Awadh Queer Pride

Awadh Queer Pride is an annual event held in Lucknow, India.^[1][2] It was first held on 9 April 2017, and in the years since has also been held in February and March.^[3][4] It is organized by the Awadh Queer Pride Committee (AQPC), which is made up of volunteers.^[2][5]

History

Awadh Queer Pride was inspired by the first Pride Parade in India, Kolkata Pride, on 2 July 1999.^[3][6]

The event began with a pride parade in 2017, which was organized by members of the city's LGBTQIA+ community and led by Darvesh Singh Yadvendra.^[3][7] The parade was attended by approximately 300 people, including heterosexual allies and parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals.^[3][8] The walk started from Sikandar Bagh and continued for 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) until terminating at Hazratganj.^[7]

Approximately 400 people attended the second Awadh Queer Pride Walk in 2018.^[9]

In 2021, actresses Ridhi Dogra and Monica Dogra were invited to the event due to their work on the show The Married Woman.^[10]

The Awadh Queer Pride March happens annually in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.