An annual fair organized by Yaariyan and the Humsafar Trust along with community partners

Yaariyan, the youth initiative of the Humsafar Trust (HST), is organizing its annual Mumbai Pride event, ‘Gulabi Mela’ on Sunday, 28th January, at Vanita Samaj in Shivaji Park located in Dadar West, Mumbai from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  

Yaariyan is a voluntary LGBTQ+ youth initiative of the Humsafar Trust since August 2010 to hear the voices and address the needs of the youth LGBTQ+ individuals and offer them safe online and offline spaces.

Every year, the month of January is celebrated as the Pride Month of Mumbai, where the LGBTQ+ community walks the pride voicing their need for visibility and human rights, in lieu of Republic Day. All the organizations, initiatives, support groups and individuals across the Mumbai Metropolitan region organize events throughout the month.
These events include panel discussions, film screenings, book readings, and queer performances advocating the rights of LGBTQ+ in India. This Mela in India is a culturally significant affair, and at Gulabi Mela all are invited, including the non-LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come interact with us and participate in engaging activities furthering inclusion.

While speaking with Newsband, Anjali Siroya, Yaariyan Core Member and Assistant Advocacy Manager, The Humsafar Trust said, “Gulabi Mela is a significant event in Mumbai’s Pride calendar. It has been a flagship event of Yaariyan for the past 12-13 years, there are stalls which serve as platforms for queer entrepreneurs and we also have a talent change called Yaariyan’s Got Talent, which helps encourage queers artists and is a safe space for people.”

She added, “Gulabi Mela is one of the biggest events during Mumbai Pride Month. Last year, there were over 1,500 attendees. Apart from queer entrepreneurs, there are also stalls set up by corporates. Apart from queer folks, even their parents attend this event. It is an amalgamation of various people from all walks of life. There are 36 stalls this year. There will be people performing. It is a good event for networking and socialisation. It is a half day event. It offers visibility to members of the LGBTQ+ community and also helps sensitise people.”

Siroya further said, “My parents attend this event too. It is a good place where awareness is created. The drag race helps people know about the drag culture. This year, the Sahyog Clinic, an HIV-integrated clinic by HST will be at the Gulabi Mela. This platform is an important place where we advocate for our rights.”

Gulabi Mela is an annual fair organized by Yaariyan and The Humsafar Trust along with community partners. Also known as 'Pink Fete', Gulabi Mela encompasses a blend of workshops, stalls, performances and drag shows engaging LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, artists and student fraternity.

Enchanting food, Rainbow apparel, Local handicrafts, as well as strong animal and disability rights, Gulabi Mela sports it all and brings together a wholesome affair for the Mumbai Local LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It for sure makes the perfect pen-ultimate Pride month event, Pride being the Zenith.

HST offers round-the-year free HIV testing and counselling services as part of its collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) sporting a spirit of SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being. This year promotion of Gulabi Mela is encouraging the LGBTQ+ youth of Mumbai to avail HIV testing at its integrated clinic and counselling Centre (ICTC) and get free admission to the Gulabi Mela.

The Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sahyog Clinic in partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India, Dorf Ketal Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. And TRANScend in partnership with TLG Pvt. Ltd.

Gulabi Mela this year is also offering a unique and holistic Sahyog clinic experience along with primary HIV-focused health guidance. Sahyog Clinic will house specialised consultation booths by Dermatologist, Gynaecologist, and Endocrinologist, along with General Physician and offer Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Post Exposure Prophylaxis guidance to communities.

A spotlight here would be the Hormone Replacement Therapy guidance offered to transgender persons by experienced doctors. Yaariyan, is also taking measures to ensure environment sustainability at the Gulabi Mela. With its focus on Reduce, Reuse & Recycle, Gulabi Mela aims to champion SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. 

Gulabi Mela, championing the collaboration spirit, is supported by BMC Software India Pvt. Ltd.