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A march in solidarity against systematic bullying and dicrimination
In an effort to bring about change that would allow them to be married in India one day, American-based queer couple Abhishek and Nikhil took part in the march.
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Delhi pride parade 2023 / Rishika Bhardwaj
In a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community's call for equal rights, over four thousand people turned out for the Delhi queer Pride 2023 march. There has been a long struggle for LGBTQIA+ equality and social acceptance in India.
People marched in unison from Barakhamba road to Jantar Mantar, chanting for marriage equality and equal human rights. Children, the elderly, some street vendors, and even puppies were drawn to the rainbow sea.
Fighting systemic bullying and creating a safe school environment for kids was a major theme of the procession. Aarvey committed suicide in 2022, leaving a note for their mother that shed light on society's cruel realities. Because they were open about their self-expression, Aarvey faced the wrath of a school teacher's bullying and unsupportiveness. The mother, who lived in Faridabad with her son as a single parent, demanded justice for her son and thousands of kids alike.
Aarti Malhotra, Aarvey's mother, marched in solidarity, chanting, "We want justice for Aarvey," and hundreds of young members joined her in unison.
"Bullying has been an integral part of every queer kid's life," said Abhishek, a resident of the United States who flew down to Delhi for a month. I was bullied by my friends because I was confident enough to express myself. But that confidence was snatched away, slowly as the years passed by.”
"I went to the United States to study and hope to find my people." I escaped, but what about all the young children who have no choice? We want society to change just not for their possibly closeted children’s sake, but for a country where we let everybody live in their own skin,” Abhishek asserted.
"We generally see accepting folks in the US because the struggle has been long won for us," Nikhil, their partner, added. “Now I want to make sure we win the struggle here in India. I want to proudly marry my husband in my own country.”
After the most recent historic ruling on same-sex marriage, the duty of granting rights on marriage equality was passed on to parliament. However, the Supreme Court held an open court hearing to seek a review of the decision on November 23.
Historically, same-sex and queer couples in India have looked to the legitimacy and tolerance of other nations to support their relationship. As of late, Nepal—one of India's closest neighbors—has become a safe haven as well. The bullying, social acceptability, and legal discourse in India has a long way to go before it catches up with the rest of the world.
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