Queer Fiesta 2025 brings pride, performance and community together

Rohan Dutta

Colour, music, and self-expression filled Phoenix Arena on Sunday as the sixth edition of Queer Fiesta unfolded, drawing more than 800 people from Hyderabad and nearby cities.

Organised by Mobbera Foundation in collaboration with Pride Fund, the event stood out as one of the city’s biggest Pride Month gatherings this year.

Queer Fiesta has become an annual celebration of queer creativity, entrepreneurship and visibility. This year carried extra significance as Mobbera Foundation marked its tenth anniversary of activism and community building.

Reflecting on this journey, Mobbera president Anil said the city had witnessed remarkable change in the past decade. From the fear of Section 377 to trans-persons facing police harassment, the community has seen struggle and discrimination.

“Today the same Hyderabad police is recruiting transpersons. This is real change and this year we are celebrating that transformation,” they said.

Anil added that Queer Fiesta symbolises unity that cuts across religion, caste, gender and politics, a gathering where the LGBTQIA+ community could freely eat, shop, perform and assert its presence. “We are not a minuscule minority that you can ignore anymore,” he said.

“Every June, we bring together queer artists and entrepreneurs to create this space. It is more than celebration, it is about visibility, belonging and pride,” said Sandy, former president of Mobbera Foundation.

The festival featured 22 stalls offering art, pottery, fashion and accessories, alongside 16 stage performances that spanned drag, classical and tribal dance, poetry and music. Hyderabad’s celebrated drag performer and classical dancer Patruni Sastry headlined the show, blending tradition with drag to loud cheers from the crowd. Other performers - Harsha Maheshwari, Chandu, Khemaya, Ayna, Lucky Naini, Satya and Sridhar - added to the vibrant lineup.

For many stall owners, the event was not just a marketplace but a space for connection and visibility. “It is not just selling, it is connecting with the community,” said Nitin of Soma Pottery, who showcased handcrafted ceramics.

The open-air arena was lively with stalls on all sides and a central stage where classical dancers and poets performed. Queer attendees and allies mingled freely, enjoying the inclusive atmosphere.

“This is my fifth year at Queer Fiesta. I keep coming back because here I can truly be myself,” said one regular visitor. Another added, “It is clearly bigger this year, a lot more people, like hundreds more. It is my second visit here and the difference is amazing.”

As the sun set on Phoenix Arena, Queer Fiesta 2025 stood out as a space of joy, freedom and unity, a growing symbol of Hyderabad’s thriving queer culture.

(The writer is an intern at The Hindu)