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Time of India

Kolkata's nightlife leads the way in redefining inclusivity

Kolkata, often lauded for its cultural vibrancy and progressive outlook, is witnessing a transformative shift in its nightlife, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. This evolution isn't just about creating safe spaces; it's about weaving the threads of queer joy and expression into the rich tapestry of Kolkata's legendary cultural scene, urging for broader accessibility and regular inclusive events. To wrap up Pride month, we spoke to party goers from the community to know more about how welcoming and safe the queer social scene is in the city. 'Accessibility should be for all stratas' While five-star properties are commendable for their initiatives, the call for broader accessibility resonates strongly within the community. Souvik Ghosh, a climate crisis activist, says, 'To truly embrace the spirit of Pride, these vibrant celebrations must be accessible to every member of our community. That means moving beyond the confines of posh hotels and actively encouraging pocket-friendly pubs & restaurants to open their doors, ensuring that joy and acceptance are within reach for everyone. ' Normalising queer night, a weekly imperative The idea of a designated Queer Night is gaining traction, like Ladies Night. Reflecting upon this idea, designer and stylist Anupam Chatterjee said, 'Regular, dedicated spaces are essential for fostering community and ensuring everyone has a place to shine.' Rather than one-off events, a weekly queer night would provide a consistent and predictable space for the community. 'This kind of inclusivity puts the city forward. To gather, socialise, and express themselves freely, further solidifies Kolkata's reputation as a welcoming city. We have a Karaoke night every Thursday for the community,' added Anand Puri, owner of a city-restaurant known for its inclusivity. Inclusion to celebration What was once a discreet and underground scene is now blossoming into a visible and joyous celebration of identity, acceptance, and belonging,' said Pushpak Sen, fashion enthusiast. Fashion-lifestyle influencer Indroneel Mukherjee added, 'Kolkata's queer community needs more than safe spaces. It's time venues step up and celebrate everyone, making nightlife a true reflection of all identities. The queer social landscape is evolving, with mainstream venues recognising the importance of embracing diversity. Having regular events show a deeper integration of queer culture into Kolkata's nightlife – Navonil Das, designer Diversity, equity, inclusion and allyship are embedded in our culture. It guides how we connect and care for the community – Kamal Raza, GM of The Lalit Great eastern