Dear Cis Straight folks
Were you at the pride parade this year? This is for you. Listen. Understand. Act.
Do you know that this is the 11th year Chennai hosted its pride parade, and from what I have noticed, every year after the pride parade the harassment and bullying news of queer persons are reported more. Do you know why? It is through the pictures. There have been multiple people outed when their pictures are published on news papers, telecasted on news channels and photos posted on social media. This is a price we are ready to pay for ourselves. We are aware of the consequences and we still go out on the streets. We are careful about posting pictures that we take in pride parades. So, if you think pride parades are a good place for your photography skills, i’ll urge you to rethink.
This year I noticed a considerable surge in the participation of non queer folks in the Chennai parade. I am glad that you folks are coming out in large numbers to support us. I am glad that we are getting the much deserved attention after so many years. I also hear some of you say how much you felt safe in the parade and how much you were able to be yourself. This is what you have to do next. Don’t wait for the next pride parade to experience this. Go back to your cis straight spaces and ask why your spaces are not like what you experienced in the parade. See what you must do to make your place inclusive of “yourself” for being your authentic self and also to be inclusive of queer persons. And at the same time do not forget that the queer spaces are not egalitarian. We have all the social divide and oppression that is in your world. We are dealing with it as well. Think and act up on how we can work together so we all belong in every space.
We cherish allies. But also remember you did not do us a favour by being at the pride. In fact we gave you a taste of a space which you haven’t enjoyed in your spaces. Supporting the queer community is not just by attending pride, but also on how you act up on it every day. See what you have to change in yourself and your spaces to be queer inclusive, so we feel belonged and not just included.
My other Chennai Rainbow Pride related writings:
