Namma Pride 2024: A Celebration of Love, Identity, and Rights

The 17th edition of Namma Pride & Karnataka Queer Habba brought together a vibrant mix of LGBTQIA+ community members and allies at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium on October 24. Organized by the Coalition for Sex Workers and Sexual Minority Rights (CSMR), the event showcased a sense of unity, with participants dressed in colorful outfits and holding creative placards, adding a festive touch to the occasion. For many, like college student Devika and first-timer Iora, it was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and show solidarity, while others, like Puja, embraced the safe space Pride provides for self-expression and visibility.

The event also highlighted political demands, including operationalizing the Karnataka Transgender Corporation, ensuring awareness of the 2018 Supreme Court ruling decriminalizing homosexuality, and protecting the rights of sex workers. Calls for better healthcare access for HIV-positive individuals and the systematic implementation of the Karnataka Transgender Policy 2017 were emphasized. Participants wore outfits ranging from symbolic creations like Prafull’s cardboard armor to traditional attire, celebrating freedom and individuality. The day stood as a powerful reminder of the struggles and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community while demanding systemic change for a more inclusive society.