Mumbai: The first explosion of gay pride in Mumbai appeared as though the parade would be more like a small gathering, rather than an impressive number that represented the gay community of India that includes lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.
But once the parade was underway, the crowds doubled with many people joining mid-way. There were spectators who had collected simply to gawk, curiosity writ on their faces. The TV channels and the print media were in full force.
The foreign press was surprised by the size of the parade and asked about the strength of the gay community in India â a question no one had a real answer for.
A lot of participants were disappointed by their peers who chose to stay at home. Said a guy who wore a mask, "Maybe if there was less media coverage, there would have been more people. A lot of people in the community are open about their sexuality but their families are unaware. And in cases that family members are aware, they do not want their neighbours and relatives to know, so a lot of my friends skipped the parade."
There were more men than women in the parade, but what women lacked in numbers they made up in spirit. Especially the group carrying a gigantic rainbow flag from Delhi and those who sang in Gujarati.
Drag queens in boas and tiaras and women in hats and colourful masks â simply everyone was making a statement.
There was an air of festivity among the participants, sponsors and spectators alike. It was a fun march spiked with interesting slogans like: 'Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Isayi, Homo Hetero bhai bhai'.
Everyone wanted the first parade to end peacefully and it did. Already the group is talking about adding two wheelers and floats to next year's event.
But we are still ages away from the parade being a government-funded event which also attracts corporate sponsors. In many countries, the pride parade is promoted as a major tourist attraction for the host city and Pride parades are now also called Pride Festivals.
Some of these festivals have a regular carnival with information booths, music concerts, barbecues, beer stands, contests, sports and games. Will we ever get there?
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