ITANAGAR, Jun 30: AP QueerStation on Sunday celebrated Pride Month with its 9th Community Meetup in Itanagar under the theme “Bring Your Allies,” bringing together more than 60 members of the LGBTQ+ community and several heterosexual allies for an afternoon of dialogue, solidarity and celebration.
The event provided a platform for participants to reflect on the significance of Pride Month and discuss the continued relevance of the global movement for equality, dignity and inclusion. Community members also commemorated the historic Stonewall Uprising and paid tribute to pioneering LGBTQ+ activists such as Marsha P Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and many other activists, whose advocacy helped shape the modern struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
The meetup welcomed participants from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Roing, Mechuka, Pasighat and several other districts, highlighting the growing reach and inclusivity of the community network across the state.
Addressing the gathering, AP QueerStation founder and activist Sawang Wangchha underscored the importance of dedicated spaces for queer and transgender individuals, stressing the need to prioritize mental health and community well-being. Wangchha also briefed attendees on the recently amended Transgender Bill, 2026, and discussed its potential implications for the transgender community.
The event was hosted and curated by community members Mary Siram and Rinea Taba, who spoke about the significance of queer joy, solidarity and collective care. They encouraged participants to continue supporting one another and announced that AP QueerStation would organize additional community events in the coming months.
Members of the community also expressed gratitude to the owners of 2wo Restaurant, Kobyum Zirdo and Tumi Riba, for providing a safe and welcoming venue for the gathering. They noted that access to inclusive spaces remains a challenge for many LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, making such support especially meaningful. (DIPR)