Not just a Pride Month talk: City hosts a literary event on identity and visibility

the exhaustion of being boxed in, and the urgency of still being heard.

When visibility becomes a performanceBoth writers reflected on how Pride Month, while important, risks becoming a siloed celebration — neatly boxed into June, then shelved.

“Why should there be specific events and timings to talk about queerness?” Seah asked.

“Why can’t a Pride parade happen on a Tuesday morning if it wants to?”. Parikh agreed, adding that allyship should not have an expiration date. “Our work is to make this post-Pride, to ensure that we focus on visibility throughout the year,” she said.Label fatigue?Kolkata, taboos and the ‘grace’ of acceptance'We need more of this': A Sunday morning that sparked real talkThe event may have started early, but it struck a deep chord.

“I was a bit sceptical as the talk was early on a Sunday morning,” said Tulika Pal, a student. “But I could relate to the conversation. In India, the conversations around identity are still pretty oppressive.” For Ayushi Acharya, another student, the session felt overdue. “I can see the community growing, but it’s never enough. We always need more representation.

Previously we didn’t even have events like this during Pride Month.

As a queer person of colour, it’s so nice to see young authors sharing real experiences we live every day.” Teacher Aditi Jhunjhunwala added, “Sessions like this offer great insight — not just into personal stories, but also into the harsh realities of other Asian countries. Hearing firsthand accounts really shapes how we think, and how we will continue to think.”What experts have to say:Asia has always been a conservative bloc, and speaking up about queerness or divorce still feels risky — people don’t always respond well. But if people like me don’t write about it or say it out loud, nothing will change. Transitioning isn’t new; it’s been part of cultures like India and Thailand for centuries. So why are we still acting like it’s something the West invented?

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Malcolm SeahCalcutta has always felt more open-minded than many other cities — a traditionally liberal, intellectual society.

I hope that continues, especially when it comes to topics still considered taboo elsewhere in India. But our work isn’t done. We must keep voicing our support for these freedoms — for everyone.— Karuna Ezara ParikhCafés can be more than just places to eat — they can be safe spaces. When curated with care, they become venues where people from all communities can gather, connect, and feel seen. Events like these aren’t just about books or food; they’re about building a quiet, consistent community.

— Shuli Ghosh, founder & creative director, Sienna Store