The 18th Chennai Self-Respect Pride March took place on Sunday at Rajarathinam Stadium, drawing thousands to protest the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026 and call for broader rights.
Parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals flagged off the event organised by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition. Participants carried placards expressing disappointment with the new Union Government amendment and raised slogans for inclusivity.
Jaya, general manager at Sahodaran, said parents who accept their children inaugurated the march to encourage others. She called on the State government to address pending issues including horizontal reservation, employment opportunities, gender-neutral washrooms and school sensitisation programmes.
Young first-time attendees Cherishma and Tejaswini noted strong turnout from their age group. A trans woman named Rachel described the march as focused on rights and said the amendment represented a step backward. The event concluded with performances of folk dance, poetry and speeches by activists.
