Pride Palooza 2026 Celebrates Trans, Queer, and Disabled Artists at Goethe-Institut
Queer Casting organised Pride Palooza 2026 at the Goethe-Institut in Chennai on Saturday, bringing together trans, queer, and disabled artists for a day of cultural performances, exhibitions, and advocacy discussions during Disability Pride Month.
The festival opened with a parai and karagattam performance by DC Squad, followed by a dance recital by Chef Sujithra. Organised by Negha, founder of Queer Casting, and her partner Rizwan Bharathi, the event was established to create an accessible platform for artists from marginalised communities who face barriers in traditional art and entertainment sectors. To ensure full inclusivity, the event incorporated wheelchair accessibility and sign language interpretation throughout the sessions.
Policy issues took center stage during a panel discussion titled 'The Road Ahead for Trans Rights.' The panel brought together lawyer Kanmani, activists Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli and Maghzchi, alongside community leaders Sunil Mohan and Rakshika Raj. The speakers examined the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising concerns over mandatory reporting to medical boards while highlighting the demand for horizontal reservation.
The festival featured several artistic showcases, including 'Stride,' a short film examining the intersection of disability and trans identity, and a one-minute short film competition centered on mental health and queer lives. Students from Tamil Nadu Model Schools staged performances of traditional art forms, including bommalattam and silambam. The afternoon program also featured drag artiste Pelvis Press Lee and Queer Casting's theatre production 'Train Kadai.'
Parallel to the stage events, attendees viewed 'Thirunar Vazhviyal,' a photography exhibition by Rizwan Bharathi that documented trans lives, community protests, Pride Walk gatherings, and personal milestones.
The festival concluded with awards and felicitations recognizing individuals for their contributions to community representation. Honourees included celebrity hairstylist Jenifer, Vaibhav Maran—Tamil Nadu’s first transman physical education teacher—and community leader Sunil Mohan.
