Guwahati,February 12: The Guwahati Queer Pride, 2018 Parade at Dighalipukhuri saw a huge participation as the rainbow glittered across the streets of Guwahati with an outpouring emotion. The Pride was organised by Xukia, an organisation working for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. The event was preceded by a series of pre-pride events, such as fundraisers by putting up jewellery and food stalls, organising concerts and flash mobs to reach out to people.

People participating in the Guwahati Queer Pride agreed that the queer community in Guwahati is low compared to other metropolitan cities like Calcutta, New Delhi or Mumbai. On Sunday, 11 February, a queer pride march was held in Lucknow also. On 3 February, a queer pride march was held in Mumbai too which saw crowds in large numbers.

Pragati, a participant of the Queer Pride told ANI that they get together and protest through dance and colourful parade urging the government to remove the Supreme Court verdict of upholding Section 377. "I believe love does not have any gender and whoever wants to live with a person whom he or she loves, there should be no barrier to that. Same sex marriage should be legalised in India as the law cannot tell me whom should I love," she added.

People from all over north-eastern region took part in the Pride parade.

Shivlal Gautam, a member of the organising committee said they have been able to reach out to a huge number of populations through the pre-pride events. "We have received a positive response this year. As compare to past couple of year, this year's Queer stands promising," he added.

Rehana, a participant in the parade said, "I have come to support the Queer Pride in Guwahati. I think it is a very important movement and I am glad that so many people have come out. Basically everyone has the right to love whoever they want".