#PrideMonth: Amid the pandemic, the pride marches on, virtually

June is the Global Pride Month and under regular circumstances, streets across the world would be filled with the pomp and gaiety of pride marches. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than two thousand pride marches stand cancelled globally. This, however, hasn’t dampened the spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, who are all set to host virtual pride celebrations now.

All eyes on the global pride

The pandemic has united the community under the umbrella of a global pride march this year. LGBTQIA+ musical icons, drag queens and human rights activists are set to take part in Global Pride 2020 on June 27, a 24-hour virtual pride celebration that is estimated to attract 300 million viewers from across the world, according to organisers that include India’s Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil.

Julian Sanjivan, co-president of InterPride, says, “By taking pride online, not only are we making sure that LGBTQIA+ people can experience the joy of pride, but we are also for the first time enabling people to take part in the celebration from wherever they are,” he says, adding, “This means people who aren’t out, or who are living in socially conservative countries, can take part as well. Moreover, the support of well-known people and performers will mean so much.”

‘Virtual pride is inclusive’

LGBTQIA+ with disability, people living in isolation and those who avoid pride for whatever reasons, will get a chance to be part of the celebration. LGBTQIA+ and disability rights activist Nitish Dubey says, “Gay people with disability always felt isolated from pride celebration. This year will give us a chance to join in the celebration- to be part of one big family supporting equality.”

Indian pride goes digital too

Closer home, a two-day digital pride march activity has been scheduled for Bhopal this month. “There are certain elements we have retained, like showing off the annual pride dress over social media and a digital post pride party with a DJ evening. Apart from this, we have storytelling sessions where community members will be sharing their coming out stories. Another session has been planned with gay and lesbian couples which will help with the motivation part,” shares Sudeep Shrivas, organiser of the virtual event in Bhopal.

On the other hand, Hyderabad-based drag artiste Patruni Chidananda Sastry has come up with virtual drag celebration -DragVanti- for the pride month celebration. “This year has been tough for a lot of drag performers around the world. While the world is fighting a deadly pandemic, there is hardly any space for drag queens to share their craft,” says Sastry. As part of the virtual celebration.

Input from Farzana.Patowari1@timesgroup.com