'It’s really special this year because I’m going to be revealing who I am.' This year's Mardi Gras parade will be very different for those affected by India's decriminalisation of the LGBTIQ+ community.
If you told Rahul Patil a year ago that he would be marching without a mask for ‘Trikone: South Asians for equality’ in the upcoming Mardi Gras parade, he would never have believed you.
“Although I wanted to participate and support my community, for personal reasons I was forced to wear a mask because I didn’t want to reveal my face.”“It’s really special this year because I’m going to be revealing who I am. A lot has changed in 2018 [in India] and I’m happy to be out there and show everyone my face. I’m not afraid of anyone [anymore].”Karthik Sharma
“I came to Australia seven years ago and that was the first thing I went out looking for; my community and my people who would understand what my background is.”With Bollywood music, bare feet and an array of colourful scarves, Trikone's last dress rehearsal before the parade is an irrepressible expression of pride and euphoria.Members of the Trikone float will not wear masks this year following India's decriminalisation.
“It’s a long way to go until same sex marriage [and] until a lot of transgender laws are repealed as well,” said Mr Mirchandani. Although Dr Yasin and Ms. Ray’s families are accepting of their relationship, some are not as fortunate.Aditya Raj has not felt acceptance from his family for 8 years.“She would have supported me in literally everything. The one thing she used to tell me was: ‘even if you murder someone, come and tell me, I’ll protect you."Aditya Raj at his exhibition 'Refracted Lives', organised by the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Visual Arts program.
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