3rd DHAKA PRIDE CELEBRATES
THE DIVERSITY AND RESILIENCE OF BANGLADESH'S LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY
The third edition of Dhaka Pride, a virtual celebration of the Bangladeshi LGBTQIA+ community, took place on June 2, 2023, with over a thousand community members from across the country coming together to celebrate diversity, courage, and pride. Hosted by Saraban Tahura Sara, a transgender rights activist and the first trans woman in Bangladesh to enrol in a bacheloR's course with a trans woman identity, the event showcased inspiring performances and empowering stories and highlighted the importance of inclusion in all aspects of society. This year's Dhaka Pride marked a significant milestone with the participation and performance of LGBTQIA+ members from rural and grassroots communities. Additionally, the event featured a captivating performance by the small ethnic trans women's community, who, despite facing various challenges, were determined to showcase their talents and embrace their diversity.
The event kicked off with a mesmerising dance performance by Tareen Tani Basar, who skilfully portrayed the hopes and aspirations of the transgender community through a classical dance routine. Her performance, which depicted the dream of becoming a bride through the eyes of a trans woman, resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them inspired and reflecting on their own dreams.
The rich cultural contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals were also highlighted during the event. Mittika Rei, the first translesbian woman in Bangladesh, eloquently expressed her love for another woman through poetry, demonstrating the depth of emotions and artistic talents within the community. Her heartfelt performance encouraged the audience to embrace their own self-expression and speak openly about their feelings.
Dance, a popular art form in Bangladesh, took center stage as Kazi Raihan, a professional dancer, performed a solo classical fusion dance. Raihan used nature as a backdrop, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and embracing one's true self. The audience wholeheartedly appreciated the performance and the powerful message it conveyed.
Comedy was also featured as a means to shed light on harmful societal stereotypes and cultural norms. Utpal's humorous act highlighted the detrimental effects of gossip and negativity, challenging the audience to reflect on the impact of such behaviors within Bengali culture. Utpal's performance was met with applause as he reintroduced these characters to provoke thought and discussion.
The event further emphasized the importance of acceptance within families and society. Tanveer Rauf and Saroar Zubair, a couple who have successfully overcome societal barriers and gained acceptance from their families, shared their thoughts on self-acceptance and family support. Their inspiring stories resonated with the audience, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future self-expression.
This performance was followed by a poignant memoir from social and rights activist Mushfiqa Laiju, honoring friends of the community who have lost their lives to suicide. Her touching tribute served as a reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and the importance of community support and solidarity.
Cultural Celebrations and Artistic Expressions
The evening continued with a vibrant dance performance by Nona Tanchangya from the marginalized hill tract of Rangamati. Dancing to the song "Dhana" in her local language, Tanchangya’s performance celebrated the unique cultural diversity within Bangladesh’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Mominul Islam's recital of his original poem "Shikhandir Anujog" brought to light the sorrows and pains experienced by the community. His emotive delivery resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the shared struggles and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Kazi Raihan and his troupe energized the audience with a dynamic performance of the empowering song "Karar Oi Louh Kapat" by Kazi Nazrul Islam. Their performance symbolized strength and the unbreakable spirit of the community.
Voices of Struggle and Triumph
This year’s event also featured a powerful poem, "Brihannala," written by Sanjiboni, Executive Director of Inclusive Bangladesh. Her words vividly depicted how different groups and individuals exploit the LGBTQIA+ community for personal gain, only to discard them once their interests are fulfilled. The poem struck a chord with the audience, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many in the community.
In a deeply moving segment, intersex individual Noor Alam shared their life story, recounting their struggles with family rejection and their ongoing fight for the rights of intersex people in Bangladesh. Alam’s courageous narrative inspired hope and determination among the attendees, highlighting the importance of visibility and advocacy for all marginalized groups within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
A Joyous Finale: Celebrating Unity and Hope
The event concluded with a spirited dance performance to the song "Faguner Mohana" by Tareen Tani Bashar, a member of Inclusive Bangladesh. Her performance was a celebration of freedom and the joy of connection, leaving the audience with a sense of unity and optimism for the future.
The fourth edition of Dhaka Pride was a resounding success, uniting the Bangladeshi LGBTQIA+ community in a celebration of their talents, resilience, and unwavering spirit. This year’s event showcased the incredible diversity within the community, from rural and grassroots participants to the small ethnic trans women's community, demonstrating the rich cultural tapestry that makes up Bangladesh’s LGBTQIA+ population.
As Dhaka Pride continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a powerful platform for amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals, challenging societal norms, and promoting inclusion and acceptance in all aspects of society. The stories and performances shared at this year’s event are a testament to the progress being made towards a more inclusive and accepting Bangladesh. Through events like Dhaka Pride, the community is not only celebrating their identities but also inspiring countless others to embrace their true selves. As the fight for equality and acceptance continues, Dhaka Pride remains a beacon of hope, empowerment, and pride for Bangladesh’s LGBTQIA+ community