Some evenings remind you why community spaces matter. Not because something dramatic happens, but because people show up — honestly, vulnerably, and with a willingness to listen. Today’s GayBombay Meet & Mixer was one such evening.

The meet began at 4:45 pm and carried on till 9:15 pm, long after the formal agenda had ended. Around 55 people attended, and what stood out immediately was that nearly 35 of them were attending a GayBombay meet for the very first time. Newcomers often arrive cautiously; today, they stayed, spoke, and shared.

With Valentine’s, love, and romance as the theme, we started with introductions — and those introductions became the heart of the evening. People spoke not just about who they were professionally, but who they were emotionally. The room held lawyers, doctors, architects, CAs, bankers, academics, students, and working professionals — a cross-section of lives that reflected the diversity of our queer community.

Many spoke about relationships they had experienced — some joyful, some painful. Younger members shared stories of early love and early heartbreak. A few spoke about coming out to their parents at a young age and finding acceptance, especially from their mothers. Others spoke quietly about still being closeted, still single, still figuring things out.

Almost 95% of the room wore yellow bands, signalling they were single and open to dating. Only a handful were coupled — some partnered, some married and plussed — and they spoke candidly about their choices and journeys.

What made the introductions remarkable was how naturally they evolved into discussions. People across age groups — from 21 to well into their 50s — spoke about what love means to them now, what they look for in a partner, and how perspective changes with experience. Older members reflected on green flags and red flags, on what to nurture and what to walk away from. The younger ones listened, asked questions, and shared their own hopes.

After an intermission where people mingled freely — the evening shifted gears. There was singing, dancing, and laughter. A playful matchmaking game followed, where participants were paired up and asked to propose to each other. It was light-hearted, awkward, sweet, and full of cheer — a reminder that joy is also a form of resistance.

Even after the meet officially ended, 20–25 people remained outside, still talking, still connecting. Numbers were exchanged, new members were asked to add themselves to our Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp spaces, and many expressed how safe and welcomed they had felt.

Consent around photographs was respected throughout — only those who were comfortable were photographed, and images were taken with clarity and care.

Personally, the evening felt deeply fulfilling. Not because it was perfect, but because it was real. It held longing, laughter, vulnerability, and hope — all coexisting in the same room.

This is what GayBombay strives to be: not just a social meet, but a space where people can arrive as they are, speak without fear, and leave feeling a little less alone.

Here’s to many more such evenings — and to the quiet magic that happens when queer people gather with openness and kindness.