This afternoon was truly one of the highlights of my trip thus far and an amazing experience. We walked with the people of Kolkata through the streets in the 11th annual Kolkata Pride Walk. This is the oldest continuous Pride Walk in India and speaks out to address not only gay issues, but violence against women and others who may not have a voice in India. To walk the streets with over 1,000 people in a country where just being gay is often seen as a major taboo was incredible. The people I met on the walk were ordinary, every day people who just happen to want a voice about their lives or the ones that they love. It was an experience that I imagine was comparable with the first pride parades in America. A true community coming together, no corporate advertising, no fancy floats, just music by very lively drummers, people sharing their stories, dancing and walking the streets for a few kilometers letting Kolkata know that they exist and that violence against anyone is not an acceptable option. I was thankful to be invited along for the walk and to be a part of such an incredible experience and journey. I will probably have more to say on this tomorrow, but what a truly great thing to be a part of while here in India.
Local Coverage
An Article on the Parade - The director of the American Center walked as well. Good to see at least here America is fighting for those who do not have a voice and taking a stand against violence.
Local Coverage
An Article on the Parade - The director of the American Center walked as well. Good to see at least here America is fighting for those who do not have a voice and taking a stand against violence.
Hello Mr. Potts. This is Abhirup Mascharak; we met at the Pride Parade yesterday. I was the bearded guy in the blue shirt, with whom you had the brief chat on the legalization of gay marriage in California. I am writing to get from you that invitation to be your friend on Facebook; I sent you a mail, but received a reply which indicated that you won't be checking your mail until you return to the USA in August. So I am posting this comment here. My e-mail i.d. is mascharak104@gmail.com. Hoping to hear from you and to be added on Facebook to your friend list. Have a nice trip to Shantiniketan; maybe we can meet up once you are back.
ReplyDeleteHi Abhirup I sent you a request on FB. Talk to you soon.
DeleteSo in 1999, there were only 15 very brave people in the walk. Sunday, there were over 1500 people. Quite an accomplishment!!
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