Pride month 2023 | Chennai’s rainbow march celebrates the queer community and bold fashion

Chennai’s 2023 edition of pride march saw rainbow flags dancing on parapet walls, vibrant style and supportive family members walking with over 5,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community

On Sunday afternoon, curious onlookers on Langs Garden Road in Egmore, peered from their windows, as the colours of the rainbow carpeted their street for the largest edition of Chennai’s pride march yet.

A whirlwind of pink, purple and blue, as well as banners and fireworks heralded this parade-like event as around 5,000 members walked down the road, undeterred by the heat of the afternoon sun. Some took to climbing tall parapet walls, waving rainbow flags in declarance of their identity. Many held up charged signs, encouraging acceptance and contesting homophobia. Take for instance the placards that read ‘Love, It’s never a phase’ or ‘Pride is political’.

Pride was more than just a visual spectacle this year — it thrummed with energy. Participants were breaking out into enthusiastic dance numbers to the beats of parai drums and Tamil kuthu songs in groups. Friends hugged, kissed and cheered as part of this celebration. Parents arrived in droves, accompanying their children to their pride. Within a matter of few hours, an overwhelming sense of community and celebration shined through.

“I feel seen,” said an anonymous participant in the march. “Community is about rising above hatred and celebrating a spectrum,” they added.

“I am pretty sure I saw someone wearing a rainbow-coloured veshti,” shares Darsan Ranjit, an undergraduate student. 

Self-expression was a key form of celebration at the march this year. The road was packed with people of every age and background, flaunting bold flag colours and even bolder outfits. The parade was a feast for the eyes, as people draped rainbow-coloured sarees and sported feather boas, while others donned tasteful corsets and glamorous jewellery. Make up was an integral part of the fashion scene as shimmery eyeshadows, colourful eyeliner, and a variety in the shade of lipsticks, tuned heads.

Much like Blake Lively at the 2022 MET Gala parade, local participants transformed out of their original outfits, fashioning bandana tops and headgear out of rainbow flags. Young children were also decked in rainbow regalia. Even pets partook in the glamour, with friendly Labradors and beagles decked in rainbow-coloured collars and capes. Another furry companion was spotted flaunting a pearl necklace.