10 stunning photos from India's rare queer pride march

"I will never change who I am just because you do not approve."
 By 
Sohini Mitter
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

One of India's ancient-most cities, Lucknow, held its first-ever queer parade that saw color and optimism spilling on its streets.

It is widely believed that this north Indian city was the "epicenter of queer culture" during British India as its literature testifies, but the queer community was suppressed thereafter.

The Awadh Queer Pride Parade, a rare occurrence in conservative India, drew over 300 participants from far and wide. Not only LGBTQ individuals but also their families joined the march.

Event organizer Darvesh Singh Yadvendra told Scroll that the parade was held to celebrate gender diversity and protest against discrimination and harassment.

Here are 10 stunning photographs from the show.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Here's a video too.

Well done, Lucknow!

Topics LGBTQ

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Sohini Mitter

India staff at Mashable. Formerly with Forbes India magazine and The Financial Express newspaper.

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