Mumbai, often referred to as the city of dreams, has been a hub for LGBTQIA+ gatherings since the 1970s, creating a welcoming space for gay men to connect and celebrate. The city’s attitude toward the queer community has remained notably neutral, with some attributing this inclusivity to the influence of Bollywood, while others credit the thriving fashion industry in Mumbai. From organizing pride rallies to hosting parties and establishing safe spaces, Mumbai offers a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ venues. Here, we highlight some noteworthy places and groups within this expansive network. Gaysi Family: Gaysi Family operates as a comprehensive service for the LGBTQ community in South Asia. With a mission to engage with the desi LGBT community, their online platform features content such as Gaysi Zines—a print magazine sharing stories of the homosexual community—and various events catering to desis worldwide. Yaariyan: Yaariyan, a voluntary youth initiative by The Humsafar Trust, encourages and supports young LGBTQ voices. Beyond organizing events for the out and proud, they offer a safe space for counseling and acceptance meetings. Notably, they are credited with orchestrating the nation’s first flash mob with an LGBT theme. Queer Azaadi Mumbai (QAM): QAM oversees the annual Queer Azaadi Mumbai Pride parade, a landmark event attracting around 500 participants since its inception in 2008. Preparations for the parade include flash mobs, movie screenings, drag shows, street acts, and carnivals. Gay Bombay: Established in 1999, Gay Bombay is an online group providing support, counseling, and offline parties throughout the city. This social organization hosts various events for the LGBTQ community, from parties to movie screenings. Umang: The Humsafar Trust’s project Umang caters specifically to Lesbians and Transgender Women (LBT). Offering mental health counseling, workshops, social gatherings, legal support, and community support, Umang aims to provide a healthy support system and inspiration for LBT women. 6Degrees: Founded by activists Harish Iyer, Praful Baweja, and Sushil, 6Degrees aims to establish a professional network and venue for the LGBTQ community, facilitating networking, recruitment, skill development, and idea-sharing at organized events. Sweekar: Sweekar is a support network for parents of LGBTQ children run by parents, educating them about their child’s sexual orientation and providing guidance on handling it. It encourages parents to celebrate and value their children’s sexuality. The GayGaze Bombay: The Gay Gaze, an exclusive publication by LGBTQIA+ authors, challenges conventional cultural critique, providing a platform for voices often silenced in discussions about media. Offline meet-ups are organized, with details available on their Instagram handle. Bambai Nazariya: This café, run by the transgender community, follows the slogan “Nazariya badlo, nazaara badlega” (Change your perspective, the view will change). It exudes a warm and homely vibe. SAHAAS: SAHAAS is a free therapy support group for queer individuals. FirstContact.LGBT: A virtual space connecting like-minded individuals, FirstContact.LGBT has a diverse community from and around Pune. Join to interact with queer individuals from Mumbai and across the country. In addition to these, Mumbai boasts LGBTQIA+-friendly pubs, bars, and cafes like The Ghetto, Neos, Kaama Lounge, Cafe Mondegar, Cafe Zoe, Kitty Su, Doolally Taproom, and more. Mumbai prides itself on being inclusive and progressive, welcoming the LGBTQ community with open arms, regardless of their origin or lifestyle choices.
