Chennai, June 29: The heart of Chennai came alive with colour and solidarity on Sunday as more than 10,000 people gathered at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore for the 17th edition of the Chennai Rainbow Pride March, locally known as the ‘Chennai Vaanavil Suyamariyadhai Perani’. The march, held annually at the close of Pride Month, continues to be a vibrant expression of the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight for equal rights, dignity, and visibility.
Participants from across India and around the globe took to the streets, turning them into a spectacular canvas of rainbow flags, banners, and placards. Many marched in dazzling attire and face paint, reflecting the diverse and intersectional nature of queer identity and activism. What began in 2009 as a modest demonstration has blossomed into one of India’s most impactful Pride events—blending protest with celebration, art, fashion, and cultural pride.
This year’s march included moving speeches by activists and community leaders, along with spirited cultural performances. These voices shone a light on persistent challenges, ranging from violence and discrimination to the absence of robust legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Organisers raised strong calls for marriage and adoption equality, healthcare access, and safeguards against discrimination in schools and workplaces. Special emphasis was placed on the rights and protections of transgender and nonbinary people, urging lawmakers to take decisive action.
While the atmosphere brimmed with joy, music, and unity, the underlying message remained clear: the fight for equality is far from over. Spectators lined the streets, cheering on the marchers as chants of love, resistance, and pride echoed through the city. Many attendees described the experience as deeply empowering, a testament to the strength and resilience of the queer community.
As the Chennai Rainbow Pride March continues to grow year after year, it stands as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that every individual deserves to live with dignity, free from fear and prejudice.
