Chennai Rainbow Pride
Chennai Rainbow Self-Respect March is known for being inter-sectional in nature as it addresses issues with multiple axes such as caste, class, religion coupled with gender discrimination.
[14] The march was the culmination of a month-long series of events including panel discussions, sensitisation programmes, groups meetings and film screenings highlighting the concerns of the LGBT community, which were organised by several NGOS.
)[16] Just like the previous years, the March was preceded by activities over the entire month of June such as panel discussions, a three-day film festival, cultural performances in honour of LGBTQ individuals who had lost their lives, as well as poster and placard making sessions.
At the venue, a group of twelve people, who called themselves ‘Members of Christian Fellowship,’ held banners opposing homosexuality and distributed copies of the New Testament.
[19] The run-up to the March included cultural performances, film festivals, sensitisation workshops, parents meets and panel discussions on workplace diversity over the month of June.
[21] The "Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition" held cultural programmes, seminars, film screening and parents' meet as part of the run-up to the pride.
The Chennai Pride held a special focus on intersectionality, with its posters and press release raising issues against Hindi imposition in South India, Hindutva politics, and cultural erasure.
[30] Its press release stated that it stood in "solidarity with the Dalit community, people with disability, farmers, sex workers of all genders, other minorities, women, and all others struggling against oppression.
The Pride followed the same route as the previous year, that commenced at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore and ended at Albert theatre via Langes garden road.
Chants and placards highlighted the intersectional issues of casteism, fascism, and class discrimination, reflecting the march’s ongoing commitment to addressing broader social injustices alongside LGBTQIA+ rights.
[36] In contrast to previous years, the 2019 Pride Parade had a noticeably more upbeat and celebratory tone, with fewer chants against Section 377, reflecting the progress made in LGBTQIA+ rights.
Organized by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition, the march began at Langs Garden Road in Egmore, the same starting point as previous years.
This year's Pride witnessed a vibrant and lively atmosphere as LGBTQIA+ community members and allies gathered to celebrate love, identity, and acceptance.
The event included not only the march but also cultural performances, such as music, dance, and a fashion show by the transmasculine community, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the participants.
[39] Approximately 1,000 participants joined the parade, donning colorful outfits, face paint, and carrying banners and flags that represented the spectrum of gender and sexuality.
The event was marked by joy and solidarity as participants danced to traditional music, Bollywood songs, and the beats of dhols, emphasizing the community's resilience and spirit of resistance.
Participants reported experiencing online abuse and discriminatory remarks, and concerns were raised about the adequacy of police support and the authenticity of corporate backing.
[45] The 2024 Chennai Rainbow March, held on June 30, marked the 16th edition of this annual event and drew a record-breaking crowd of approximately 5,000 participants.
Organized by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition, the march began at Rajarathinam Stadium and concluded at Ramada in Egmore, following the tradition of previous years.
The event, which took place under the vibrant lights of the Ripon Building illuminated in rainbow colors, highlighted the intersectionality of identity and activism within the LGBTQIA+ community.
[46] The march also became a platform for fashion expression, with participants showcasing a variety of DIY outfits, ranging from metallic bomber jackets to sequined turbans.
[47] The march maintained its roots as a protest, with activists stressing the importance of keeping Pride a grassroots movement, free from corporate influence.
