On December 15, thousands of people took to the streets of Kolkata to celebrate 25 years of love, inclusivity and resistance, as the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk 2024 expanded upon its towering legacy. On July 2, 1999, 15 people had participated in the historic ‘Friendship Walk’ — India’s first and oldest Pride march
All photos by Satyajit Shaw
The walk, which commenced from the gates of Lady Brabourne College, opposite Park Circus Maidan, coursed through the length of Park Street before culminating at the Maidan, amidst an array of music, dance and colour. ‘It was very fulfilling to make the walk happen in such little time, and yet receive a huge turnout,’ said Navonil Das, co-initiator of kolkatapride.org
In a unique break from tradition, this year’s float had a 300-inch monochrome acrylic paint artwork by artist Archee Roy, titled ‘I, Exist’. Talking to My Kolkata about her piece, Archee said, ‘It captures the intersectional politics of queer-trans identity amidst India’s present socio-political climate. At its heart are eyes that reflect, reveal and hold truths silently, yet with unrelenting intensity. It is a visual assertion of our lives, and a declaration that despite marginalisation, we persist’
Fashion is an integral part of the Pride Walk, with thousands of people smashing the binary with their innovative outfits. For (L-R) Sayan and Amy, this was of paramount importance. ‘This is a day to stand by all those who feel neglected and can’t be themselves,’ said Sayan, who sported her mother’s sari
Despite being from different countries, the Pride Walk is a symbol of persevering love for R J Thornburg and Sohel Rana. ‘I moved to Kolkata from the US two years ago, and have been attending the Pride Walk since then. The festival-like ambience really brings us closer together,’ said Thornburg with a smile
‘To me, Pride is a celebration of individuality and existence, while being a protest cry for our rights against prejudice. This year, I wanted to pay tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, who pioneered the inaugural Pride after the Stonewall riots by recreating her iconic flower headdress,’ said Bhaskar Das
Slogans around the walk celebrated the right to love and exist, not just for the queer community, but for all marginalised groups. One of the slogans said, ‘Chhele-chheleder chumu kheyeche, meye-meyeder chumu kheyeche — besh koreche, besh koreche!’ (A boy kissed a boy, a girl kissed a girl, so what?)
The spirit of inclusivity wasn’t just limited to humans. Abhirup and his partner Sohail ensured that their furball, Mamma, walked with them every step of the way, even joining in on the pink theme! ‘This was our very first Pride Walk, and it was the perfect way to celebrate our family, which is in no way different from any other family,’ said Abhirup
Niladri R. Chatterjee, author and professor at the Dept of English, University of Kalyani, has been at the helm of a course titled ‘New Gender Studies’ since 2009. ‘Ten years ago, the walk was much more age-variant. Sometimes, even parents or family members walked with their queer children or relatives. However, I’m glad that the walk has remained angry, political and intersectional, raising slogans in support of not only the murdered junior doctor at R.G. Kar but also in support of sex work, Palestine, Ukraine, and Dalit citizens of this country,’ he said
From vogueing and drag to classical, the evening also packed in several performances at prominent Park Street junctions like St. Xavier’s College and the Flurys crossing. ‘The biggest encouragement was to see massive participation from non-urban areas, including the deepest interiors of West Bengal. With each passing year, younger faces are managing the show,’ said Bhaskar Das
