Pune, 9th June 2025: With slogans like 'Tumach Aamach Same Asat, Prem He Prem Asta’ (Same as Yours, Love is Love), 'Hey hey ho ho, homophobia has to go', 'Don't do wrong, call homosexuals ours', 'Kal ho aaj ho, samanata ka raaj ho' (Be it today or tomorrow, rule of equality should be there) and colourful flags waving in their hands, the central area of Pune city lit up with a different kind of acceptance on Sunday (8 June).
The 13th 'LGBTQ Abhiman Yatra 2025', symbolizing the fight for equality, dignity and existence of the LGBTQ community, was held with enthusiasm by the Yutak Charitable Trust. More than 800 members and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and other sexual minority communities participated in this yatra enthusiastically.
The yatra, which started from Abhinav Chowk at 4:30 pm, returned to its original location via Bajirao Road, Shanipar, Mandai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road. The yatra, which continued till 6:30 pm, displayed a trinity of enthusiasm, self-awareness and social awareness.
Dr. Saanvi Jethwani, Co-Vice President of the State Transgender Welfare Board, and Pratush Borgohen, Director, Digital Enterprise Platforms, were appointed as the Grand Marshals for the walk. The participants of the walk held creative placards, colorful face paintings, and various slogans, which attracted the attention of the citizens.
The demands included guaranteeing reservation for transgender persons, legal recognition of same-sex couples for marriage, ensuring safety in public places, a sensitive approach in the health and education sectors, training for the police, judiciary and administrative sectors, special arrangements for legal advice and assistance, and recognition of cultural activities to honour LGBTQ people.
Various activities like plaque making workshops, discussion sessions on various topics, awareness programmes to dispel superstitions, mental health camps, dance competitions were organized for this year's Abhiman Yatra. These activities gave the participants the opportunity to freely express their experiences, thoughts and creativity.
