​Festivals and awards that celebrate queer culture across India​

Into its second year, the purpose of the awards remain the same, to recognise work done by queer and cis-het writers who are creating and building narratives around LGBTQIA+ lives. It is about building a genre and encouraging more people to come forth to write, as much as it is about telling the publishing and media world that this ‘genre’ and ‘our’ lives deserve attention, that every story makes a difference to social constructs and perceptions, that each of these narratives add to the community’s sense of belonging.

Location: ChandigarhOrganized by the Yaarian group, this festival focuses on creating awareness and fostering a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chandigarh. It includes film screenings, cultural performances, and interactive sessions.

This festival is dedicated to showcasing the best in queer theatre and film from around the world. It aims to provide a global platform for LGBTQ+ stories, celebrating diversity in the performing arts and cinema. Each year, the festival travels to different cities, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Location: MumbaiQAM organizes events throughout the year, culminating in the Mumbai Pride Parade. The events include film screenings, workshops, and discussions aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Locations: Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata Annual pride parades celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. These events are marked by colorful processions, cultural performances, and solidarity speeches.