"The first Pride was a riot”—this slogan echoes the origins of the gay rights movement, born out of the confrontations between the New York City Police and activists outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Popularly known as the Stonewall Riots, the series of events marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQiA+ rights.

In India, acceptance of homosexuality has grown considerably over the past decades, yet members of the queer community continue to face challenges from those who are yet to embrace them. This Pride month, the queer community reflects on the common places in Mumbai that offer a safe and welcoming environment for them.