Read this guest blog from Rashmi Choksey, member of Satrang, a social, cultural and support organization that provides a safe space to empower and advocate for the rights of the South Asian LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer and Questioning) community in Southern California. Satrang and the South Asian Network, a grassroots, community based organization dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment and solidarity of persons of South Asian origin in Southern California, worked together to organize a Street Procession in Artesia, CA on October 11th to commemorate National Coming Out Day.

The afternoon started out with creating a fun atmosphere, making posters and eating samosas...even dancing to old classic Bollywood movie music...all in South Asian Network's (SAN) office.

Dressed in desi outfits, more than 20 Satrang members (compared to 7 last year), along with SAN staff and volunteers, and allies/partners, gathered in the parking lot with our banners and posters with Salman leading the out and loud chants on the bullhorn - "We're Here, We're Queer, We're Out on Pioneer!", "Jeeyo Aur Jeene Do", "No on Prop 8" (aka No on Prop Hate) and many others.

After the procession and slogan chanting was done for the evening, we all headed to Bombay Sweets and Snacks for some delicious food...we took all their tables and consumed our Bombay burgers and falooda.

After all that was done people went off home or to other destinations...carrying the feeling of having accomplished what we went out there to do...be visible and create awareness.