Latest news with #PunePrideMarch
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Who Is Sonal Patil, Pune Judge Set To Lead LGBTQ+ Pride Parade On June 8?
Last Updated: Pune's District Judge Sonal Patil launched the Nyaya Samhita Project to offer legal aid and spread awareness about government schemes among marginalised communities In a significant show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the District Judge of Pune will not only participate in but also lead the upcoming Pride Parade in the city scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025. Her decision to take part in the rally has surprised many and is being hailed as a powerful gesture toward inclusivity and equality. While the LGBTQ+ community has long fought a legal battle for recognition—culminating in a historic Supreme Court verdict—social acceptance remains a challenge. The Yutak Charitable Trust's Pune Pride, held to raise awareness and visibility, is expected to be particularly special this year with the active involvement of the judiciary. The Pune Pride 2025 March, organised by the Yutak Charitable Trust, is making headlines for the participation of Sonal S. Patil, Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and District Judge, who will join the march as a co-grand marshal. With over 15 years of experience in the judiciary, Judge Patil has expressed strong support for the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing struggle for equality. 'Inclusivity is essential for a free and just society," she said. 'When a person feels accepted, their confidence, motivation, and productivity increase," she added. An Indian Express report highlights that inclusivity, according to Patil, promotes diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. She noted, 'When individuals feel included, they are more likely to experience a sense of belonging, which can boost their confidence, motivation, and productivity." District Judge Sonal Patil has served in various judicial capacities across Maharashtra. In 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Registrar of the Bombay High Court and later appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Supreme Court of India. Since 2023, she has been serving as the Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Judge Patil is also pursuing a PhD in Cyber Law from Bharati Vidyapeeth. Settlement Of Cases Through Lok Adalats Under the leadership of Judge Sonal Patil, more than 7.26 lakh cases have been resolved through National Lok Adalat, with settlements amounting to approximately Rs 2,698 crore. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has also been actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community through a range of services, including free legal aid, counseling, awareness programs on legal rights and collaboration with NGOs. 'Our role is to ensure that every individual receives dignity and justice under the law," Judge Patil said. Referring to the landmark Navtej Singh Johar case, she noted that the Supreme Court has clearly affirmed the LGBTQ+ community's right to protection from discrimination. Message To Society In an interview with the Indian Express about her participation in the Pune Pride March, Judge Sonal Patil said, 'This is not just a step, but a message to society that every person is equal and deserves respect. We must all work together to build an inclusive society." Patil highlighted that the Supreme Court of India has affirmed the LGBTQ+ community's right to protection against discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity in the Navtej Singh Johar case. Patil mentioned that the DLSA strives to empower marginalised communities by helping them assert their rights and access justice. 'Our mission is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect," she stated. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
MIST LGBTQ Foundation, 7 other groups join hands to organise Pune Pride March in ‘trying times'
MIST LGBTQ Foundation has roped in seven other groups to co-organise its annual Pune Pride March scheduled to be held on June 1. Making the announcement on Friday, Shyam Konnur, Founder Director, MIST LGBTQ Foundation, said special events leading up to the Pride March would be held starting this weekend. The seven groups that have joined the MIST LGBTQ Foundation are Outcast Pune, Shikhandi (the transgender dhol tasha group), Pune Queer Sports Club, Muktaa Foundation, NHRD Foundation, Girl Up Jeevika, and Manthan Foundation. Konnur said the decision to join hands was taken so that the community could show a united front. 'The community as such is facing a backlash – be it the decision of the US government to restrict genders to just male and female, or companies deciding to discontinue their Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. These are trying times for us. The Pride March for the community is a symbol of protest, and we want to put a united front for the community,' he said. The run up to the Pride March would see events like the celebration of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), an international film festival, as well as a sports competition. Shikhandi would perform during the Pride March, Konnur said. MIST LGBTQ Foundation was one of the Indian organisations funded by USAID, but it lost the funding post the re-election of Donald Trump as the US president. MIST, which works in the domain of HIV prevention, has since then turned to crowdfunding to run its programs. Pune is one of the few cities that witnesses two Pride Marches. The other Pride March will be held later in June.
