Major Indian Pride Parade Delayed by Catastrophic Floods
August 21, 2018The Kerala Pride Parade, one of the largest in India, has been postponed due to massive floods in the region which have claimed the lives of almost 200 people so far.
The floods have been caused by the worst monsoon to hit region in over a hundred years. Organisers of Kerala Pride have said the decision to push the event from August to October was the only option they had. They have also announced they will be donating the money they fundraised for Pride to the Chief Minister’s Fund, to help flood victims.
“As you might have heard, the weather in Kerala has taken a drastic turn for the worse today. Several community members have also reached out to say that travel has become impossible for them,” organisers of the Pride said in a statement.
“As a result, we are forced to postpone this year’s Pride, which was to be held on August 16/17. We apologize sincerely and unreservedly for any inconveniences caused; but as we’re sure you understand, there really was no way we could have foreseen this sudden cyclonic formation.
“We do not wish to put the community at any more risk than we’re already facing.
“As
Queer beings, we are all well aware of what it is to lead lives filled with
marginalization and violence. We cannot stand idly by as so many in the State
continue to face this tragic circumstance; instead, we will show up and support
them in every way that we can.”
More than 150,000 people have been displaced by the flooding, with the death toll feared to be climbing.
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