Homosexuality: Coloured revelling in Bangalore

They say the youth of the city represent its future and if that’s the case, then Bangalore is definitely one of the only cities in India with a wonderfully tolerant future.

Queer Campus Bangalore, a LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) youth support group, is all set to celebrate their first annual mela — The Carnival, in order to raise awareness about the queer community and Queer Campus. The mela will offer a space for youngsters to come out, share their experiences and have fun — all in a safe and wonderfully tolerant environment.

“The event is being organised by a queer group, yes, but we’re opening it out to anyone who wants to come and have a good time. We’re straight-friendly too, (laughs) if you know what I mean,” opens Ananya Revanna, one of the organisers of the event.

“Throughout the day we have planned a series of events to keep anyone entertained. Featuring performances by a street dance team from Mount Carmel college and a fashion show, we’ve also got a karaoke and a masquerade ball in the night! To make it even more fun we’re also organising a flea market, complete with tarot card readers, a puppy adoption stall, an in-house caricaturist, a painter, a tattooist and loads of handicrafts and food stalls. We’re calling it a carnival, so we’re ensuring we do everything to make it one!” she adds.

The event is open to anyone, though video taping or public photography is strictly prohibited on the account of privacy and the maintaining of anonymity.

“Most people who we expect to come to the mela are young at heart and mind, and may not be prepared to face the nightmares of uncalled for or wrong portrayals in the media, and hence we chose to make the mela as safe as possible for anyone. This is, after all, an event to have fun at and not be worried of who has taken your photograph and where it will be published,” explains Ananya.