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Community Support Groups

QKNIT

 

venue:The Playground
 

The hosts for the day are Raj Gohil & Ujjwal Singh

11.00 – 11.20 am

Opening Ceremony

11.25 – 12.15 pm

PANEL

MORALITY AND SEXUALITY

Sexuality is a natural phenomenon and an instinct whereas morality is a social construct. This construct, dominated largely by men, has imposed itself on sexuality, choice, love and so on. What is this history? How does it impact the queer spectrum? Does it cage men too? Is the idea of gender and sexuality changing? Does it cage men too?

Sindhu Rajasekaran, Vani Viswanathan, Jaya Sharma and Prachi Gangwani will be in conversation with Anish Gawande
___________________

Giveaway Alert

Ask A Question, You Will Get More Than An Answer!

A Dessert Voucher worth Rs 800

12.20 – 1.00 pm

SPOTLIGHT TALK

Being A Man, Yaar!

Nikhil Taneja in conversation with Sharif D Rangnekar

1.05– 1.45 pm

A SPECIAL FOCUS

En-Thai-cing Thailand

Thailand has a history of queerness. Culturally there is a history to refer to. There is also a connection with the sub-continent given the fact that Buddhism was born in this region. Yet, nothing is absolutely perfect. What is it to be queer in Thailand? What are these histories that determine the current and possible future? What is it to access the literary space as a queer writer? How does art play out? How do queer identities mingle in society?

Apinuch Petcharapiracht and Oat Montien

will be in conversation with Abhishek Subhash
___________________

Giveaway Alert

Ask A Question, You Will Get More Than An Answer!

A Meal Voucher worth Rs 3000

1.50 pm – 2.45 pm

PANEL

Love Is

Relationships and all that goes into having one, doesn’t carry a singular definition. They don’t need to follow the ‘established’ norms of who can fall in love with whom. Age is truly just a number and age gaps don’t matter. Committed relationships can be with more than one partner. involved. Love is queer after all!

Arundhati Ghosh, Madhav & Anand, Shivangi & Samraddh and Sougata & Mayank in conversation with Manak Matiyani

2.50 – 3.30 pm

PANEL

Touch, Feel, Hurt: Boundaries Around The Body

Pleasure is a right. So is intimacy. Yet, when you seek any of this, it is for you to decide when, how and with whom. It is your space, after all. Your consent is required. What happens when these boundaries are crossed, when consent is ignored? What is that pain and lingering trauma? Why do many tend to remain silent about such matters? What measures can be taken to assert boundaries?

Harish Iyer, Manavi Khurana and Ravi Bhatnagar in conversation with Manak Matiyani

3.35 – 3.50 pm

FILM

The Night Queen

Curated Partner: The Main Screen

3.55 – 4.45 pm

PANEL

Queer Time: How queer people experience ageing

Ageing for LGBTQI+ people is a non-linear process, challenging the traditional heteronormative script — school, career, marriage, children, retirement. Queer lives unfold differently. They are shaped by coming out, transition, chosen families, access to work, and survival in a world that hasn’t always made space for us. Many trans people face the reality of shorter life expectancies. This is further complicated by ageing in the near-absence of traditional family and institutional support systems. What does aging look like in such a context? How much do the support systems we build in our 30s and 40s determine not only how we age, but who among us gets to age at all?

Dr Aqsa Shaikh, Hasina Khan, R Raj Rao and Rumi Harish will be  in conversation with Ankur Paliwal

This session is Co-sponsored and Curated by

4.55 – 5.40 pm

SPOTLIGHT TALK

The World of Dollywood, Love & Choice

Dolly Singh is a trail-blazing content creator, actor and storyteller. Most notably, she became the first Indian creator to win the Instagram Rings Award (2025)  a global recognition from Instagram (Meta), celebrating creators who take creative risks and shape culture in unique ways. Along the way, she has queered the idea of what a woman can be. She has been an ally to the queer world. She has spoken openly about love, choice and even mental health. And in her journey of an ‘alternate’ way, she has created Dollywood. Listen to her as she opens up about her life in a dialogue with Alexander Balakrishnan.

5.45 – 6.35 pm

PANEL

From Underwear To Outerwear And The Realities of Identity

In the world of queerness, underwear or outerwear is deeply connected with one’s sexuality and gender expression. Yet, is there a market  for queer folks when clothing is made to cater to gender stereotypes. Where does a non-binary person find what they need? How comfortable is one in stores where clothes are sold under the male and female category? Where does a person transitioning to assert their gender go? Is the marketplace changing?

Akassh Agarwal, Ekta Sonawane, Gaurav Jagtiani and Rudrani Chettri will be in discussion with Shivraj Parshad

6.40 – 6.55 pm

CALENDAR LAUNCH

Thoughts For 2026

This is the national release and unveiling of AvianWe’s calendar which focuses on love, resilience, community, expression and identity. Kass Sells, the CEO of APAC and Global Partners at We, will be present with Nitin Mantri, President (APAC) We. Communications & Group CEO at (Avian We.)

7.00 – 7.45 pm

PANEL

Are Women The Best Allies

Women, in general, are up against the same system of social hierarchies that queer folks are. Given this assumption and the common oppression by patriarchy, aren’t they an ideal foil for queer people? The fact that the male gaze erased their presence in storytelling, history and literature, isn’t that common ground enough to be an ideal ally? But is common ground and common problems enough for an alliance to be formed?

Madhavi Menon, Mohua Chinappa and Urvashi Butalia will be in conversation with Sindhu Rajasekaran
___________________

Giveaway Alert

Ask A Question, You Will Get More Than An Answer!

A Meal Voucher worth Rs 3000

7.50 – 8.10 pm

AN ITIHASOLOGY SHOWCASE


Who Haunts Delhi? Forgotten & Forbidden Queer Histories

In all its much famed monuments and associated history, there is a lesser-known, spectral side, a haunting side. Given how history has been written, such stories remain unwritten. Delhi’s one such story is about Jamali Kamali and its queer connection. The founder of Itihasology and author, Eric Chopra takes you through the haunted history of this monument through visuals and researched narratives.

8.15 – 8.50 pm

DELHI PREMIERE

Don’t Interrupt While We Dance

The director, Anureet Watta, will be in conversation with Alexander Balakrishnan

Curation Partner: The Main Screen

9.00 – 9.45 pm

MUSIC
25K

Curation Partner: Embrace: Music Justice Arts

Anjali Gopalan (She / Her)
Anjali Gopalan is the Founder and Executive Director of The Naz Foundation (India) Trust, an organization dedicated to addressing the needs of marginalized communities, especially those impacted by HIV/AIDS. After completing her Masters in International Development in the United States, she returned to India in the early 1990s to establish Naz India, focusing on HIV prevention and care for affected individuals. Anjali has been a tireless advocate for people living with HIV, continuously pushing the boundaries in the field of HIV/AIDS awareness and care. A passionate supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights, Anjali played a pivotal role in the legal battle to decriminalize homosexuality in India. In 2001, Naz India filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex relations. The 2009 Delhi High Court ruling, in favor of Naz India, marked a significant victory for LGBTQIA+ rights and individual freedoms. In 2023, she launched The New Delhi LGBTQIA+ Centre, India's first wellness, cultural, and outreach center for the queer community. Anjali is also dedicated to animal welfare and established the animal sanctuary ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ in Haryana. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Animal Welfare Board of India. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Woman Achiever Award by the Government of India in 2007, recognition by Time magazine as one of the '100 Most Influential People in the World' in 2012, and the prestigious French honour, Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur.
Human & Animal Rights Activist, Founder, Naz Foundation
Anjali Gopalan (She / Her)
Anjali Gopalan is the Founder and Executive Director of The Naz Foundation (India) Trust, an organization dedicated to addressing the needs of marginalized communities, especially those impacted by HIV/AIDS. After completing her Masters in International Development in the United States, she returned to India in the early 1990s to establish Naz India, focusing on HIV prevention and care for affected individuals. Anjali has been a tireless advocate for people living with HIV, continuously pushing the boundaries in the field of HIV/AIDS awareness and care. A passionate supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights, Anjali played a pivotal role in the legal battle to decriminalize homosexuality in India. In 2001, Naz India filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex relations. The 2009 Delhi High Court ruling, in favor of Naz India, marked a significant victory for LGBTQIA+ rights and individual freedoms. In 2023, she launched The New Delhi LGBTQIA+ Centre, India's first wellness, cultural, and outreach center for the queer community. Anjali is also dedicated to animal welfare and established the animal sanctuary ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ in Haryana. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Animal Welfare Board of India. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Woman Achiever Award by the Government of India in 2007, recognition by Time magazine as one of the '100 Most Influential People in the World' in 2012, and the prestigious French honour, Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur.
Human & Animal Rights Activist, Founder, Naz Foundation
Ankur Paliwal (He / Him)
Ankur Paliwal is an independent journalist, and founder and managing editor of queerbeat, a collaborative media venture focused on building public understanding of queerness in India. Before starting queerbeat, Ankur was travelling across India, and east and west Africa covering stories of underreported people and places. He has written many award-winning longform features on science, health and the environment for various publications including the Guardian, Nature and FiftyTwo. He has a master’s degree in science journalism from the Columbia University in New York. He lives in New Delhi.
Award-winning journalist & Founder and Managing Editor, Queerbeat
Ankur Paliwal
Ankur Paliwal is an independent journalist, and founder and managing editor of queerbeat, a collaborative media venture focused on building public understanding of queerness in India. Before starting queerbeat, Ankur was travelling across India, and east and west Africa covering stories of underreported people and places. He has written many award-winning longform features on science, health and the environment for various publications including the Guardian, Nature and FiftyTwo. He has a master’s degree in science journalism from the Columbia University in New York. He lives in New Delhi.
Award-winning journalist & Founder and Managing Editor, Queerbeat
Don Hasar (She/They)
Don Hasar is a Queer-Trans* Rights Activist and a Cultural Resistance Worker. They have co-founded Himachal Queer Foundation(HQF), an organisation working for the rights of the LGBTQIAP+ community in rural mountainous Himalayas, where there is very little dialogue around gender and sexuality. HQF works primarily in Himachal Pradesh and in other neighbouring Himalayan states. Don’s work is centred around diversity with relation to various socio-cultural and regional nuances and acknowledging them while engaging with any community(es). Currently they are working and researching Pahari culture and dialects in Himachal Pradesh and how they impact lives which do not fit into established and assigned boxes of Gender and Sexuality. They are working around creating a local Queer-Trans*vocabulary and other modes of expression through songs, stories and other media, borrowing from local socio-cultural themes. They firmly believe that any field of arts is instrumental in mobilising voices, keeping the regional context in mind. Practice of Transfeminist* Intersectionality lies at the core of their work. They love to cook and sing when they are not working. Don is one of the petitioners for establishment of the Transgender* Welfare Board in Himachal Pradesh. They are also currently of the core members and India Representative for South Asian Transgender and Non Binary Network. At present, they are also working as a consultant for Women’s Fund Asia on a comprehensive report on Strengthening Women and Trans* leadership in India and serving as part of FRIDAFund’s Global Advisory Committee. Don aims to work around Global Trans* Advocacy, with a keen focus on Cultures, Policies, Legalities in rural spaces and the intersections between each of these in the light of Queer-Trans* welfare measures.
Don Hasar (She/They)
Anjali Gopalan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Naz Foundation (India) Trust, a Delhi-based NGO dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS. She is also the founder of All Creatures Great & Small, an NGO that provides shelter and help to animals. She has been at the forefront of the battle to decriminalize homosexuality. While she runs a shelter home for HIV-infected orphaned children, her NGO is now creating Delhi’s first LGBTQ centre, a significant initiative for the queer community that struggles to find a safe space. She has been accorded a number of awards and recognitions including the Commonwealth Award, the Woman Achiever’s Award from the Ministry of Women & Child Development and The Ashoka Fellow. She was also listed by Time Magazine in 2009 as the 100 most influential People in the World and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 amongst a long list of accolades.
Rituparna Borah
Rituparna is a queer feminist and indigenous activist living with disabilities, as well as a prominent voice in the LGBTQIA+ community. With over 18 years of experience advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, she co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of Nazariya: A Queer Feminist Resource Group. Rituparna has contributed significantly to POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and gender and sexuality initiatives. She has also served on advisory boards for organizations and programs such as LBQ Connect of Outright Action International, and Rainbow Lit Fest. As an experienced trainer and peer counsellor, she has developed curricula and chapters for several educational institutions.
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Nazariya - QFRG
Rituparna Borah
Rituparna is a queer feminist and indigenous activist living with disabilities, as well as a prominent voice in the LGBTQIA+ community. With over 18 years of experience advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, she co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of Nazariya: A Queer Feminist Resource Group. Rituparna has contributed significantly to POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and gender and sexuality initiatives. She has also served on advisory boards for organizations and programs such as LBQ Connect of Outright Action International, and Rainbow Lit Fest. As an experienced trainer and peer counsellor, she has developed curricula and chapters for several educational institutions.
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Nazariya - QFRG
Dr Saif Mahmood
Dr. Saif Mahmood, author of the bestselling Beloved Delhi: A Mughal City and Her Greatest Poets [New Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2018, 2024], is a leading voice on Urdu poetry and its cultural legacy. A globally sought-after speaker, he works to showcase the richness of Urdu poetic traditions, framing poetry as a living cultural document. The legendary Zia Mohyeddin described him as “one of those rare intellectuals who know how to wear their intellect. The depth he has brought to the work of Urdu poets and their relationship to the culture and the society they lived in is astounding.” Saif serves as Vice President of Urdu Culture London and Trustee of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu UK, actively working to preserve and promote Urdu’s literary and cultural heritage. An international lawyer, legal scholar and Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, Saif holds a doctorate in law and divides his time between London and New Delhi. He has been cited by the Supreme Court of India and has served as Visiting Academic in Law at the University of Oxford, examining the Mughal State’s treatment of Urdu poets of resistance.
Author & International Lawyer
Dr. Saif Mahmood
Dr. Saif Mahmood, author of the bestselling Beloved Delhi: A Mughal City and Her Greatest Poets [New Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2018, 2024], is a leading voice on Urdu poetry and its cultural legacy. A globally sought-after speaker, he works to showcase the richness of Urdu poetic traditions, framing poetry as a living cultural document. The legendary Zia Mohyeddin described him as “one of those rare intellectuals who know how to wear their intellect. The depth he has brought to the work of Urdu poets and their relationship to the culture and the society they lived in is astounding.” Saif serves as Vice President of Urdu Culture London and Trustee of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu UK, actively working to preserve and promote Urdu’s literary and cultural heritage. An international lawyer, legal scholar and Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, Saif holds a doctorate in law and divides his time between London and New Delhi. He has been cited by the Supreme Court of India and has served as Visiting Academic in Law at the University of Oxford, examining the Mughal State’s treatment of Urdu poets of resistance.
Author & International Lawyer
Sandip Roy
Sandip Roy is a columnist and podcaster based in Kolkata. His audio dispatches from Kolkata for public radio KALW 91.7FM have crossed 500 episodes. He is the host of The Sandip Roy Show on Indian Express and a columnist for Mint Lounge and the Hindu. He is the author of the novel Don't Let Him Know.
Journalist, Podcaster, Columnist & Author
Sandip Roy
Sandip Roy is a columnist and podcaster based in Kolkata. His audio dispatches from Kolkata for public radio KALW 91.7FM have crossed 500 episodes. He is the host of The Sandip Roy Show on Indian Express and a columnist for Mint Lounge and the Hindu. He is the author of the novel Don't Let Him Know.
Journalist, Podcaster, Columnist & Author
Vivek Mansukhani
Vivek is the founder and the Artistic Director of New Delhi based theatre company Scene Stealers. He has directed several theatre productions such as Delhirious!, Let There Be Love, God of Carnage, No Room For Love, Funny Money, Duet for Three, Don’t Dress For Dinner, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), An Absolute Turkey, Rumours, Identities, Strictly Dandiya. Vivek co-directed the musical The Chorus Line and produced the musical Much Ado About Nautanki and Seven Steps Around The Fire. His acting credits include productions of Delhirious!, Animals Out Of Paper, The Perfect Evening, Lend Me A Tenor, Art, Tara, Bravely Fought The Queen, William Shakespeare’s Othello : A Play in Black and White (which won the Edinburgh Fringe First in 1999), O Come Bulky Stomach, Habeas Corpus, Antigone, Six Degrees of Separation, It’s All About Sex Honey, A Perfect Evening, Plan in Peril. For theatre with children he has adapted and co-directed musicals such as Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Wiz, Nutcracker, The Sound of Music. He wrote and co-directed the original plays Major Hype and the Magic Hoopla, Bhangra on the Moon, SNAP! The Musical and Theatre Express. Vivek made his screen debut in the film In Othello and played cameos in the films Dil Dosti etc. and Axone. He has worked with The Action Players, India’s only deaf theatre company, as voicing actor. He has performed in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Edinburgh, London, Cairo, Bonn, Harare and Taipei. Vivek has conducted workshops in theatre for schools, colleges and media institutions. He has done voiceovers for film, television, commercials and audio books. He has conceptualized and directed several launch events for corporates. Vivek headed the British Council’s Scholarships division, then served as Director of the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program. Following his role as Director Arts, India at the British Council, he is currently the India Head of the Institute of International Education.
Educationist, Theatre Director & Actor
Vivek Mansukhani
Vivek is the founder and the Artistic Director of New Delhi based theatre company Scene Stealers. He has directed several theatre productions such as Delhirious!, Let There Be Love, God of Carnage, No Room For Love, Funny Money, Duet for Three, Don’t Dress For Dinner, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), An Absolute Turkey, Rumours, Identities, Strictly Dandiya. Vivek co-directed the musical The Chorus Line and produced the musical Much Ado About Nautanki and Seven Steps Around The Fire. His acting credits include productions of Delhirious!, Animals Out Of Paper, The Perfect Evening, Lend Me A Tenor, Art, Tara, Bravely Fought The Queen, William Shakespeare’s Othello : A Play in Black and White (which won the Edinburgh Fringe First in 1999), O Come Bulky Stomach, Habeas Corpus, Antigone, Six Degrees of Separation, It’s All About Sex Honey, A Perfect Evening, Plan in Peril. For theatre with children he has adapted and co-directed musicals such as Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Wiz, Nutcracker, The Sound of Music. He wrote and co-directed the original plays Major Hype and the Magic Hoopla, Bhangra on the Moon, SNAP! The Musical and Theatre Express. Vivek made his screen debut in the film In Othello and played cameos in the films Dil Dosti etc. and Axone. He has worked with The Action Players, India’s only deaf theatre company, as voicing actor. He has performed in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Edinburgh, London, Cairo, Bonn, Harare and Taipei. Vivek has conducted workshops in theatre for schools, colleges and media institutions. He has done voiceovers for film, television, commercials and audio books. He has conceptualized and directed several launch events for corporates. Vivek headed the British Council’s Scholarships division, then served as Director of the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program. Following his role as Director Arts, India at the British Council, he is currently the India Head of the Institute of International Education.
Educationist, Theatre Director & Actor
Eric Chopra
Eric Chopra is the founder of Itihāsology, an inclusive platform dedicated to Indian history and art. He is a writer and podcaster who focuses on histories of aesthetics, heritage, emotions, sexuality, and the otherworld. A key aspect of his work is making history accessible and engaging for public discourse.
Writer, Podcaster & Founder, Itihasology
Eric Chopra
Eric Chopra is the founder of Itihāsology, an inclusive platform dedicated to Indian history and art. He is a writer and podcaster who focuses on histories of aesthetics, heritage, emotions, sexuality, and the otherworld. A key aspect of his work is making history accessible and engaging for public discourse.
Writer, Podcaster & Founder, Itihasology
Sonal Giani
Sonal Giani is a leading advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, gender inclusion, and social justice, with over eighteen years of experience in activism, policy advocacy, and capacity building. She has played a pivotal role in amplifying queer voices across South Asia and shaping inclusive policies within organizations. A former board member of UNAIDS, Sonal has contributed to global conversations on gender and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, influencing policies and advocacy efforts at an international level. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 'Diversity Leadership Award' by the World HRD Conference and the 'Queero' Award by Six Degrees, an LGBTQ Growth Network celebrating her contributions to social change. Beyond policy and activism, Sonal has made significant media appearances, including being featured in ZEE TV’s prime-time television show Connected Hum Tum. She has been featured in Femina, Cosmopolitan, The Better India, Firstpost, and other media platforms for her impact on the queer rights movement. She has also worked on mainstream entertainment projects, including casting and advisory roles in films and web series centered on LGBTQIA+ narratives. With a deep commitment to equity and empowerment, Sonal continues to mentor young changemakers and drive intersectional inclusion in leadership, workplaces, and cultural spaces.
Activist, DEI Consultant, Coach & Mentor
Sonal Giani
Sonal Giani is a leading advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, gender inclusion, and social justice, with over eighteen years of experience in activism, policy advocacy, and capacity building. She has played a pivotal role in amplifying queer voices across South Asia and shaping inclusive policies within organizations. A former board member of UNAIDS, Sonal has contributed to global conversations on gender and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, influencing policies and advocacy efforts at an international level. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 'Diversity Leadership Award' by the World HRD Conference and the 'Queero' Award by Six Degrees, an LGBTQ Growth Network celebrating her contributions to social change. Beyond policy and activism, Sonal has made significant media appearances, including being featured in ZEE TV’s prime-time television show Connected Hum Tum. She has been featured in Femina, Cosmopolitan, The Better India, Firstpost, and other media platforms for her impact on the queer rights movement. She has also worked on mainstream entertainment projects, including casting and advisory roles in films and web series centered on LGBTQIA+ narratives. With a deep commitment to equity and empowerment, Sonal continues to mentor young changemakers and drive intersectional inclusion in leadership, workplaces, and cultural spaces.
Activist, DEI Consultant, Coach & Mentor