Chennai Pride 2026: Parents Lead March Against Transgender Amendment Act

The 18th edition of Chennai's annual Self-Respect Pride March saw a significant shift this year, with parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals taking the lead to flag off the event at Rajarathinam Stadium on Sunday. Organised by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition, the march drew thousands of participants from across the city and beyond.

The primary focus of this year's Pride was opposition to the Union Government's Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Participants carried placards and wore customised clothing expressing disappointment with the legislation, which many in the community say undermines their rights.

Jaya, general manager at Sahodaran, explained the decision to have parents inaugurate the march: 'We have asked parents who have accepted their children to start the march because it acknowledges them and encourages other parents to do the same.' She also highlighted pending demands such as horizontal reservation, employment opportunities, renaming the transgender welfare board to Thirunar Nala Variyam, gender-neutral washrooms, surrogacy rights, and more sensitisation programmes in schools.

Prathiba and Varadarajan, holding a placard reading 'Proud Parent Ally', said, 'Many parents have a binary idea of the world and expect their children to fit into those ideas. This is where the issue of acceptance comes from, but acceptance is all the community is looking for.'

First-time attendees Cherishma and Tejaswini, both 18, expressed excitement about the march. 'We raised slogans against homophobia and for inclusivity. We thought many older people will only show up but a lot of people our age have come, which makes us happy,' said Cherishma.

Participants from other parts of the world also joined the march. At the stadium entrance, volunteers distributed colourful headgears, umbrellas, and flags, and about 20 outlets provided refreshments.

Rachel, a transwoman, said the Pride March is primarily about rights and criticised the Amendment Act as a step backwards. A young trans man, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Act 'erases trans men completely' and has caused deep distress within the community.

The march concluded with a 'Naangal' programme featuring performances from singers, dancers, and poets from the community and allies, including folk dance and spoken word poetry. Activists also addressed the gathering.