While the larger set of the society in India is yet to fully accept homosexuality as a way of life, the tourism sector has slowly started shedding this taboo to make the nation more LGBTQ+-friendly. Here are some Indian destinations that prove the same. By Bayar Jain
1. Mumbai
View this post on Instagram
Considering the ‘City of Dreams’ is known to be a melting pot of cultures, this queer-friendly tag comes as no surprise. Despite the lack of exclusively gay bars and venues, the city is largely accepting of all kinds of sexualities. This pride-march loving city – where the same has been taking place annually since 2005 – hosts numerous queer meetups, bar and film nights, and cultural events like poetry slams, workshops, and comedy nights for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, the city also hosts ‘The Mumbai Queer Film Festival’ to ascertain its friendliness!
2. New Delhi
View this post on Instagram
Home to many gay cafes, a men-only gay guesthouse, queer-friendly art gallery and one of the largest pride parades in the country, New Delhi is constantly striving to welcome all kinds of people. Being the hub of all political discussions of the country and a bustling student-led activist community, the jostle to bring the LGBTQ+ community into the mainstream continues all year long. In fact, Delhi also has a spa specifically for gay men.
3. Goa
View this post on Instagram
This tourist-loving beach state has many gay-friendly guesthouses, hotels, and cafes to its name. Doubling as a destination ideal for party animals and quieter souls, both, Goa is often touted as one of the most queer-friendly destinations in the country. Although small in size, the magnanimous hearts of the locals compensate for this. The multiple gay bars and restaurants here are proof of it!
4. Bengaluru
View this post on Instagram
Being home to many global IT giants has helped the southern city open up to the LGBTQ+ community. Pride parades are a regular feature here, while gay spaces have started coming into the picture as well. Every year, the Alliance Française branch here organises the ‘Bangalore Queer Festival’, while bookstores organise slam poetry and oratory workshops regularly. One of the most popular events here is the Gender Bender festival organised by the Goethe-Institut where workshops, plays and seminars revolving around creating awareness about the queer community are organised; as well as a drag queen night held regularly at Kitty Ko.
5. Kolkata
View this post on Instagram
Often touted as one of the most progressive and culturally-seeped cities in India, Kolkata doesn’t disappoint LGBTQ+ travellers either. Home to one of the oldest pride walks in the country (and in South Asia according to few), this capital city is fairly accepting of its tourists. While same-sex check ins at hotels are largely accepted here, queer-friendly organisations like Rainbow Club Kolkata, Pink Party Kolkata, and Sappho For Equality further help bring this marginalised sect of society to the fore. Amra Odbhuth, a gay-friendly cafe here, even brings together queer and trans voices under one roof to perform, celebrate identities, and share the love.
Related: Here’s An All-Inclusive Plan For LGBTQ Travellers Venturing Around The World
