"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread."-Mother Teresa
“Desire is the starting point of every achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a lively, exciting desire that transcends everything, including earning rewards and Awards in life.”
Hello, you Lovely People!!!
I am Kriti (Grey-licious) from the Pride Army
It is my pleasure to welcome you all for the Awards function of the Pride Month celebrations.
Before we start distributing the awards...Let us immortalize magical moments, create happy memories and surround ourselves with friendship in c e l e b r a t i o n of this special occasion.
Being thankful and expressing our gratitude is an important part of any group activity.
Sharing the celebration f ê t e is the right way to thank all members for their contributions and involvement.
We are thankful to all the members for their inputs and p a r t i c i p a t i o n and are grateful for your unfettered support throughout this eventful Pride Month.
Two months ago, our Fan Fiction Mentor, Appy aka K o e l i, got the brilliant idea to celebrate Pride Month for the first time ever on India Forums. The rest is history! The Pride Army with Fan Fiction Editors, Fan Fiction Graphicers and Beta Readers came together to move forward with enthusiasm to execute this unique idea.
The P r i d e A r m y prepared itself to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, wanting to change the regressive mindset of the people.
Initially, we thought that we would celebrate Pride Week, but there was so much content to share, that we decided to celebrate throughout the m o n t h.
P R I D E M O N T H is a month devoted to teaching tolerance, recognizing and honoring the history of Pride and continuing progress on equality with a slogan -- "You have to be proud of who you are, as you are."
The LGBTQ+ community has fought and continues to fight a war for acceptance and tolerance. We, the Pride Army, s a l u t e them for their resilience. There is a lot to learn from the LGBTQ+ community. The first and foremost thing we have learned is -- "Never let the silence intimidate you. Don't ever let anyone hurt your sentiments or bully you. Don't ever let others define your life; define it YOURSELF with Pride."
Our r e s p e c t for the LGBTQ+ community is at a higher level now, thanks to all the information that was imparted through our interactions with you all.
During the past one month, every week, we organized a contest and a discussion and, of course, a sheep game that you all loved the most.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.
Hence, we thought why not recognize and appreciate certain people for being proud A l l i e s.
But before we start the Awards function, let's welcome the Leading faces of the Pride Army
Please give a huge round of applause to our esteemed soldiers.
Appy(Koeli), Sam (MsChanadlerBong), Madhuri (Viswasruti), Gurleen(asmaanixx), Riya (LizzieBennett), Shibani (oye_nakhrewaali), Leena (Leenaaa), Moumita (Sonatia), Mahi (Mannmohanaa) and me, Kriti (Grey-licious)
Now Welcome our Special Guest who motivated us throughout this programme Tanu aka Billicat.
C u r t a i n R a i s e r
Kriti : Appy, our audience wants to know how you got the idea of celebrating the first ever Pride Month in India forums.
Appy: Pride month is like a huge celebration overseas but not so popular in India. I started writing LGBTQ+ fictions recently and was overwhelmed with the response that I got in India forums all thanks to 'Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani' fandom. While talking about some things with the Fan Fiction Development Team on LBGTQ+, Shibani mentioned that June is Pride Month. That's when I thought we could celebrate Pride Month in a more grandiose fashion.
Kriti : Wow... thus, your thoughts have transformed into this celebration thanks to our Pride Army....
Tanu (BilliCat), what were your thoughts when Appy expressed her desire to celebrate Pride Month?
Tanu: I really loved the idea. Since we have never done a Pride thread, it makes it all the more special. As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I was really happy that the FFE team took the initiative to make an awareness thread about Pride.
Kriti : And Now Dear members of the Pride Army, what was your immediate response when Appy shared her idea to celebrate Pride Month?
Have you ever had the impression that this subject can be controversial, because it is still taboo for many?
Hmm Let’s start with Riya
Riya: I was excited that I would be a part of planning and execution of this novel idea. I think that the LGBTQ+ community need the support and solidarity that allies can offer. The idea of doing something that would not only spread awareness on the issue but also spread love and positivity was something that appealed to me about this concept.
Sam: Excited as well as happy. It was something new and different. I really liked the idea as there wasn't much explored about it on IF yet and it was a much-needed topic.
Leena: It's a fantastic idea as it's the time India Forums should grow up by exploring such taboo topics, raise awareness and could convey the respect that the platform has for people in the community.
Shibani: As much as I was excited, I was kinda nervous about the response, but then brushed it away but homophobia, transphobia and biphobia can take a hike!
Moumita: My thought was 'Finally!' I have never seen Pride being celebrated on IF. At least not with so much enthusiasm!
Mahi: I was happy and proud that we are taking care of something so sensitive and still a little strange for our society. So happy to be a part of it!
Gurleen to Kriti : Why I am last in the queue? You should have started from me ….anyways
Kriti :
Gurleen: When Koeli first suggested the idea to celebrate Pride, I was absolutely elated. LGBTQ+ isn't merely a topic of discussion for me. Rather, it's a very intimate aspect of my life as it has laid down the fundamental foundations of who I am at my core. The ability to be open minded, my capacity to empathize with others, my patience to actually listen to what others are saying - it has all been fostered through my interactions with this community. Being a part of a team who brings this forward to IF is truly my honor. Needless to say, Koeli gets my greatest appreciation for taking on this initiative.
Kriti : Appy, everyone has only good words for you, they truly admire you for the initiative you have taken for the LGBTQ+ community.
Would you like to say a few words for your Pride Army?
Appy: Yes, of course! I am very happy and glad that the entire Pride Army is so supportive and hardworking. Most importantly we share the same sentiments which makes the workplace easy. I am very proud to be a part of it with such talented peeps.
Tanu: Pride Army put in a lot of efforts into this thread, since it’s an awareness thread, a lot of research was done on this topic.
Kriti : And Pride Army members....would you also like to say something?
*everyone nods*
Ok, let’s start with my gury gur aka Gurleen or maasterni mode will get switched on..
Gurleen: Thank you, Kriti and *glares at her*. The Pride Army, whether they are FFEs, FFGs, or BRs, are all some of the most hardworking, and immensely creative people I have gotten the chance to work with. Hoping they take this enthusiasm and bustling energy to all the work they do around IF!
Kriti : *and her maasterni mode is already on I think* mumbles
Sam: Everyone has been doing a great job. The amount of effort and all the amazing creative ideas everyone is coming up with is admirable. Would like to appreciate all the Pride Army for putting in all the efforts and hard work.
Shibani: You guys are amazing and we make the best team! Appy, Gur and Leena have the patience of saints and Kri and Lizzie are amazing to work with.
Moumita: You rock guys, it's been really fun working with you guys. And your enthusiasm is infectious. I loved being part of the Pride Army!
Mahi: The Army has worked very hard to put things together. I'm amazed by the efforts and the whole coordination and the variety of ideas.
Riya: It was great working with like-minded people who were as passionately dedicated to the cause. The Pride Army is filled with talented and skilled individuals who brought their own, unique ideas and thoughts to the event. Each one of us made significant contributions, and I think the Pride Month would not have been the success without any one of them! Most of all, it gives me great joy to flaunt the siggy and announce with Pride that I'm part of the Pride Army!
Kriti : And finally someone mentioned the siggy! *eyeing others*
Ok, before we finish this interview ….what do you guyz have to say about *grinning widely* hmn... me?
Gurleen: I want to say that please wrap this up really fast ….ek toh you didn’t even arrange for some refreshments, forget about the proper food aur yaha humse itna sab kuch bulwane mey lagi ho?!
Kriti : Ohhh shushhh, every time you only want food... food... food!!
Gurleen: Of course, food is everything!
Kriti : You mean food for thought?
Gurleen: Yes! Now proceed further..
.
Okey... let's start with our Mentor ji. What are your thoughts on me as a host?
Appy: Witty, naughty, friendly soul who has so much energy. Thanks for leading this celebration from the front and getting things done.
Tanu: Each one in the team worked really hard and I really appreciate your contributions, Kriti.
Kriti : Thank YOU for honoring me to lead this program.
Sam: I feel you are doing a great job as a host, Kriti.
Mahi: You are a nice host.
Shibani: You are super amazing, ab aur kya bole?
Kriti : kuch mat bolo, *making face*
Gurleen: You have done a wonderful job of maintaining a balance between reminding everyone about the Pride Army and ending the month with such a festive celebration. You took the time out to thank not just friends, and allies, but also the team members who put in a lot of efforts into making Pride one of the best, and momentous, events to take place on IF. It's not an easy task, but it is one that you did quite well. Kudos!
Leena : You have the quality of leadership and full of creativity. You'll rock it <3
Kriti: Aww thank you, Lee :*
Riya: Kriti....whenever there was a lull in the activity or when no ideas were forthcoming, you would drive us back to work! In this sense, you were a great motivator during the planning and organization of the Pride Month celebrations. Friends, let me share a few facts about our Kriti...
She's also extremely organized and had all the tasks neatly written with the corresponding deadlines and assigned to each member of the Pride Army. She is also a hard taskmaster and would be on our case, sending us timely reminders for our tasks to meet the pre-set deadlines. There is no doubt about her talent, and these siggies we flaunt are all thanks to her efforts. Kudos, Kriti! It's been a learning experience for me working alongside you.
Kriti: Aww, thank you, baby, you are my favorite!
Now... Madhuri , what you want to say about my work style?
Madhuri: A word of praise for our Kriti
Magic always happens when you direct your inner powers to execute any work with precision!
You can create art out of void, something out of nothing! That is your strength Kriti!
I appreciate your eagerness to excel in all things you do.
With this Awards function, you proved that you are neither a planner nor a follower, but you are an innovator with original thought, a progressive trailblazer! Well done Kriti!
Kriti : Bas Karo paglo rulaoge kya :’)
Disclaimer: All the tareefs they extended for me are straight from their heart….I didn’t put any kata behind their backs …and why would I? It’s not like I am Guddu Bhaiya
Jhoot jhoot jhoot
Kriti : *Glares at them*
He he ignore them guyz and let's begin the Awards..
So without wasting any more time, let's commence our very first Pride Awards!
Here's the first award
Most Knowledgeable Ally
An Ally who's intelligent and well-informed about the LGBTQ+ Community.
And the award goes to m a d e - i n - c h a r m s and D e l u s i o n s O f N e h a
There’s no meaning of all the knowledge when there’s no one to grab it
So our next award is
Proud Learner
And it goes to A m p h i t r i t e and S o n i R S i p p u 2 1
Third award of the day is
Proud Media Whiz
An Ally who provided us with great LGBTQ+ Movies/Shows Recommendations
And the award goes to t o u r n e s o l
Then we had a Pin Designing Contest which was judged by the panel of judges
Before announcing the results I would like to thanks the two amazing judges , all the entries were judged anonymously and they have done a brilliant job.
Thank you 1 8 s h a b b o and x be y o n d w o r d s x
Now time for the results of Pins of Pride
2nd Runner Ups are S e r p e n s o r t i a and S e v e n s t r e a k s
1st Runner Ups are G u a r d i a n D e v i l and S u t a p a s i m a
And the Winning Designer is S u t a p a s i m a
Congratulations!
Pride Month Celebrations Entries
Let's move forward to the next award which is
Pride-licious Bibliophile
An Ally who provided us with great LGBTQ+ Books Recommendations
And the award goes to the most loveable DT she's none other than V i s w a s r u t i
In the 4th week, we had another contest - Say it with Pride
Again I would like to thank the judges of this contest before announcing the result , all the entries were judged anonymously and they have done a brilliant job.
Thank you M i n i o n i t e, . i r i d e s c e n c e . and A m p h i t r i t e
Now time for the results of Say it with Pride
Runner Up is D e l u s i o n s O f N e h a
And the Winning Slogan goes to m o o n g l a d e
Congratulations!
Pride Month Celebrations Entries
And the last award of the day is
Most Active Ally
An Ally who was active throughout the whole month in all the Pride threads
And the award goes to L i z z i e B e n n e t t
Before I sign off,
I would like to appreciate every person who made these celebrations so successful
*A huge round of applause for you *
Thank you for being a Proud Ally
Now Proudly flaunt this siggie in your dhabbas.
---------
Acknowledgement can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings
So this was your host Kriti
Signing off with these words.
But you guys don't go anywhere, stay tuned for sheep game results.
Applauds To Our Inspiring Commanders
We, the Pride Army's tireless soldiers, would like to thank our Two Illustrious Commanders who lead this mission from the front!
She knows how to spread love everywhere, anywhere she goes, never let anyone come to her without leaving inspired.
It is our Commanding Officer Koeli, to whom we are attached with love and pride.
Koeli, we salute you for your courage, we applaud your perseverance. Here is a small gift with all our friendly hearts attached to it!
~~~~~~~~~~
We are grateful to BilliCat who is our other Commanding Officer who encouraged us since the beginning of this project---"You, as a Pride Army soldier, are more creative than you believe, you are stronger than you seem, and an achiever like any other" she said
Her inspiring words took us further in this humungous venture to believe, succeed, and celebrate!
Here is a small gift to felicitate you in this Awards Function, Tanu
Write Up : Grey-licious
Contributions and Editing : Viswasruti
Beta Read : asmaanixx
Tags : Leenaaa
Winning Siggies : Grey-licious
Judges Siggies : Koeli
Appreication Siggies: oye_nakhrewaali
Dividers : Leenaaa and Grey-licious
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