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Bengaluru

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Born in Mumbai, drag artist Zeesh – also known as Zeeshan Ali – arrived to Bangalore as a closeted medical student, discovering their artistic journey when they shifted to Bengaluru. When Zeesh secretly dropped out of medical school, they began posting makeup tutorials on Youtube, which led to jobs as a stylist and makeup artist before landing stage performances.

Now a proud non-binary and glamorous drag artist, costume designer and makeup artist, Zeesh has found drag to be the centre of their liberation and creative expression.

, Zeesh has put together a guide to their favourite safe queer spaces in Bengaluru, ranging from party collectives to daytime hangouts around the city.

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Part of the Lalit group of hotels, Lalit Ashok is a pioneer of queer-friendly hospitality, promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace, and playing a crucial role in mainstreaming drag culture in India. Kitty Ko, the first ever space in Bangalore for regular drag shows on every Wednesday, hosts Kooth night – a specifically dedicated South Indian drag show every month – and mega events like Queerdom, Fifty Shades of Gay, Drag-o-ween and ChristmasSlay at its extravagant ballrooms bi-monthly. Experience the blend of subculture and mainstream while enjoying fantastic cocktails and mingling with like-minded people. Performing on the stage at Lalit Ashok Bengaluru is like a rite of passage for most South Indian drag artists.

For an unforgettable queer nightlife experience in Bangalore, look no further than Dude Party. They are one of the biggest names in India's queer nightlife scene, organising LGBTQIA+ parties for over a decade. Synonymous with Saturday night gay experiences in the city, you can find them at Kitty Ko every Wednesday and Saturday at various five-star venues across Bangalore. They are best known for high-production queer extravaganza shows like White Party and Moulin Rouge, bringing circuit-style queer parties to Bengaluru.

Social is not just a cafe or collaborative workspace; it's a vibrant hub for artists, innovators, and the LGBTQIA+ community is what they say and I agree. Don't miss their Satrangi Mela, a day-long festival celebrating everything queer – from art, culture and live music to delicious food, drinks and drag shows. The flea market – focusing on women, trans and non-binary-led brands – runs from 2pm to 8pm, followed by an enthralling drag show featuring a mix of new and legendary drag artists. Afterwards, dance the night away to the beats of the DJ for an authentic young and Gen-Z Bangalore queer experience.

The eagerly-awaited annual Bangalore Queer Film Festival takes place at the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan in Indiranagar, typically from 4-6 August. Since 2003, BQFF has been showcasing queer-centric films and has been a vital platform for screening LGBTQIA+ films from South India. More than just a film festival, it's a hotspot for queer art and culture, featuring art and photo exhibitions and captivating live performances.

Urban Solace is a charming little cafe with a delightful view of Ulsoor Lake. The owner, Perry, is known for giving the warmest hugs and providing the best service. It's more than just a cafe to the queer folx in Bengaluru, having long supported the community even before the revocation of Section 377. Urban Solace hosts several events – including poetry hours, open mic nights, comedy shows – and serves as a venue for queer dating platforms.

Once known as a prominent cruising spot for the LGBTQIA+ community before the advent of app-based dating, Cubbon Park has transformed into a welcoming space for various queer support group meets. I still remember my first Bangalore Queer Campus meeting as a newbie in the city at Cubbon Park way back in 2012. Don't miss the weekly LGBTQIA+ walk/run by Bengaluru Frontrunners and the annual Pride March-related events held at this beautiful park, home to more than 6,000 trees. Truly supporting a vibrant ecosystem.

The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru

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