Lucknow: We can also ‘bend it like Beckham’, queers make a pitch

LUCKNOW: The LGBTQ community in the city organised a one of its kind sports event at the LDA Park on Sunday to show that a queer is as normal as any other member of the society and needs to get representation in sports.
Organised with the support of Suramya Life Foundation and Awadh Queer Pride, the event saw about 30 people who identify themselves as part of the community participating in four sports events – Tug of war, Kho-Kho, Kabbadi and Frisbee.
Breaking stereotypes and filling the gaps between 'us and them', the participants cheered each other during the event.
Ritwik Das (24), an activist said, “Ever since my school days I was never made a part of any team sports event. My classmates used to tease me for being feminine and always rejected me.”
“There are several stereotypes about the people from the queer community. I believe there is an urgent need to make the society know that we are good in everything,” said Raza Hussain Zaidi (27).
Emma Thomson, a native of Philadelphia who is currently conducting research in the city, said, “Sports events like such not just gives us a better sense of the community but also helps in building team spirit.” Priyam (31), who is a research scholar, said, “The event revived childhood memories.”