Having missed out on conducting the annual Queer Azadi March at August Kranti Maidan last year, organisers from the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, are looking to host the event at the venue this year on February 2.

“We are in the process of getting necessary permissions for conducting the march at August Kranti Maidan, and if things fall in place, the march will be held on February 2,” said Pallav Patankar from Humsafar Trust, one of the member organisations of Queer Azadi Mumbai, an umbrella organisation under which the march is being held since 2008.

“Last year, we had to conduct the march outside the maidan since no groups were given permission at the time. We will do the same if we don't get permission this year as well," he said. 

Community members will also celebrate the 'Pride' month with several activities and fund-raising events in a run-up to the march.

The activities will begin with a kite-flying contest on Makar Sankranti on January 14, and will be followed by a dancing show by the transgender community, a flash mob, a rock concert and a stand-up comedy show.

“We will also be showcasing Queer Cinema at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay’s Powai campus, and this year, Saathi, IIT-B’s LGBTQ resource group will be joining hands with us,” said Patankar.