IDYM India TV
Gender is who you are, and sexuality is who you want.”
Pride Month is a time for celebration, reflection, and remembrance. It’s also a time to spotlight LGBTQ+ voices.
On June 20, 2024, the Centre of Wellbeing and Respecting Individualities (Peer Mental Wellbeing Student Support Group)and Interact club of Billabong High International School ,Vadodara jointly embraced this spirit by celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant event titled “Pride and Beyond: Season 4.” The aim was to empower, educate, and inspire the next generation of thinkers for a sustainable future through an impactful awareness campaign.
The celebration featured a range of events designed to promote inclusivity and awareness, including a Pride Walk, an activity board, and a talk show with members of the LGBTQ+ community. These activities underscored the importance of acceptance and diversity, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and learning.
The guests of honour included esteemed educators and advocates: Dr. Pooja Dixit Joshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Ms. Manjari Nandy, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Mr. Paul Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Ms. Manvi Vaishnav, Manager, Lakshya Trust, an NGO working for the LGBTQI community, Ms. Urvashi Kuvar, from the kinnar community
Ms. Manvi Vaishnav and Ms. Urvashi Kuvar shared their powerful stories of non-acceptance from society and how they found the courage to grow up and become who they truly are. There’s nothing more beautiful and powerful than someone who chooses to be themselves. Their presence and insights significantly enriched the event, emphasizing the collective effort needed to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Billabong High International School embraces inclusivity and works for the holistic development of every child. This philosophy is championed by the school’s torchbearer, Dr. Priti Shrimal and ever supportive Ms. Hetal Thakkar, secondary coordinator who believes that achieving a world where everyone is treated equally and with dignity requires not only changing laws and regulations but also altering people’s hearts and minds.
The event was made possible through the enthusiastic efforts of the dedicated team members Ms. Deepika Zuri, Ms. Kruti Kadakia, Ms. Deepshikha Mishra and students from Grades 11 and 12. Their passion and dedication were crucial in bringing the event to life.
“Pride and Beyond: Season 4” was not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of the importance of unity in the fight for equality and justice. It highlighted the ongoing need to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that everyone has the freedom to be their true selves.
