29 November,2010 07:25 AM IST | | Vatsala Shrangi
Rainbow coloured flags, bold banners and drum beats - Sunday's Queer Pride Parade in the Capital had it all. Nearly 3,000 members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community and their supporters marched from Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar near Connaught Place.
"We saw an enormous turnout this time, which we hadn't quite expected. In the first edition there were only about 300 people, the second saw around 800 and this was the most open and biggest," said Mohnish Malhotra, one of the organisers.
People from all walks of life participated in the event including, supporters, human rights activists, students, teachers, expats and foreign tourists.
"I have gathered the courage to be a part of this march along with my partner. It has become a bit easier, though it's a long battle to go still, after the high court judgment. I am happy and proud to be gay," said Rohit, a BCom student from Dayal Singh College.
"It is so nice that we can come out and show off our love in public," said his partner, who works as a peon in the Ministry of Urban Development and didn't wish to be named.
A whole bunch of students from Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) joined the march in support of the LGBT community.
"So what if the judgment has come now, it is perfectly fine to accept one's sexual identity," said Akriti, 19, a student of St Stephens College.
"A significant change is that many have taken off their masks and are out in the open. It is due to the judgment and also because people have let go of their fears," said Anish R Chowdhary, 39, who is openly gay and runs an NGO for LGBT rights.
