It was the fourth Pride in Bangalore, and yet it happened to be my first… But the experience was equivalent to having attended all four…
The atmosphere was absolutely electric… The thronging crowds had many familiar faces, and almost all unmasked, which was very admirable… I myself was torn between wanting to wear a mask and removing it altogether, so finally concluded on removing it for most part, and donning it only when video cameras were around, recording.
The numbers were very inspiring. It’s tragic how the newspapers always manage to downplay the attendance but 1000+ could’ve been a fairly accurate count!
Wherever one looked, there was singing and dancing, chanting of slogans in multiple languages, banners with witty remarks, rainbow masks, wigs, banners and flags…
I suppose what delighted me the most was the official representation from IBM, Goldman Sachs and Google (up from IBM and GS, last year)… Google was also handing out the most adorable badges and stickers depicting 2 Android’s holding hands and waving the Rainbow Flag. Should make it a point to upload a picture later. Do correct me if I’m missing out on any, and I’ll be glad to add to the list… It would be even more fantastic if the IT folks could rope in their own companies for representation next year… (You don’t have to come out to them to do so, especially the ladies)
I know that I’ll be doing my best!
Come 2012, for other first timers who might be struggling between the decision of whether or not to participate, I’d say just go for it. The faces that are captured by the media in those thronging crowds are almost always those who want to be captured, and it’s quite easy to dive in, have fun and get away, with or without a camouflage. In fact, come around on time and you can get your face painted in attractive colours and designs. I assure you, your Aunty Shiela won’t come to know (unless you want her to!)
If you’re apprehensive about it because you don’t know anyone else who’s attending, or can’t convince a friend, watch this (and other spaces) for schedules of pre-pride events such as the annual Garage Sale, Diversity Mela, poster-making events etc. which would give you ample opportunity to meet and connect with other queer folks who are planning to participate all gung-ho, so that come the grand Finale, you won’t feel alone
I’m most disappointed that it’s all over, and there seems little to look forward to (at this scale) but for the Queer Film Festival in February. Regardless of that, Bengaluru Pride 2011 was an absolutely fabulous one, and I hope you all can make it next time round.
Cheers!









