Shormita tells us about the initiatives taken by the Student Federation of India, OTT platforms, and Unilever to sensitise the masses about Pride parades, digitally. An exclusive for Different Truths.

As we all know, due to the ongoing pandemic, all the major events and programmes are held on digital platforms. The Pride parades of 2021 all over the world are also celebrated through online platforms by organising discussions on LGBTQIA+ issues, webinars, Q & A sessions, broadcasting dedicated shows to aware the folks about LGBTQIA+ people, etc. Today, it is an important issue to talk about the gender orientation of a person and how it is important to be aware society of their concern regarding identity crises.

It is commendable to witness that people are coming together from diverse backgrounds to organise such kind of meets, which talks about gay and lesbian relations. Recently, on 14^th June 2021, the Student Federation of India (SFI) had organised a Facebook live session, in which they discussed about Queer Liberation. They have talked about the concerns of the queer community and their past struggle, how the Left party has supported the rights of the queers and other non-conforming gender. Thus, it is a relevant topic of discussion on which we can confer about the surfacing of queer politics into the conventional politics.

Nevertheless, the contribution of OTT platforms couldn’t be ignored; it is responsibly doing its bit in spreading awareness about queer issues. Netflix and Amazon Prime have launched a separate page for Pride month in which queer-related movies, shows, and documentaries are included. It highlights the LGBTQIA+ people who are actors, creators, designers, writers, and producers in the entertainment business. This small step has surely impacted the younger audience and it will encourage the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ genre in mainstream entertainment.

Unilever, a multinational company (MNC) is working tirelessly all around the world to bring out a change in the traditionalist mindset of people, who believes queer folks are strange or abnormal. This year, this organisation aims to target the five worst cities of the U.S.A. for their Pride parade. The five cities are Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Alabama, and Southern Missouri.  They will launch awareness programmes in these cities to sensitise people about queer people’s gender orientation and mental health. In this way, the MNC could reach out to a large number of people and the agenda of their campaign can be fulfilled. Also, Unilever has assured to improve the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) in these cities.

 Although, last year also the Pride parade could not be held due to the restrictions of physical distance. This year, the situation is not under control due to the second wave of Covid-19. The celebration is held digitally like last year, but it is more significant to connect with people whether in person or digitally. The foremost aim is to spread consciousness and awareness among people. The young generation should actively participate in organising such programmes at the ground level, starting from their societies and colleges. This LGBTQIA+ issue is still a taboo for society and rapid sensitisation programmes are required currently. The Pride month gives us that opportunity in which we can hold talks and creative art competitions featuring the suppressed voices of the LGBTQIA+ community. Also, the people who are in powerful position in their field should encourage their peers to formulate measures that will benefit the requirements of the queer people.   

References

Charles, Petruce Jean. ‘There’s no one way to celebrate’: How to mark Pride month, virtually and in-person. USA TODAY: June 16, 2021. 7:01 am. www.usatoday.com/story/life/2021/06/16/pride-2021-tips-celebrating-person-virtually-friends/7702801002/

Watson, Imogen. ‘Why Unilever localized Pride push to 5 US cities ranked worst for LGBT+ people.’ The Drum: June 9, 2021. www.thedrum.com/news/2021/06/09/why-unilever-localised-pride-push-5-us-cities-ranked-worst-lgbt-people

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Shormita Bose

Shormita Bose, is pursuing PhD in English literature from GLA University, Mathura. She has completed her M.A. & B.A. from University of Allahabad. She has contributed her research article in the edited book- Human Rights: Issues, Challenges and Present Status and also written an article in the anthology -Words That Stay Forever. Currently, she is working on her own edited book- Women and Queers: The Marginalized Gender.