Chennai Rainbow Pride March And Vannangal Talent Show Set For June 27 and 28

The annual Chennai Rainbow Pride March and its pre-march talent show 'Vannangal' are set to take place in Chennai, with the talent show scheduled for June 27 at 5:00 PM in Amjikarai. Organized by a coalition of LGBTQIA+ organizations, activists, volunteers, and the non-governmental organization Sahodaran, the events celebrate years of effort in sustaining a diverse community. The pride march itself will be held on June 28, starting from Rajarathnam Stadium.

The 'Vannangal' talent show in Amjikarai will serve as a welcoming space for community members traveling from various parts of Tamil Nadu. According to Jaya, the manager of Sahodaran, the show has historically been a platform for singers, dancers, poets, and writers from the community to share their creative works. The evening will also include a short briefing session to prepare participants for the next day's march.

On June 28, participants dressed in vibrant attire will march through the streets of Chennai. The parade at Rajarathnam Stadium will feature addresses by allies, senior bureaucrats, and members of the judiciary. The march will conclude with another talent and fashion show, and will also feature discussions on the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill.

"Come be part of our joy. In our joy lies politics, colour, sloganeering, activism, conversation, learning, and a whole lot of dance," Jaya said, reflecting on the 18 years since the first pride parade.

The movement began in 2009 on the shores of Marina Beach, where participants carried placards demanding the right to exist and be acknowledged. Over nearly two decades, the coalition has advocated for policy changes, including securing marginal reservations in education and housing, and has mobilized protests and legal complaints when community rights were violated.

In preparation for the events, the Ripon Buildings was lit up on June 23. Organizers also noted they are looking forward to interacting with Tamil Nadu’s new government, formed by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), hoping to raise their voices to both the State and Central governments.