B'luru Town Hall hosts ‘pride month’ celebration, LGBTQIA+ community voices key demands

The LGBTQIA+ community gathered in large numbers at Bengaluru’s Town Hall to celebrate International Pride Month, raising vibrant slogans of equality, dignity, and inclusion. As part of the annual tradition, the event served as a powerful platform for the community to reiterate longstanding demands for policy reforms and government support.

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Led by prominent activist and former Bigg Boss contestant Adam Pasha, community members submitted a list of over 20 key demands to the state government, urging action on critical issues affecting sexual minorities. Among the foremost demands were the establishment of a dedicated Sexual Minority Welfare Corporation in Karnataka and the provision of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in all government hospitals.

The community also called for affirmative action through job reservations, legal recognition of same-sex marriages, and greater social and healthcare support. "We are not asking for special treatment; we are demanding equal rights and dignity with love and acceptance," said Pasha during the rally.

Participants waved rainbow flags, held placards with messages of inclusion, and celebrated their identities with pride and resilience. The event was both a celebration of queer lives and a strong reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure equality.

The rally concluded with a renewed call to policymakers to address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ population and to recognize their rights as equal citizens under the law.

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