On India’s rainbow trail | Queer-focused walks are finding an audience in the country

A few years ago, Nitika Arora, a storyteller and queer ally, hosted a baithak (gathering) in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park to discuss LGBTQIA+ history in India. Midway through the event, she was taken aback when a woman in her 50s said, “Every time I look at queer people, I feel repulsed.” The strong emotion, however, also made the woman cognisant that she must face her prejudices. “I don’t know much about queer folks, and the few things I do know are mainstream stereotypes,” the Delhi resident explained. “I want to go beyond that and understand them.”