Mumbai Queer Pride Month 2025 kicked off on January 4 with ‘Queer Hugs.’ It is an inspiring gathering organised by the QKnit Foundation at Juhu Beach. Gaurav CBO, a community-based organisation working for the promotion, protection, and enhancement of the health and rights of sexual minority communities, was the community partner for the event. The gathering brought together LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. The aim was to create a welcoming space filled with warmth, acceptance, and connection.
The “Queer Hugs” event marked the beginning of a month-long celebration for Mumbai Queer Pride. It kicked off the series of activities and events planned throughout the month to honour and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The month-long calendar of 13 events, besides the pride parade, represents the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Christina Evars. Christina is a transgender activist and co-organiser of Mumbai Queer Pride.
A cinematic celebration at Gaysi Studio for Mumbai Queer Pride
On January 11, in collaboration with Gaysi Family, the second event of Mumbai Queer Pride Month 2025 took place. It is a media platform and safe space for queer Desis. The event featured a screening of two queer films, Amma’s Pride and U for Usha, at the Gaysi Studio in Khar (West).
Amma’s Pride (2023) tells the story of a trans woman from South India. The woman navigates the complexities of her marriage while fighting for its legal recognition. Throughout her journey, she receives unwavering support from her devoted mother. The movie beautifully highlights the importance of family support and the legal complexities that come with being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
U for Usha, directed by Rohan Kanawade, follows Usha’s journey as a single mother working as a farm labourer in rural India. As she explores her own identity, she finds herself drawn to a female teacher at the local primary school. Usha’s journey is one of courage and self-discovery. It shows how societal expectations can conflict with personal identity.
A discussion with the filmmakers followed the screenings. It offered an opportunity to explore the stories in more depth. Furthermore, the discussion gave the audience a chance to reflect on how queer experiences were portrayed. Additionally, it gives them a chance to discuss the role of cinema in challenging societal taboos and promoting inclusivity. These conversations are an essential part of Mumbai Pride Month 2025. Furthermore, the event calendar will continue to shine a light on the diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sport, laughter, and pride: A fun-filled January at Mumbai Queer Pride
On January 12, the Queer Premier League, organised by Umang LBT and Gaysi Family, will take place. This exciting sports event celebrates athleticism and teamwork within the LGBTQIA+ community. To encourage greater participation from LGBTQ and non-binary individuals, the event will limit the involvement of cisgender men.
In addition to the Queer Premier League, another fun-filled event will also be held on January 12 in collaboration with Color Positive Foundation. This initiative will feature Pride Bus and QGames 2025. It is going to be a vibrant evening centred around games and laughter. The theme for this year’s QGames is “Aao Khele Kuch Bachpan Ke Khel with a Queer Twist.” Moreover, this theme invites everyone to relive the joy of childhood games with a unique queer perspective. It is a chance for participants to engage in nostalgic fun. The CSR initiative of DorfKetal Chemicals proudly supports QGames.
Mumbai Queer Pride: A celebration of identity and support
“It is not a cliché when I say that Queer lives are as diverse as the colours of the rainbow. We are not a monolith, and we exist in conjunction with other truths in our lives. We live in the intersections of caste, religion, environmentalism and other lived experiences and realities,” says Harish Iyer, Head of DE&I at Axis Bank and an equal rights activist.
On January 26, What The Folks, organised by the Keshav Suri Foundation and Harish Iyer, will take place. This event promises to be a joyful gathering. It aims to bring together the parents, friends, siblings, colleagues, and teachers of queer individuals for a day of connection and celebration.
The grand finale of Mumbai Queer Pride Month is the Mumbai Queer Pride March on February 1. The march will begin at 3 PM near August Kranti Maidan. That is when thousands of people will come together to celebrate their identities and stand up for equality.
As Mumbai Queer Pride Month 2025 continues to unfold, there is much more to look forward to. You can find more details here.
The final thoughts on Mumbai Queer Pride 2025
The Mumbai Queer Pride Month is a reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Moreover, it is about creating spaces where they can express themselves freely and be embraced without judgment. From workshops to cultural performances and advocacy programs, the month is full of opportunities for the community and allies to come together, learn, and grow. This year’s Pride Month continues Mumbai’s legacy of inclusivity and progress by bringing together diverse voices and stories to inspire change.
At Changeincontent, we share this vision and aim where every person, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or background, can be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Actual change starts with conversations that matter.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
