“My mother says that I made our country proud and that must be celebrated! Sadly in our society people don’t have that same respect for us…” Meet Samarpan Maiti—model, actor, scientist, activist, and runner-up in the Mr Gay World 2018 competition held in May in South Africa. While many of us question why we even need a Mr Gay World in 2018—which raises all sorts of issues around commodifying looks, body shaming, etc.—Samarpan is

Posted: June 19th, 2018

As we celebrate Pride across the globe this June, the NY Times recently highlighted the continued challenges faced by LGBTQ folks in India under the regressive  Section 377 of the Indian Penal code criminalizing gay sex. This summer, India’s Supreme Court is expected to consider petitions made by members of the LGBTQ community who are mobilizing for change. As  the court reviews the law’s constitutionality, lawyers and activists who have been

Posted: June 9th, 2018

It’s that time of year again and we’ve got your list of desi queer things to do when the South Asians take over town! Below is a round up of NYC Pride related events—including marches and parties.  Bookmark this page and keep checking back for updated info.  Email us if you’ve got a desi queer tip in NYC.   Sunday, June 3rd Queens Gay Pride Parade & Festival 12PM Kick off Pride

Posted: May 31st, 2018

Planning on getting hitched? Our friends at Bibi Magazine and Stardust have a once-a-year event just for you! Come enjoy cocktails, cuisine, a fashion show and shopping in one of Manhattan’s newest venues. Love is love and couples of all gender combinations are encouraged to attend. RSVP at BibiBridalStyleSalon.com to be added to the guest list. To get you in the nuptial mood, read all about Karthik and Sandeep, who’s storybook wedding story was featured

Posted: April 19th, 2018

“One of the main reasons I took the job is because I wanted to represent a community that’s never been represented before. I’m not talking about underrepresented—I mean never been represented.”  Conde Naste Traveler recently interviewed Queer Eye’s style expert Tan France about growing up in the UK, breaking reality TV barriers, and his passion for Pakistani cooking. Netflix’s latest revamp of the “classic” show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” premiered in February to rave

Posted: April 1st, 2018

Interesting read in the New York Times about India’s third gender  which profiles the lives of members of the hijra community.  While the Government of India officially recognized transgender as a third gender in 2014, harassment and marginalization are still a fact of life for many members of the community. The article touches on the paradoxical position hijras have in Indian society—often revered and welcomed at weddings and births but

Posted: February 20th, 2018

Award winning Indian filmmaker and gay activist Sridhar Rangayan’s narrative feature “Evening Shadows” will have its World Premiere in Sydney at the 25th Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival on February 25th at the Event Cinemas. The film recently received a U/A certificate by the Indian censor board, in a landmark decision that offers hope to the Indian LGBTQ community.  Set in a small town in Southern India, the film Evening

Posted: February 20th, 2018

The signs at the Women’s March in NYC will leave you laughing, crying, and feeling inspired. We joined more than 120,000 protestors taking to the streets for the Women’s March in NYC.  If you’re still standing on the sidelines, consider this the perfect time to jump in and take action to take back Congress in November. Stay outraged, resist, and vote!

Posted: January 20th, 2018