Is it really the feeling of liberation when the fearful feeling of “recognition” hounds the parade?
Sparkly eyes with rainbows in the sky, free will and cheer on the mind. The feeling of liberation is as exuberant as this thought sounds. The sixth month of our calendars is a celebration of thirty days, and it is time to take pride in the euphoria of colours the world has to offer. As we celebrate Pride month, it is essential to question another aspect of it. To take the celebrations one step forward, Pride parades are organised across the world. With the feeling of “we feel happy and liberated”, there is an irony attached to it. Indeed the scorching heat of the month makes it tedious to march in the parade, but the sheer feeling of pride motivates everyone to come out and join in. However, as a community of evolved homo sapiens, are we doing our bit to create the safe space they seek? Are we lending the helping hand which would foster the feeling of security and equality?
Acknowledging that it takes so much more than one can imagine to come out and be proud. To experience the feeling of happiness, to be able to embrace their true selves, and to dance to the rhythm of their minds, as quintessential this step is, it is a jittery but contented moment. However, in the parades, which offer a place to feel liberated, is the community feeling safe?
While covering the Pride Parade of DU, we captured the beaming faces, but one thought that struck us was, “we do not want to remove our masks.” On asking the reason, they informed us that they did not want anyone to see and recognise their faces. It was ironic. On the one hand, we heard the pronouncement of liberation, and on the other, they hid behind their masks to feel free. Unrecognisably free.
I want to get clicked but can’t remove my mask. I don’t want anyone (my family) to recognise me.”
-Student present at the Pride Parade
In conversation with Kandarp Bhargav, who is an ally and a student of Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ), told DU Beat that the thing with the Pride parade is that when people join it, they feel empowered but what happens is that society traps them and their families, specifically parents, in a vicious cycle.
Every parent wants their child to have a job, be married and have children, and if that thing comes up with the queer people, that is not going to be supported by the parents.”
-Kandarp Bhargav, an ally
Another student, Soumya Arora, an ally and a student of Jesus and Mary College (JMC), attributes the problem to a generational gap and the issue of not feeling safe or free once you confide in them. She questions what if confiding in them turn out to be counterproductive. What if the situation gets worse?
As Kandarp concludes, the understanding that society and the parents have, hinders the process of opening up. It is only about time that we step up our collective efforts to create a safe space for the community where one can truly feel safe and liberated.
Image Caption: I feel free, liberated, and it is amazing!
Image Credits: Ankita Baidya
Ankita Baidya
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