</p><p><img class="alignnone wp-image-171982 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68124/mumbai-1370023-1920.jpg" alt="Mumbai" width="100%" /></p><p>One of the world’s great megacities, Mumbai is India’s largest, with an estimated total population of 21 million and counting, and the nation’s commercial capital. The city is the centre of India's rich modern culture, with the Bollywood, fashion and tourism industries all being based in this hectic and exciting metropolis.</p><p>A city of superlatives and contrasts, home to Bollywood and the largest slum population of India, this port and beach city has been a stimulating and rewarding destination for many generations of travelers. From backpackers to luxury tourists, there is something here tom pique the interests of any traveler. Home to some of the planet's most beautiful colonial architecture, Mumbai is also a melting pot of architectural styles and uses, wander down any given backstreet and you may stumble across a hidden Bazar, or just as likely, a hipster cafe.</p><p>Being LGBT+ is still widely considered a taboo in Mumbai but whilst gay people here face unique challenges there is also a small and concentrated gay scene. Comprising of only a few established venues, the gay community in the city is tight knit and welcoming.</p><h2>Gay rights in Mumbai</h2><p>LGBT+ rights in India are not as advanced as those in many other countries and LGBT+ individuals here face challenges and legal barriers not faced by cisgender and heterosexual people. Until 2018, homosexual activity was illegal in India, a law that was established by the colonisers of the British Empire. Recent polls suggest that despite increasing support of movements to advance the rights of LGBT+ citizens, over half of the general population disagree with same-sex relationships.</p><p>Transgender people in India have been able to change their legal gender since 2019, however, this is only possible after the individual has undergone and completed gender confirmation surgery. There is a respected and histroical third gender, which has been considered valid and sacred in Indian culture for centuries. Same-sex marriage is still illegal in the country and same-sex couples cannot jointly adopt children.</p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/mumbai-gay-bars-clubs/">Gay Scene in Mumbai</a></h2><p>Known as the gay capital of India, Mumbai has a long history of gay activism and has the most developed gay scene of anywhere in the region. India’s rapid economic development aside though, Indian culture remains very conservative, and while there is a Mumbai scene, it is small and not truly reflective as yet of this vast, dynamic and most creative of Indian cities.</p><p>The Mumbai scene is focused around a few established <a title="Mumbai gay scene" href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-mumbai/">gay-friendly venues</a>. There used to be a nightclub called Voodoo n the South Mumbai district of Colaba, that hosted Saturday gay night, but the club was shut down by the authorities.</p><p>Mumbai gay groups arrange regular parties and social events, and these are promoted locally. <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/salvation-star/">Salvation Star</a> hosts a monthly dance party that is popular with the LGBT community.</p><p>The Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is becoming well-established as an annual highlight event for the LGBT community after its launch in 2010. <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/queer-azaadi/">Queer Azaadi Mumbai</a> organises various gay-focused activities events including the Mumbai Pride.</p><h2><img class="alignnone wp-image-171980 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68126/architecture-3349102-1920.jpg" alt="Mumbai" width="100%" /></h2><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/mumbai-hotels/">Gay hotels in Mumbai</a></h2><p>The ideal location to stay in Mumbai is dependent on what you want to do with your time in the city. For those keen to explore the top tourist sights and attractions, as well as many of the most important cultural locations, the hotels in South Mumbai around Churchgate and Fort offer an ideal base to explore all the nearby historical wonders. <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/the-taj-mahal-palace/">The Taj Mahal Palace</a> is located opposite the Gateway of India and offers stunning 5-star accommodation in the heart of this bustling city. With unparalleled views of the ocean and elegant and luxurious design, the hotel is the perfect stay for gay travelers looking to explore all that Mumbai has to offer. All of the rooms are fully air-conditioned and are comfortably and opulently furnished.</p><p><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/waterstones-hotel/">Waterstones Hotel</a> is located close only a 5-minute drive from the airport and provides gay travelers with boutique and stylish rooms from which to explore all that the city has to offer. This trendy boutique hotel boasts an impressive pool, well-equipped gym and a locally popular bar.</p><p>For our list of recommended hotels in a great location for exploring the sights and the gay scene of Mumbai, visit the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/mumbai-hotels/">Gay Mumbai Hotels page.</a></p><h2>Getting to Mumbai</h2><p>Mumbai is a major global hub city, with many international direct flights from both national and budget airlines from all around the world. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international.</p><p>Be prepared for long lines for security checks, even when you are in transit. The airport facilities are good now and getting better, with a new international terminal.</p><p>Taxis are the standard transport option to get you from the airport to city centre - buy a prepaid coupon (around Rs 450-600) from one of the taxi offices located near the exit of the terminal. Be sure to match the right taxi to the coupon which will have the taxi registration number on it.</p><h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-67633" style="font-size: 16px;" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68127/chhatrapati-shivaji-station-mumbia.jpg" alt="chhatrapati-shivaji-station-mumbia" width="100%" /></h2><h2>Getting around Mumbai</h2><p>Mumbai has an extensive public transport system of trains and buses which cover the wider metropolitan area of the city, which is well used by the vast numbers of commuting city workers.</p><h3>Auto-rickshaw and Tuktuk</h3><p>Tourists usually stick to auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) for local trips in the suburbs, and taxis for longer rides across town. Tuktuks can easily seat four people, but be careful because these small machines pick up incredible speed.</p><h3>Taxi</h3><p>Black and yellow metered taxis can be hailed and picked up from numerous sports around the city. Taxis are reliable and usually affordable. However, allow plenty of time if you are traveling north to south - the long and narrow island location of the city centre and the sheer volume of traffic makes for horrendous congestion at times. Modern private taxis can be booked through your hotel concierge if needed.</p><h3>Metro and rail</h3><p>Construction of the new Mumbai Metro system is underway and 11km of Line 1 is now open. The city's overground rail systems are usually less used by travelers as they can get very hot and very crowded and tend to miss the main tourist areas and major sights.</p><h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2><p>Mumbai is filled with temples, monuments, and sites oozing history and culture, some of the best things to do include:</p><p><ul></p><li>Explore the ancient Gateway of India</li><li>Visit the massive The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel</li><li>Shop and barter at Chor Bazaar</li><li>Sample the best of Bollywood</li><li>Tour the Iskcon Temple</li><li>Be immersed in history at the Haji Ali Dargah</li><li>Wander the streets of affluent Juhu</li><li>Take the ferry to the Elephant Caves</li><p></ul></p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-67638" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68128/elephanta-caves-near-mumbia.jpg" alt="elephanta-caves-near-mumbia" width="100%" /></p><h2>FAQs</h2><h3>When to Visit</h3><p>An annual gay Pride event first started in Mumbai in 2008 and has been held every year since, in February. It remains a controversial event however and is more of a political statement than a mass celebration.</p><p>An alternative time to visit Mumbai is late August/early September for the Hindu Festival of Ganesh - the elephant-headed deity most identified with by gay Indians.</p><h3>Visa</h3><p>Tourist visas are required for all visitors and usually issued for six months - starting from the date of issue, not the date of entry. Note that the six-month visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.</p><p>Check for details with your local Indian Embassy or consulate as visa rules vary according to your nationality.</p><h3>Money</h3><p>The rupee is the Indian currency. ATM’s are widely available throughout the city. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants and stores.

Gay Mumbai · City Guide

Planning to visit Mumbai? Then our gay Mumbai city guide is for you.

<p>Mumbai is the financial and cultural hub of India. It&rsquo;s a huge city with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Formerly known as Bombay, the city&rsquo;s name was changed to Mumbai to shed the legacy of British colonialism &ndash; the change occurred around the time Prince changed his name into a symbol.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll find India&rsquo;s most open gay scene in Mumbai. It&rsquo;s a very cosmopolitan city with a long history. There&rsquo;s never a dull moment in Mumbai.</p>

Gay Mumbai

Same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt a child in India but single LGBTQ parents are.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The age of consent has been equal since decriminalization. In the Supreme Court case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, a five-judge Constitutional Bench overturned the Supreme Court&#39;s decision in Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation and decriminalized homosexuality by striking down the provisions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that deemed sexual acts between consenting adults as criminal.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

In India, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQIA topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 allows for transgender individuals to change their gender marker to either &#34;male&#34; or &#34;female&#34; only after showing proof of their gender confirmation surgery issued by a medical officer to the District Magistrate. This provision contradicts the Supreme Court decision in 2014. This contradiction has been challenged as unconstitutional in the Indian Supreme Court. As of June 2020, a second petition alleging unconstitutionality has been entered, and will be heard along with the first. Overall, the petitions challenge Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Act, claiming that they also contradict the Constitution of India. This case is still pending a decision.<br />
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Under section 6 of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, a trans person may apply to be issued a certificate of identity that certifies that they are transgender (denoted as &#34;Transgender&#34;). Upon receiving this certificate, the applicants have the right to be recorded as transgender in all official documents.

Legal recognition of a change in gender by permitting a change on an individual's legal documentation.

The Supreme Court of India recognized a third gender that individuals, including transgender persons can choose to identify themselves in official documents without surgery. This ruling does not however allow people to change their gender to male or female.

Conversion therapy is not explicitly prohibited by national law, but medical doctors regulated by the National Medical Council are barred from engaging in it. However, in some regions conversion therapy has been explicitly banned.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Before August 2022, there was not a ban on practitioners performing conversion therapy&#39;s nor was there a ban on conversion therapy&#39;s themselves. 

In some contexts discrimination is illegal, while in others it’s not.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

In India, there is only protections in employment for gender identity.<br />


Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

The Transgender Persons Act, 2019 mandates that the government ensures medical facilities provide care to transgender persons (including for gender-affirmative procedures) and review medical curricula to address the health needs of transgender persons. 

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

In 1986, India legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.

In the Supreme Court case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, a five-judge Constitutional Bench overturned the Supreme Court&#39;s decision in Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation and decriminalized homosexuality by striking down the provisions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that deemed sexual acts between consenting adults as a crime.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

In the Supreme Court case of Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation, a two-judge Division Bench overturned the Delhi High Court's decision in Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi, upholding the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex sexual intercourse and carried a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

In the Delhi High Court case of Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi, a two-judge Division Bench decriminalized homosexuality by striking down the provisions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that deemed sexual acts between consenting adults as criminal.

The Indian Penal Code was enacted by the Imperial Legislative Council, the legislature during British direct rule in India. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized same-sex sexual acts and carried a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

For housing discrimination laws, there are only discrimination protections for a persons gender identity.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Surgery on intersex infants is only banned (excluding life-saving situations) in the state of Tamil-Nadu.<br />
<br />
&#34;Tamil Nadu became the first and only Indian state to prohibit sex assignment surgeries on infants in 2019, following a directive from the Madras High Court. The state banned these surgeries unless they were deemed necessary to save the baby&#39;s life.&#34;

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Before Tamil Nadu&#39;s ban, no Indian states had passed bans on intersex infant surgery.

In the Supreme Court case of Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty v. Union of India, a five-judge Constitutional Bench held that LGBTQ+ persons have the right to choose a partner, cohabit and enjoy physical & mental intimacy, free from physical threat and coercive action. The State is bound to protect the exercise of these rights.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

The Uttarakhand High Court acknowledged that cohabitation and &#34;live-in relationships&#34; are protected by law.

There are currently several same-sex marriage petitions pending with the courts. On 12 June 2020, the Uttarakhand High Court acknowledged that while same-sex marriage may not be legal, cohabitation and "live-in relationships" are protected by the law.

In 2011, there was an officially recognised same-sex marriage but state laws differ, none of which however recognise same-sex marriage.

Although homosexuality and gender transition are legal in India, LGBT personnel are not permitted in the military.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

India's Supreme Court has ruled to recognize a third gender commonly known as hijra. Indian passports display this with the descriptor "O" (other), with other identification documents also availble with "T" (transgender) and "TG" (third gender).

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

India

Mumbai

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Gay Mumbai · Services

Mumbai is a megacity. It’s the largest city in India and home to an astounding 21 million people.

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Things To Do in Mumbai

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Find frequently asked questions for gay travelers visiting Mumbai. Join the conversation, share your experiences and chat with others.

FAQs for Mumbai gay travelers - gay chat & forum

Mumbai, a city of 12 million, regarded by many as the gay capital of India, has only an embryonic gay scene.

Mumbai's premier LGBT lifestyle event organiser.<br>
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Salvation Star hosts the most popular LGBT dance parties and celebrations, with great food and wine. Visit their Facebook page for details of upcoming events.

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Salvation Star

Mumbai's premier LGBT party organiser.

Founded in 1998, Gay Bombay is a self-evolving support group that aims to create a safe space for gay men, families and friends in Mumbai.<br>
<br>
Over the years, GB has organised hundreds of LGBT events including dance parties, beach picnics, film festivals, parents' meeting, trekking, cooking, speed-dating brunches, special gatherings on topics such as HIV/AIDS, relationships, finances and more.<br>
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Now particularly well-known as the organisers of regular gay party nights Mumbai - check GB's website or Facebook page for agenda.

Gay Bombay

Gay support group and event organiser.

Support group that has been advocating the rights and health of LGBT people in India since 1993.<br>
<br>
The Humsafar organisation operates a 'drop-in' centre for those seeking advice and support. Located in Santacruz East area, opposite Vakola Masjid.

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Humsafar Trust

Support group for the Mumbai LGBT community since 1993.

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