I never took South Asians to be shy. I mean, face it, we are loud and sometimes, downright annoying. But when it came to a chance of their fifteen seconds of fame, many of the South Asians I bumped into in the crowd at the Pride Parade outright refused to be photographed. None of them provided a very clear reason, except that they were “only attending”, or, “We support but no pics please!” I even met these twin sisters (ironically named, Seeta and Geeta!) who just smiled uncomfortably at the mention of photographs (visual evidence of their presence!), even though they had been to the parade “several times” in the past and identified themselves as staunch supporters. I wonder whether South Asians are- Scared? Ashamed? Worried? A bit of everything?- of being associated with the Pride Week.
Being the devious monkey that I am, I photographed a few aunties and uncles without their permission, and if you are reading this, then serves you right! If you are going to be at a public event, expect to be photographed.
However, there was this pair of enthusiastic straight South Asian males, Nimesh and Vinay, who could barely control their excitement. Nimesh said, “I came last year… It was really good! It was a lot of fun!” Vinay who was a first time attendee, like me, joined in, “[I am] very excited!” When asked if they would come back next year, “For sure!” they cried in unison. Really very excited, I tell you.
The parade, which started as a political movement in 1969 in New York City, has become a celebratory event. And a way for people to behave like children when it comes to free stuff. I was baffled by the behaviour of these 30-something couples in the crowd who were acting like immature idiots (to put it mildly) in a bid to attract attention of those who were handing out or throwing free stuff into the crowd. Useless stuff like magnets. And, stickers. And, shiny bead necklaces. Stuff that you would throw out once you got home. But, I digress.
vinay and nimesh
It was the 30th Pride Parade for Pride Toronto, and as I sat alone gulping down ice-cold water at my favourite Vietnamese restaurant after a long tiring day at the pride parade, I wondered, if the parade is a way to celebrate one’s sexuality, where were the South Asians? I did spot a few here and there in the crowd, and a few marching with pride. But, being the fastest growing largest minority in the GTA, shouldn’t there have been more of us?
And, if you are reading this, fellow South Asians, we need you to represent the community at Pride next year! You copy that?
Author: Sanchari Sur
