WATCH: Despite Antigay Law, Mumbai Holds Biggest Pride Ever

In a powerful visual display of solidarity and outrage, LGBT Indians and their allies turned out in record numbers for the annual pride celebration in Mumbai on Saturday.

An estimated 5,000 people -- both Indian citizens and visitors from abroad -- descended upon Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, where the pro-LGBT march began. The seventh annual pride celebration, known as the Queer Azaadi March, was the first pride event to take place since India's Supreme Court reinstated a colonial-era law in December that criminalizes gay sex, or any "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman, or animal," imposing 10-year prison sentences on those who violate the law. Vocativ reports that "Azaadi" is Hindu for "freedom."

One participant expertly summed up the Indian LGBT community's collective outrage at the Supreme Court's decision to reinstate the 150-year-old law known as Section 377 of India's Penal Code, and the high court's subsequent dismissal of activists' petition for reconsideration last month.

"We are warriors against 377," said a man donning a cape and faux body armor. "And that's what we need to do now, because now the battle has gone bigger, with the Supreme Court also rejecting our review petition."

"It takes away my right to dignity," continued the activist, who is not identified in the video below from Vocativ. "My right to privacy -- it infringes on that as well. And it makes me feel like a criminal in my own country."

Trending stories

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

Elton John broke down crying while writing new song 'about my death'

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Country star Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Trans Day of Visibility meets MAGA? See this 'Drag Race' star's fierce stunt

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Country star Tanner Adell comes out, 'Yes, I'm pansexual'

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Watch Kelly Clarkson celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on her show

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

In its initial ruling and its subsequent denial to reconsider, the Supreme Court said it was up to the nation's parliament to repeal the law, declaring that a 2009 ruling from a court in New Delhi struck down the law without the constitutional authority to do so.

Watch the video below.