The theme of the walk was ‘demanding gender-neutral uniforms or uniforms of choice in educational institutions’
HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Sept 26: For the first time in the historic Tezpur city, Queer Pride Walk was organised by the Tezpur Queer Pride Committee. Around 250 people participated in the walk with the theme – ‘Demanding gender-neutral uniforms or uniforms of choice in educational institutions’ – to respect, recognise and envision gender inclusive approach in every individual, institution and policy framework.
Notably, the Queer Pride or LGBTQIA Pride Walk is a pride and a celebratory walk for and by those who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual and many more. Queers and their allies come out to street to claim their space and celebrate love and human rights.
The walk started from Church field and moved through Ganesh Ghat, Chitralekha Udyan and back to Church Field.
“This walk is in celebration of gender and sexual diversity, resisting all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. We demand gender equity, access to all socio-economic support provided for the most vulnerable persons across gender spectrum and equal opportunities in education, employment, skill building and entrepreneurship facilities,” said a member of the Tezpur Queer Pride Organising Committee.
“The queer community in Tezpur require acceptance and assurance from their families and society at large in regard to their chosen identity. This is the reason the issues of gender-neutral toilets and choice-based gender-neutral uniforms in all institutions, workplaces and public spaces have been raised during the walk,” said another member of the organising committee.
As quoted by the members of the Tezpur Queer Pride Organising Committee, “We rise in our hope for a gender diverse, inclusive and solidarity-based society. We thank all the supporters, allies and community people in this journey.”
