Sunday, for the first time in India, witnessed a special gay parade that was organized in three Indian cities – Delhi , Bangalore and Kolkata. This parade was organized to raise voice for the rights of homosexuality. Hundreds of gays and lesbians paraded the streets of Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore to revolt against stigma and discrimination.

The parade looked very colorful with men and women dressed in vibrant fashion. The marchers shouted slogans against Section 377 of the IPC which defines un-natural sexual practices. These people through this parade wanted to show their family and friends that they’re proud of their difference. They don’t see their homosexuality as shame.

''I decided I will only be happy if I face my fear, now I have a daughter and I am happy and here to create awareness about people like me,'' Chandni, a transgender said.

The marchers participating in the "Delhi Queer Pride 2008" rally, the first of its kind here, walked for an hour from Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar in the heart of Delhi. In Kolkata, lesbians, gays and transexuals marched through the streets from College Square to Esplanade East on a 'Rainbow Pride Walk’ watched by milling Sunday crowds. From Bangalore to Kolkata, the sentiment was the same - 'love us for what we are'. Dancing to drum beats, drag queens (men dressed in womens clothes) and others wearing "masks" carried a large "rainbow" flag while they held placards reading -- Hindu Muslim Sikh Isai Hetero Homo Bhai Bhai, Proud to be queer, be thyself love thyself and 377 leave India.

"This pride march has got a historical connection. Same day in year 1969, police in New York raided a gay bar called Stonewll Inn, as they humiliated and even arrested the people present in the bar. But the people, showing rare courage for the first time, protested,” Shayani Mullick, a gay right activist said.