Every year Bengaluru dons a rainbow look in November for Pride Month. A long calendar of events culminates in a solidarity march.
“This year we had decided not to go ahead with it because of the pandemic,” says Ayaan Syed, a member of Coalition for Sex workers, Sexual & Sexuality Minorities’ Rights (CSMR), an organisation that helps plan the events.
The hosts began getting requests for an event in November. “We wanted to first get permission before committing to anything. We applied on December 11 for police permission and it was granted,” he says.
This year, the only event is a march, from Freedom Park to Town Hall, on December 27.
“We’re keeping it low-key due to the restrictions and lack of funds. While we had some funds left over from last year, much of it was used for Covid relief,” he says.
The organisers have been asking for donations from the community. “People are making donations but we haven’t got anything substantial. But then again we don’t need a large amount since we have only one event,” he says.
Ayaan says participants will maintain social distancing. “We have told the police we expect around 500 people. The lower numbers will allow for social distancing,” he says.
The date was also chosen to avoid crowds. “It’s right between Christmas and New Year and many will be travelling during this time and the turnout will be manageable,” he explains.
For more details go to the Facebook page @BangalorePride and Instagram page @nammapride