A night before the year's Pride March, Impulse Group, a US-based organisation, dedicated to promoting healthier sexual lifestyles among gay men, organised a party at a Kurla nightclub. The highlight was a fully enclosed, rapid, HIV-testing booth. Of the 300 people who turned up, over 50 got tested. "It was a significant number because people are anxious to sign up for HIV testing and that's why they delay it," says journalist Vinay N, a volunteer at Impulse.

"The worry is if I'm tested positive, will I be able to cope with it? And, of course, what will people think?" According to him, what encouraged participants to even enter the booth was the security in numbers. The courage came from watching their friends sign up. The results — only for the participant to see — were promptly handed out in 10 minutes. Standard HIV testing, usually done by taking a blood sample and sending to a lab, can take up to two weeks. At the party, those who were positive were then guided on the line of treatment. "As volunteers, we have to ensure that we create a non-judgmental space through fun, but high-impact events," says Vinay.