Agni Pradeep Protests Transgender Amendment Bill in Custom Dress at Chennai Pride
During the 18th edition of Chennai’s annual Self-Respect Pride March in 2026, poet and activist Agni Pradeep staged a visual political protest by wearing a custom-designed dress. The outfit was created to demonstrate against the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, and to raise awareness about the struggles for transgender identity, dignity, and rights in India.
The strapless white dress featured a frayed and tattered hem, with a bodice designed to resemble a legal document. The text of the bill was painted across the fabric, accompanied by a bright red "reject" stamp and an upside-down replica of the Indian national emblem.
"The government has failed to deliver justice to marginalised people," Agni said. "Instead of protecting our dignity, it continues to question our identities and leaves us vulnerable to constant judgement."
The concept of the dress took shape over several weeks of conversations. It was designed by Anto Lopez, with makeup and hairstyling by Shariff Ruxana, and visual storytelling support from Martin.
Visual artist Velumani spent between 15 to 18 hours over three to four days hand-painting the details onto the satin cotton fabric after finishing shifts at his corporate job. Velumani sketched the replica of the Indian emblem freehand and positioned the reject stamp slightly off-centre to catch the eyes of onlookers as Agni walked the nearly two-kilometre march.
In addition to the dress, Agni carried a placard designed by artist and social worker Sanjai S. depicting the deity Ardhanarishvara. The layout of the placard mimicked an official application form. Sanjai explained that the design was meant to evoke a missing-person poster, highlighting how individuals become invisible when denied legal recognition. Sanjai also painted a second placard featuring B.R. Ambedkar in rainbow shades.
Agni, who has participated in the Chennai Pride event over several years, noted that fashion has increasingly become a political tool at the march, with other participants recreating past protest outfits to voice their own demands.
