Independence Day: LGBTQIA community stands with Pride to sing National Anthem, celebrates 'first year of freedom'

August 15, 2019, marked the completion of 72 years of India's independence from the British rule. While India celebrated its freedom from the oppressive colonial rule, the year gone by has also brought with it true freedom for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer) community who were finally granted an identity in 2018 following the revocation of Section 377.

To commemorate the landmark judgment of September 6, 2018, and to celebrate the community's first year of freedom, Humsafar Trust, a Mumbai-based organisation catering to the needs of the LGBTQ community, has come together to present their own rendition of the National Anthem. 

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Taking to Twitter the Humsafar Trust expressed its joy at celebrating the Pride community's first Independence Day since the landmark judgment. 

On 6th Sep 2018, the SC to read down #Section377 delivering true freedom to millions within our country. Today we celebrate our 1st #IndependenceDay with the #LGBTQIA community & #StandWithPride for our country & its people. Share this message of unity! https://t.co/UEACAbMJi7

— Humsafar Trust (@HumsafarTrust) August 14, 2019

The film, which has been scripted and conceptualised by Interactive Avenues, features prominent LGBTQ  advocates and activists from NGOs and advocacy bodies like The Naz Foundation, Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents, Umang LBT Group, and The Humsafar Trust, amongst others.

The rendition will also be played across 250 screens in eight metros during every movie show in PVR cinemas. 

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