Kolkata Pride Walk 2013

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.