Senco Gold and Diamonds, one of the largest jewellery retail chains in India, launched its special ‘PRIDE Collection’ on June 27 as a gesture of support for the LGBTQ community.
A unique fashion show, titled Sphulingo — Freedom of Expression, with a group of transgender people led by well-known College Principal and LGBT activist, Professor Dr Manabi Bandyopadhyay, dressed as mythological characters from Indian epics, sashayed down the ramp at Senco Gold and Diamonds’ Mega Shop on CIT Road, in Kolkata. Evoking the spirit and memories of mythological figures, the group represented the characters of Sikhondi (Shankori Mandal); Mohini (Rintu); Raja Vongashon (Sandipta Chhetri); Chitrangada (Sayantani Ghosh); Raja Ela (Roma Mandal); Krishna Koli (Pritam Mondol); Brihhonnola (Bikram) and Chandi (Dr Manabi Bandyopadhyay).
June is celebrated as ‘Pride Month’ across the world to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June 1969 and to recognise the impact that LGBTQ people have had on the world. The LGBTQ Pride is a movement against discrimination that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community faces. It is aimed at promoting dignity, visibility and equal rights for these people.
Suvankar Sen, Executive Director, Senco Gold and Diamonds, said, “We’ve launched our Pride Collection in honour of the LGBT community, especially transgender women, on the occasion of Pride Month. Many of these women in our society have striven hard to achieve what they have despite the odds stacked against them. We salute them and their indomitable spirit through this fashion show. The Pride Collection, immaculately crafted and designed, would appeal to all sections of buyers we cater to with different varieties that we offer from our stable.”
The Pride Collection consists of uniquely designed gold and silver pendants, called Trans Hearty, G-Rex and Less More. The price of the Pride Gold collection starts at Rs16,000 and the silver collection at Rs500.
