Pride De Goa

The first pride walk in Goa was organised on October 28, 2017.[4] The walk took place from Old Secretariat to Miramar Beach, an approximate distance of five kilometres.[4] One of the organisers Alexander Fernandes said, "We hope this walk will get rid of homophobia in some way. We want people to know that we are not harmful or ‘bad people’. We deserve respect like anyone else, and that we too have human rights." The event included LGBTQ+ parties, a film festival, and a pride walk.[2][5]

Another organiser, Diana Dias, talks about taking tips and suggestions from other Indian cities who have previously held pride walks. She said, "We have a large LGBT community in Goa, but most prefer to stay under the scanner since it is a very small place and everyone knows each other. However, we are trying to create more awareness now."[2]

The participants were encouraged to wear masks if they wanted to keep their identities private and steer away from religious and political posters.[2]

In 2018, the second iteration of Pride De Goa was organised on October 27, 2018 by Goa Rainbow Trust.[6] The pride walk started from Deltin Royale Jetty on the Panjim side of Mandovi river and marched towards Miramar Beach.[6] Marchers were seen holding a 10-metre-long rainbow flag and posters like ‘Mog Kar Dwesh Nai’ and ‘Pyar Ke Sab Rang Hai’, etc.[1]