LGBTQ+ community deserves equal treatment

The annual poster contest for the 17th Kashish Pride Film Festival 2026 has a new winner in a Mumbai-based designer. The annual film festival platforming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) films is set to be held in the city from June 3 to 7. This festival is preceded by a poster competition with people invited to design a poster revolving around the theme for the specific edition. The winning entry for 2026 was picked from around 35 submissions across the country. The theme was ‘Reflect, Resonate, Rejoice!’ The winner received a Kashish golden butterfly trophy as well as a cash award of Rs 20,000. The design will be used across all creatives of the festival: posters, billboards, cinema slides and paraphernalia.

While designs and posters are one aspect, the theme should give us something to think about and transform if needed. The reflect is about thinking about the queer community, whether we unwittingly or deliberately have played a part in discrimination, unfairness or any kind of abuse.  We need to reflect on why a section is still terrified to live their truth. Laws are one thing, but what about individual attitudes?  Does our name support only, while not really translating to equality at the ground level? Have we stood by as silent spectators when we saw unfairness, injustice, and we had an opportunity to intervene? That introspection should be sobering and, in some cases, may even be life-changing.