Bhubaneswar: Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar basked in rainbow hues on Sunday as members of the LGBTQIA+ community participated in a pride march opposing homophobia and demanding equality. The theme for this year was ‘Wear your own pride’.
Members of the community, dressed in vibrant colours, held placards and flags and chanted slogans of equality.“Many things have changed with time but a lot remains to be done. Homophobia in all forms must be stopped at home, in workplace and society. LGBTQIA+ members have equal rights and must not be stigmatised,” said Meera Parida, a rights activist. “We have submitted a memorandum to the Odisha govt to make a LGBTQIA+ friendly budget and keep the needs of the community in mind,” Parida added.
Students and professionals joined the march that culminated in Satya Nagar. “The pride march is all about showing your identity. Through this walk we want to tell that we are also humans and we don’t want sympathy, but equality,” said Ashis, another member.

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