Celebrating Diversity and Resilience
Dhaka Pride 2024 Unites Bangladesh’s LGBTQIA+ Community Again!
Over a thousand members of Bangladesh’s LGBTQIA+ community came together on June 7, 2024, for the fourth edition of Dhaka Pride, a virtual event celebrating diversity, resilience, and pride. This year’s event, 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, was a vibrant showcase of talent, empowering stories, and the community's unyielding spirit.
A Poignant Start: Addressing Mental Health
The event began with a powerful awareness play about suicide, featuring Asit Gain and Md. Istiyak Mahmud. Their heartfelt performance underscored the importance of mental health awareness within the community, drawing attention to the critical issue of suicide prevention.
Sylvia and her troupe then captivated the audience with a folk dance to the song "Milan hobe koto dine amar moner manush er o sone," highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
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