Pune Pride March Voices Concern Over Proposed Transgender Amendment Bill 2026
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 14th June 2026: Hundreds of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, social workers, activists, students, and supporters gathered in Koregaon Park on Sunday for Pune’s annual Pride event, organised by Mist LGBTQ Foundation at the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial Hall in Ragvilas Society.
The programme began at 4 p.m. and witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across diverse age groups and backgrounds. Participants arrived in vibrant attire, expressing themselves through colourful fashion, creative makeup, cultural performances, placards, and symbolic displays celebrating diversity, inclusion, and identity.
This year’s Pride gathering carried a strong message of solidarity and concern, with many participants using the platform to raise awareness about the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has sparked debate within India’s transgender community.
Activists and community members voiced concerns over several provisions in the proposed legislation. Issues highlighted during the event included the removal of self-identification provisions, the introduction of medical requirements for legal gender recognition, the exclusion of certain gender-diverse identities from legal definitions, the absence of adequate community consultation, and concerns regarding the safety and autonomy of transgender persons.
Addressing the gathering, social activist Manasvi Goilkar said, “This year’s Pride is dedicated to the rights and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse persons. Pride has always been about visibility, acceptance, and equality. We believe it is important to preserve the constitutional values of identity, self-determination, and human dignity that generations of the community have struggled to achieve.”
Another activist participating in the event said, “Pride is not merely a celebration. It is also a platform to amplify voices that often go unheard. We stand together to ensure that every individual, irrespective of gender identity, is treated with respect, compassion, and equality before the law.”
A transgender rights advocate present at the programme remarked, “The community seeks meaningful dialogue and consultation in matters that directly affect our lives. Inclusive policymaking becomes stronger when the people most impacted are heard and represented.”
Speaking about the significance of the annual Pride gathering, Samuel (Shyam) Konnur, owner and director of Mist LGBTQ Foundation, said, “Mist LGBTQ Foundation has always believed that Pride is a space of hope, resilience, and community. Every year, people come together to celebrate their authentic selves. Alongside celebration, it is equally important to create awareness about issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and encourage conversations rooted in empathy and constitutional values.”
Sabrina Konnur, owner and director of Mist LGBTQ Foundation, added, “Pride reminds us that every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and acceptance. Our aim is to build an inclusive society where diversity is respected and people can express their identities without fear or discrimination. The overwhelming participation today reflects the strength and unity of our community and its allies.”
Throughout the programme, attendees carried banners and placards promoting messages of equality, inclusion, acceptance, and human rights. Cultural performances, community interactions, and engagement initiatives formed an integral part of the celebration.
Organisers said that while Pride remains a joyful affirmation of identity and self-expression, it also serves as an important platform to highlight issues affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocate for a society founded on respect, equality, and justice.
As rainbow flags fluttered across the venue and participants marched in solidarity, the event concluded with a renewed call for dialogue, understanding, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
