3 at Maddox Square. The day saw various artists from the community and allies display goods from their respective small businesses as visitors poured in from 11 in the morning till 9 in the night.
Parents of queer individuals hold up the LGBTQIA+ flags. They attended Queernival 2023 to express their support for the event and the community
The health camp organised by doctors and medical students aimed at creating a safe space for queer individuals to share about intimate issues, while also answering queries on STDs, mental health issues, sex reaffirmation surgeries and any other health issues brought up by visitors. Basic tests such as blood pressure were also being carried out while locals living around Maddox Square also poured in to help with a weighing machine.
Navonil Das, co-initiator of Kolkata Pride, said, “Kolkata Pride is a trailblazer for all the Pride communities in India and we are once again proving that what Calcutta thinks today, India thinks tomorrow. At Queernival, all the stalls are heavily subsidised by us. We take a nominal charge from the pop-up owners, which is our way of respecting the participation. Kolkata Pride has also set up a stall here which mostly raises funds for events of the month”
Several sports events like Sack Race, Skipping Race, Lemon Balancing Race, Three-legged Race, Musical Chairs, Paper Dance, Where’s the Phool (relay race) and Memory Game (for parents) were enjoyed thoroughly by those gathered. Food stalls by community-run cafes provided much-needed refreshments after one shopped and danced their hearts out.
The Queernival sounded the bugle for a month that will be full of activities and events with the iconic Pride walk of Calcutta marking an end to the month. Let’s have a look at the Pride calendar for December 2023.
December 9
This day will be dedicated solely to a Health Camp Doctors Sensitization Camp at Peerless Hospital. Doctors, paramedical staff and hospital administration from several hospitals will be sensitised towards being inclusive and harbouring a safe environment in their institutions for people from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Arthub Archee, a pop-up of clothes, bags and other items with digital print, was put up by multimedia artist Archee Roy. Roy, who has had a penchant for painting since childhood, said, “The journey has always been challenging. I wait patiently for Kolkata Pride Month because queer artists and art are still struggling for space in the mainstream. My mother was an artist but the stereotypes discouraged her from pursuing her passion”
December 10
The Poster Making and Sloganeering workshop will be held at Porshi Canteen, Jodhpur Park, from noon. Porshi, an initiative by Sappho for equality, hosts a training centre for queer individuals and also employs them.
December 12
Kolkata Queer Arts month launch will take place at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity from 5pm.
December 14
A live band at Tavern from 8pm will create the apt ambience for enjoyment and interaction between the community and its allies.
December 15
The Pink Pride Fundraiser Ball that will be held at The Lalit Great Eastern from 8pm to 1am aims at raising funds for the Kolkata Pride events and the community at large.
December 17
The most talked-about event of the month is the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk, which is Asia’s oldest Pride walk. The walk will begin at 2pm from Lady Brabourne College and end at Park Circus Maidan. Thousands of people join the parade annually and an environment of unity and warmth can be witnessed there. A Post Pride Party will also take place on December 17 after the 20th edition of the iconic walk is over.