Latest news with #PrideWalk
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
District judge Sonal Patil to participate in Pune's 13th LGBTIQA Pride Walk
On Sunday, Sonal Patil, District Judge and Secretary of Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Dr Sanvi Jethwani, Co-Vice President of Maharashtra State Board for Protection of Transgender Rights and Welfare, will walk along with thousands at the 13th edition of LGBTIQA Pride March in Pune. This year, the march is being jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority and Yutak Charitable Trust. Anil Ukaranade, founder director of Yutak Charitable Trust, said the presence of dignitaries such as Dr Jethwani and Patil is to bring the legal rights of the community to the mainstream. 'Of late, we have seen increased attacks on members of the community. Be it blackmailing of gay men, or transgenders not being given their rights, there is an uptick in such cases,' he said. Ukarande said the District Legal Services Authority provides legal aid to people who are not able to afford the legal costs. 'However, many in the community do not know of this,' he said. Yutak's collaboration with the DLSA is aimed at spreading awareness and urging the community to seek legal aid if necessary. Ukarande highlighted the numerous cases they had handled previously involving the transgender community. 'It's very important that the community gets to know of this resource,' he said. 'At the end of the day, it is the government that has to implement the schemes and formulate the same. We have seen if we work in silos there are gaps. When Dr Jethwani walks with us it is more than symbolic – it's is important that the community keeps all channels open for formulation of policies for them,' he said. Sonal Patil said DLSA Pune is organising the Pride Walk to promote awareness, acceptance, and legal rights. 'As the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Pune, proudly support the LGBTQA community's quest for equality and inclusivity,' she said. Protyush Borgohain, director of Digital Enterprise Platforms at Kohler Co, would also be the co-grand marshal. Previously, the Chief Election Commissioner of Maharashtra had led the march and was also a joint organizer. Dr Jethwani told The Indian Express that Pride is not just a celebration but a strong assertion of visibility, dignity, and the demand for equality for the community. 'Such events are essential to highlight the presence, struggles, and contribution of queer individuals from all walks of life,' she said. Last week, during the Thane Pride, members of a political party had tried to disrupt the event, which, Dr Jethwani said, was due to a lack of awareness and acceptance. 'One should look into the heart of people. They should rise beyond caste, creed, religion, etc,' she said. The Pride this year will start from Abhinav Chowk on Bajirao Road at 4.30 pm. This would be the first time since its inception the march has changed its route. Ukarande said this was done to ensure more visibility in the core city areas as well as to avoid traffic issues on FC and JM Road. Partha Sarathi Biwas is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express with 10+ years of experience in reporting on Agriculture, Commodities and Developmental issues. He has been with The Indian Express since 2011 and earlier worked with DNA. Partha's report about Farmers Producer Companies (FPC) as well long pieces on various agricultural issues have been cited by various academic publications including those published by the Government of India. He is often invited as a visiting faculty to various schools of journalism to talk about development journalism and rural reporting. In his spare time Partha trains for marathons and has participated in multiple marathons and half marathons. ... Read More
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
River Forest's inclusion walk sparks strong community support to kick off Pride Month
The Brief River Forest kicked off Pride Month with its Fourth Annual LGBTQ+ Pride and Inclusion Walk, drawing hundreds for a flag-raising and community parade to Keystone Park. Local leaders and families emphasized the importance of visibility, inclusion, and support, with three openly LGBTQ+ elected officials participating. Pride events will continue throughout June across the region, culminating in Chicago's Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 11 a.m. RIVER FOREST, Ill. - From parades to pop-ups, Pride Month is officially underway. The Village of River Forest kicked things off on Monday evening with its Fourth Annual LGBTQ+ Pride and Inclusion Walk. What we know Each year, River Forest's celebration during Pride Month attracts more attention and more support. The event, which began with a flag-raising ceremony outside of Village Hall, drew hundreds of people. Together, residents paraded to nearby Keystone Park, waving flags and proudly celebrating their community. Organizers said they are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from community members. "To me, what it means is that River Forest is a welcoming place to live. It means that our community, the LGBTQIA+ community, is embraced by the people around us," said Megan Keskitalo, trustee with the Village of River Forest. "It's incredible to see hundreds of families out here to support us. We have three openly LGBTQ+ elected officials in River Forest, and to know there's that representation and support from the community, it really means something special," added River Forest Township Supervisor John Becvar. Local school district officials also joined in. Parents shared with FOX 32 Chicago that they used the moment to talk with their kids about why showing up matters. "I was talking to my daughter before the parade started and there are parts of the world where, sadly, we couldn't do this if we lived there. So, it is very important to show our support and the freedom we have to do this," said Claudia Farciert, a parent. Pride festivities will continue all month long, including in Aurora, Downers Grove, Elgin, Park Ridge, and of course, Chicago, where the 2025 Pride Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 29.
News18
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From Gayborhood to Glory: Why Philadelphia Is a Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Destination
Last Updated: Philadelphia preserves many historically and culturally important sites related to the LGBTQ+ community while building a strong social voice through various local businesses. Philadelphia is known as one of the most LGBTQ+- friendly destinations in the world with a rich history in queer pride, activism, and a thriving community which is integral to the city's cultural fabric. Along with numerous events and celebrations, Philadelphia preserves many historically and culturally important sites related to the LGBTQ+ community while building a strong social voice through various local businesses. Each year, Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community comes together for a series of celebrations, parades, and demonstrations including the Philadelphia Black Pride Celebration in April and Philly Pride 365 events throughout the year. The Philadelphia Pride March and Festival in June is an annual festival featuring live musical performances and a Pride Walk. The event starts with a march to Philadelphia's Gayborhood, where festivities await. Various vendors are stationed throughout, selling art, jewellery, and gifts. The all-day block party also features live performances, LGBTQ+ community resources, and a beer garden. Look out for special events, menus, and more from restaurants, bars, clubs, and attractions around Philadelphia during Pride Month. Pride celebrations in Philadelphia are not limited to June. OURfest – dedicated and inspired by National Coming Out Day – takes place during the first weekend in October. The weekend-long celebration includes the OURfest National Coming Out Parade, which features a giant rainbow flag, floats, displays, and live entertainment. Following the parade, the OURfest National Coming Out Block Party and Festival takes over Philadelphia's Gayborhood. The event includes hundreds of vendors, artists, restaurants, food trucks, and community organizations. This section of Center City is home to numerous LGBTQ+-owned shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Along with a charming community feel and those rainbow street signs, you will find rainbow crosswalks throughout the Gayborhood. A great way to learn more about the neighbourhood and Philadelphia's history is to take a Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour. Along the way, snap a photo of one of the city's LGBTQ+ murals, including Mural Arts Philadelphia's Pride and Progress by Ann Northrup, located at 1315 Spruce Street. LGBTQ+ Businesses When visiting the Gayborhood, make dinner reservations at one of the eateries operated by restaurateurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. The married duo is the heart and soul behind restaurants like Barbuzzo, a Mediterranean spot offering wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta. Philadelphia is also home to many other LGBTQ+-owned restaurants such as Mission Taqueria with a Mexican-inspired menu and the neighbouring Oyster House serving some of the best seafood in Philadelphia. Indulge your sweet tooth with a pastry from Cake Life Bake Shop, a trans-owned bakery in the heart of Fishtown or grab a coffee from One Shot Cafe, known for serving artfully crafted caffeinated drinks in Northern Liberties. Philadelphia also boasts an impressive array of LGBTQ+-owned storefronts, boutiques, and other businesses. Along 13th Street in the Gayborhood, shop for quirky Philadelphia-themed gifts at Open House or head across the street to browse home goods, apparel, and jewellery at Verde. In Northern Liberties, stop by Trunc, a gay-owned, female-owned, Black-owned, and Veteran-owned boutique and gift shop. The Gayborhood is home to numerous culturally significant sites, including Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room, the country's first LGBT-focused bookstore. Philly AIDS Thrift, which now owns Giovanni's Room, has another location that sells used clothing and home goods, with proceeds benefiting local HIV/AIDS organizations. Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ History Before the historic Stonewall Riots energized the modern gay rights movement worldwide, a significant event unfolded in Philadelphia. On July 4, 1965, a group of protesters initiated a pride march in front of Independence Hall. This demonstration was the beginning of a series of protests known as the 'Annual Reminders," which raised awareness that the LGBTQ+ community still did not have basic civil rights. This is often considered the flashpoint of the modern gay civil rights movement. Today, this early display of LGBTQ+ activism is commemorated with a historical marker at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets. Other LGBTQ+ historical markers can be found in the city. There is one for Alain Locke, known as the 'Father of the Harlem Renaissance" for promoting African American artists, writers, and musicians. Another one is for Gloria Casarez, Latina lesbian civil rights leader and Philadelphia's first director of LGBT Affairs. And one for Philadelphia Gay News (PGN), one of the most awarded weekly newspapers in the U.S. Learn more about Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community and its history at the William Way LGBT Community Center, which was created to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Today, they offer literary programs, art exhibitions, and over 14,000 books in the centre's library. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 22, 2025, 15:05 IST
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Empathy powers hope for city's queer community
1 2 Guwahati: In a secluded part of Guwahati, away from the clamour of political activism, Rudrani Rajkumari operates a modest yet impactful support group for the LGBTQI+ community, providing a sanctuary where individuals find essential assistance and support. Previously known as Shivalal Gautam, Rudrani transformed her personal hardships into a collective initiative, providing emotional support, legal assistance and refuge for those facing rejection from family, society or legal institutions. "There aren't many laws that protect the queer community in India, and society often moves faster in judgment than in understanding. Most people frame their opinions based on outdated stereotypes — reducing queer identities to jokes, taboos, or deviance. What they fail to see is the human behind the label. But if they were just patient enough to sit, to listen, and to calmly understand," Rudrani says, "they'd realise we're not asking for special treatment, only dignity." As a trans woman and activist, Rudrani has experienced society's rejection firsthand, acknowledging the emotional toll of such experiences. Reflecting on her early days, which she described as discovering 'by accident', Rudrani identified 2014 as a pivotal year when she first connected with LGBTQ+ community members through social media, finding others who shared similar experiences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swing Trading: Get Free Access to Mr. Hemant's Elite Strategy! TradeWise Learn More Undo Nevertheless, the path forward presented challenges. "I was always the person, others made fun of, and although I met certain people from the community, hoping to feel included — to find acceptance and belonging. But their intentions turned out to be different, and that left me disheartened. However, there was one friend who stood by me and introduced me to the concept of the Pride Walk — something I hadn't even heard of until then. I wanted to go, to be part of it, but fear and shame held me back. I couldn't bring myself to show up. It was a shattering moment — to realise how far I still was from embracing myself fully," she added. Despite setbacks, she persevered. Her experiences became a catalyst for change. She gradually rebuilt her confidence, enhanced her understanding of the community, and became more vocal. She recognises that many individuals still face difficulties in revealing or expressing their identities openly. She now positions herself to provide the support she once needed, helping ensure others feel acknowledged and protected whilst navigating their personal journeys. Alongside her advocacy work, she pursues an interest in studying law, aiming to offer proper legal guidance to community members who often struggle within a system that fails to fully acknowledge their existence.
