Sneha Gupta Roy of Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective says transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts of the state.
Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective organised the third Pride rally of the state on Saturday. Swabhiman, the first registered queer society in the state, had also taken out Tripura’s first Pride rally in September 2022.
On Saturday, the rally started from the Umakanta Academy grounds and ended at the same spot after traversing important locations in Agartala.
Speaking to reporters, Sneha Gupta Roy, one of the rally organisers, said, “We have held Pride rallies in the past. We had a gap of a year in between; this is our third Pride. Pride rallies are held in all states. Members of the queer community and our supporters joined the rally.”
“Our message in this Pride is that we are equally a part of this society like everyone else. We face the same problems others do. So, we have tried to portray problems of different sections of society, including environmental pollution, and women’s education…” Gupta Roy added.
Gupta Roy, who is a member of the Tripura Transgender Board, said transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts.
“Once these cells are formed, it will be easier for LGBTQIA+ persons to be involved in discussions (with the government) about our issues,” she added.
Swabhiman leader Gupta Roy also commented that the Indian society was still “backward” and there was a need for the government to create greater awareness on transgender rights.
Saturday’s rally was joined by hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals waving rainbow flags and placards.
Written by Debraj Deb
Courtesy : TOI
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