Of Love and Its Allies

CHENNAI'S streets shimmered with colors on Sunday evening.

- RAKSHITHA PRIYA G

People dressed in outfits born out of pride and passion, vibing to parai beats and trending songs blasting over the speakers—this was a call for equality in the annual celebration of identity, solidarity, and happiness.

Participants across generations, genders, sexualities, and geographies, turned up in thousands at the 17th Annual Chennai Pride March. For some it was a first, and then there were those who have marched every year since the beginning of the movement. "Pride has always been delightful. It's a celebration of me, us. And here (Pride March) is the only place where I can be me without any judgment around. The diversity, the scope, and the spectrum of people—you won't find that in many places like Chennai," said a participant from Uttar Pradesh, who lives in Chennai.