No special LGBTQI parties in Jaipur on first Valentines Day post decriminalisation of sec 377 but everyone is welcome

  • | Thursday | 14th February, 2019

“We are hosting Valentine’s Day party on February 14 and one special party for the LGBTQI on February 15. We are hosting a V-Day party, but we are not planning any special party for LGBTQI couples. We are not hosting any LGBTQI special party because we are open to all, including the members of this community. Now that a lot of clubs and restaurants in Jaipur are open to LGBTQI couples, Karan thinks that it is a sign towards progress. But it seems like that the clubs and restaurants in the city are still warming up to this idea.Except one, there is hardly any club or restaurant that is hosting a LGBTQI special party on the first Valentine’s Day post decriminalisation of the homosexuality.

Last September, when the Supreme Court decriminalised Section 377 and declared that homosexuality is not a crime in India, Jaipur hailed the verdict with many changing their display pictures to the pride flag on social media and talking about the judgement. Soon after, Club Patio in Mansarovar hosted an LGBTQI Halloween party, promoting inclusiveness towards the community. This also gave out a hope to the community that there would be more such inclusive party spaces and venues in Jaipur. But it seems like that the clubs and restaurants in the city are still warming up to this idea.Except one, there is hardly any club or restaurant that is hosting a LGBTQI special party on the first Valentine’s Day post decriminalisation of the homosexuality. The manager of Club Patio, on the condition of anonymity, told us, “We hosted the LGBTQI Halloween party with an aim to promote the idea of inclusivity, but things didn’t turn out the way we had expected. The party also had our regular guests and they felt a bit uncomfortable. We are hosting a V-Day party, but we are not planning any special party for LGBTQI couples. However, we are not restricting entry for anyone.”Jai Sharma, managing director of Jaipur Bar Stock Exchange (JBSE) says, “We are hosting Valentine’s Day party on the theme – Love In Paris – where we are recreating the famous Padlock Bridge of Paris. We are not hosting any LGBTQI special party because we are open to all, including the members of this community. Even on regular days, one would find one or two same-sex couples at our club and we make sure that they feel as comfortable and inclusive as other guests at the venue. So, even on V-Day, they are more than welcome at our club.”Club Colaba, on the other hand, is hosting a party for the LGBTQI community, but on February 15, Friday, which they are calling ‘Priday’. “We are hosting Valentine’s Day party on February 14 and one special party for the LGBTQI on February 15. The tagline for the event is one + one = love. Queen Madamoiselle and Hiten Noonwal will be performing at the do,” says Raghav Singh, sales manager at the club, adding, “Just because we are hosting one special party for LGBTQI the day after the Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that the LGBTQI couples are not welcome to our V-Day party. We don’t discriminate against anyone and would be more than happy to host same-sex couples on V-Day as well.”Party or no party, the same-sex couples of Jaipur have their plans sorted for the V-Day. Karan Vig, a fashion designer and resident of Raja Park, who has been dating Siddharth for more than two years, tells us, “We will first go to a café in the afternoon to have a one-on-one conversation over a cup of coffee. We would then party all night at one of our favourite clubs in Jaipur.”Karan has also bought a special V-Day gift for Siddharth who he met on social media. “I had purchased a small clock from Sydney a few months ago but had kept it in my closet so that I could give it to him on V-Day,” says Karan.A few months ago, Karan and Siddharth went through a horrific experience where they were asked to leave from a Jaipur-based club because of their sexuality. Now that a lot of clubs and restaurants in Jaipur are open to LGBTQI couples, Karan thinks that it is a sign towards progress. “I am happy to know that things are changing. It makes us feel accepted,” he says.Indrajit Das, a jewellery designer and resident of Hawa Sadak has planned a dinner with his partner Ankit*, whom he has been dating for the past six years. “Ankit’s idea of romance is a bit different than mine. Instead of being all nice and lovey-dovey on V-Day, Ankit thinks that your partner’s actions throughout the year are far more important than just on one single day. So, we have kept it simple and will be going out for a dinner,” he says.*Name changed on request

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