14 June,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Akshita Maheshwari
On June 28, there will also be a big Pride rally in the city. PIC/ISTOCK
The best part of living in a city like Mumbai is how visible the queer community is here. It is, then, even more important to show up for each other. As queer plays get more and more time under the spotlight, one play we are really looking forward to is an Indian production of Cock. On June 17 and 18 at Prithvi Theatre, director Manish Gandhi will present their production which takes a sharp look at love, sexuality, and the pressure to define oneself. This one's only for the adults though.
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For tickets: bookmyshow.com
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Pride is not only protest. It is also about the joys of community. Use the month to intentionally support queer creators online, order from queer-owned small businesses, stream queer musicians, or share informative resources with friends and family. You could even host a themed dinner, make a collaborative Pride playlist, or attend virtual events and workshops from home. Sometimes, simply making space for queer stories in everyday life can be a meaningful act of solidarity.
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Skip the algorithm and pick up stories rooted closer home. Start with Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai because fiction is always more fun. A non-fiction title that is also un-put-down-able is Love, Sex and India: The Agents of Ishq Anthology, with many a queer story about Indians' experiences with sex. If you want something more serious, try Deviants by Santanu Bhattacharya, which tells the stories of three different generations of queer Indians.
On June 21, Gay Gaze founder Winnie Chopra will host the Big Fat Gay Fake Shaadi at The Scene, Bandra, with That's so Gay!, Social Ketchup, and Local Samosa. A gay take on the viral fake shaadi trend, this party is sure to be full of dance and masti. The DJ line-up includes Rayska and Aafat. The party will also have mehendi stations, a drag makeover studio, a polaroid photo wall, a speed queer matchmaking booth, and a rainbow dupatta draping experience.
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For tickets: sortmyscene.com
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If we can't see ourselves on screen, it's hard to imagine ourselves out and proud in real life. We've been thankful to see Indian queer media, to get an experience that is closer to both home and heart. In Geeli Pucchi (2021), director Neeraj Ghaywan tackles caste within queer relationships. In the mini-series Class (2023), being queer isn't the big deal it is in real life. Instead, it's just normal. It offers a more raw exploration of sexuality in the coming-of-age period of life rather than commentary on the tragic queer experience. Another favourite genre for this writer is queer stories with happy endings. Try Love, Simon (2018) and the un-missable TV series Heated Rivalry (2025).
