Goa's queer scene is growing deeper roots

Goa has long been associated with freedom—sunsets, beaches, and a vibrant party scene. But in recent years, another transformation is taking root: the rise of intentional LGBTQIA+ spaces rooted in art, care, and community.

“Since 2020, Goa has become more visibly inclusive toward LGBTQIA+ communities,” says Smriti Parhi, co-founder of the Queer Arts Community. “Pride events, performances, and open conversations are more common. Awareness is growing, but stigma still lingers. Many queer individuals still feel pressure to ‘fit in’ quietly.”

Exploring the queer side of Goa

For queer tourists, Goa may seem like a party haven—with gay bars and themed nights. But for those living here, queer life is about more than nightlife. “Celebration is important,” Smriti adds, “but so are art, community, and care.”

CREATING BEYOND THE RAINBOW

Smriti and her partner launched the Queer Arts Community to create spaces that go deeper than the surface-level rainbow. Their grassroots initiative centres around artistic, welcoming environments for queer people.

Smriti Parhi, Co-founder, Queer Arts CommunityPride events, performances, and open conversations are more common. Awareness is growing, but stigma still lingers. Many queer individuals still feel pressure to ‘fit in’ quietly

“We hope to support queer artists through workshops, storytelling, performances and quiet gatherings,” she explains. “Our goal is to move beyond stereotypes and make room for all forms of queer expression—both artistic and every day.”

What sets their work apart is its inclusiveness. “We are open to people across gender, caste, class and ability,” says Smriti. “It’s about connection—not just expression, but belonging.”

CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNITIES: Queer Arts Community endeavours to create an environment welcoming to the queer community.

HONEST REFLECTION AND HEALING

While community-building is thriving, challenges within queer spaces persist. Antara Bhide, a queer writer and activist based in Goa, speakscandidly about internal biases.

“Even within the queer community, bi-phobia is real,” they share. “In the past, I’ve said things like ‘bi-privilege exists’ without understanding the harm. That ignorance cost me friendships—and led me to unlearn a lot.”

STRAIGHT TALK: Antara Bhide, a queer writer, talks about the internal biases.

Antara believes the lack of inclusive education leaves queer people vulnerable to replicating oppressive patterns. “We’re all self-taught in some ways. That means we’ll make mistakes,” they say. “It's time to create space for learning and healing.”

FINDING BELONGING IN COMMUNITY

Across the state, several collectives like Queerly Goa, Queer Kinara, The Audacity Collective, and A Rainbow Collective are building queer-friendly spaces. Others remain intentionally low-profile, protecting the anonymity of those not publicly out.

Antara Bhide, Activist and a queer writerWe’re all self-taught in some ways. That means we’ll make mistakes. It's time to create space for learning and healing

Divya Dureja, co-founder of Queerly Goa, describes Goa’s queer scene as vibrant and evolving. “We host everything from parties to community workshops,” she says. “There’s incrediblework happening all over.”

She recalls her first Queer Kinara event fondly. “The energy was warm and inclusive. That night made me feel like Goa really is a safe, queer-affirming place.”

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WHAT MAKES A SPACE TRULY INCLUSIVE?

While Pride events draw attention, Divya stresses that inclusivity is about what happens year-round. “Hosting events is great, but real inclusion lies in the everyday details,” she says.

Simple touches can make a huge difference, like gender-neutral bathrooms, alcohol-free zones, quiet corners, or sensitised staff. “These measures show people that the space is built with them in mind,” she adds.

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THE ROAD AHEAD

While Goa is more welcoming than before, Divya believes lasting change depends on law and policy. “We need legal protections—marriage rights, adoption access, blood donation, inheritance laws, anti-discrimination provisions. These are the foundations of dignity and safety.”

Smriti agrees. “Community initiatives are vital, but structural change needs to catch up.”

While Goa is more welcoming than before, Divya believes lasting change depends on law and policy

So next time you visit Goa, look past the party lights. Seek out the storytelling circles and the grassroots gatherings. Beneath the surface, Goa’s queer community is building something bold with creativity, care, and a deep promise of belonging.