WHAT IS PRIDE MONTH?
Every year, the LGBTQ+ community is recognized during Pride Month for its accomplishments in the struggle for societal acceptance and equal rights. For the purpose of remembering the Stonewall Riots of 1969, crucial period in the civil rights movement for LGBTQ+ people, the month of June has been declared as Pride Month. The goal of Pride Month is to make LGBTQ+ individuals, their history, lives, and experiences more visible. Raising awareness and educating people about LGBTQ+ issues is necessary to make all institutions and locations safe for the community.
During Pride Month, cities around the world come alive with a multitude of events, including Pride Parades, marches, rallies, panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. These events provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to celebrate their identities, express themselves freely, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
In Jamshedpur, the Jamshedpur Queer Circle (JQC) has emerged as a dynamic force in driving queer visibility and empowerment. Formed under the umbrella of People for Change, JQC began its Pride journey in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. While the pandemic limited physical interaction, it couldn’t suppress the spirit of Pride. JQC launched its first-ever online Pride Month with digital awareness sessions, a virtual fashion show, and community-led dialogues, offering safe spaces to celebrate queer identities and build solidarity even in isolation.
In 2022, JQC proudly hosted its first offline Pride event at Dhatkidih, which became a historic moment for the LGBTQIA+ community in Jamshedpur. The event brought together more than 10 trans individuals who performed, sang, danced, and shared their powerful stories. It was a celebration of resilience, expression, and identity, making public space inclusive for the very first time. From that year onward, JQC has embraced a full month-long Pride celebration from June 1st to June 30th each year.
The year 2023 saw Pride expand through cultural events, educational workshops, open mics, and the vibrant Pride Walk. Hundreds of individuals participated in these events, creating awareness and showcasing queer pride across the city. In 2024, the movement only grew stronger. With a bold and colorful Pride Walk 2024, healing art sessions, youth-led storytelling circles, “Sadda Haq” open mic night, and stakeholder dialogues, the month was filled with joy, reflection, and activism. Every activity was a step forward in normalizing queer presence, love, and voice in public life.
None of this journey would have been possible without the unwavering support of organizations, community groups, and individuals. People for Change has been the foundational platform for JQC’s vision. The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai has extended crucial solidarity and guidance. Tata Steel and Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited have supported multiple events with resources and inclusive partnership. Local cultural and youth organizations like IPTA, YUVA, Kala Mandir, and Maskal Theatre Group have collaborated in creative programming. Numerous Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), NGOs, individual allies, youth leaders, and volunteers have contributed time, energy, and passion year after year to ensure Pride Month in Jamshedpur is meaningful, safe, and empowering.
Today, Pride in Jamshedpur is not just a celebration—it’s a growing movement for dignity, justice, and belonging. Through art, activism, and love, Jamshedpur Queer Circle continues to carve out a world where everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—can live authentically and proudly.
"We started as a whisper during a lockdown and became a voice that echoes across Jamshedpur—bold, proud, and unstoppable."
WHAT IS PRIDE MONTH?
Every year, the LGBTQ+ community is recognized during Pride Month for its accomplishments in the struggle for societal acceptance and equal rights. For the purpose of remembering the Stonewall Riots of 1969, crucial period in the civil rights movement for LGBTQ+ people, the month of June has been declared as Pride Month. The goal of Pride Month is to make LGBTQ+ individuals, their history, lives, and experiences more visible. Raising awareness and educating people about LGBTQ+ issues is necessary to make all institutions and locations safe for the community.
During Pride Month, cities around the world come alive with a multitude of events, including Pride Parades, marches, rallies, panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. These events provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to celebrate their identities, express themselves freely, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
In Jamshedpur, the Jamshedpur Queer Circle (JQC) has emerged as a dynamic force in driving queer visibility and empowerment. Formed under the umbrella of People for Change, JQC began its Pride journey in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. While the pandemic limited physical interaction, it couldn’t suppress the spirit of Pride. JQC launched its first-ever online Pride Month with digital awareness sessions, a virtual fashion show, and community-led dialogues, offering safe spaces to celebrate queer identities and build solidarity even in isolation.
In 2022, JQC proudly hosted its first offline Pride event at Dhatkidih, which became a historic moment for the LGBTQIA+ community in Jamshedpur. The event brought together more than 10 trans individuals who performed, sang, danced, and shared their powerful stories. It was a celebration of resilience, expression, and identity, making public space inclusive for the very first time. From that year onward, JQC has embraced a full month-long Pride celebration from June 1st to June 30th each year.
The year 2023 saw Pride expand through cultural events, educational workshops, open mics, and the vibrant Pride Walk. Hundreds of individuals participated in these events, creating awareness and showcasing queer pride across the city. In 2024, the movement only grew stronger. With a bold and colorful Pride Walk 2024, healing art sessions, youth-led storytelling circles, “Sadda Haq” open mic night, and stakeholder dialogues, the month was filled with joy, reflection, and activism. Every activity was a step forward in normalizing queer presence, love, and voice in public life.
None of this journey would have been possible without the unwavering support of organizations, community groups, and individuals. People for Change has been the foundational platform for JQC’s vision. The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai has extended crucial solidarity and guidance. Tata Steel and Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited have supported multiple events with resources and inclusive partnership. Local cultural and youth organizations like IPTA, YUVA, Kala Mandir, and Maskal Theatre Group have collaborated in creative programming. Numerous Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), NGOs, individual allies, youth leaders, and volunteers have contributed time, energy, and passion year after year to ensure Pride Month in Jamshedpur is meaningful, safe, and empowering.
Today, Pride in Jamshedpur is not just a celebration—it’s a growing movement for dignity, justice, and belonging. Through art, activism, and love, Jamshedpur Queer Circle continues to carve out a world where everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—can live authentically and proudly.
"We started as a whisper during a lockdown and became a voice that echoes across Jamshedpur—bold, proud, and unstoppable."