GB Comes Together at Trinity Art Studio

September began with exactly the kind of energy we could have hoped for — with camaraderie, laughter, celebration and a wonderful sense of community at the Gay Bombay Anniversary Meet at Trinity Art Studio.

With 40 pre-registrations and 38 walk-ins, we had a fantastic turnout, bringing together old friends, familiar faces and new members for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration.

The meet began at 5 pm, with everyone gradually arriving and settling in. By around 6:15 pm, the room was buzzing and we officially got things underway. Bala took over the mic and set the tone for the evening, talking about GB, the events lined up for the anniversary month and, importantly, getting everyone to introduce themselves.

One by one, everyone shared a little about themselves. It was a lovely way to put names to faces, hear people’s stories and get the conversations flowing.

We then tried our hand at a game of Dialogue, with cards designed to encourage listening, sharing and connecting. Everyone picked up their cards, read out their prompts and responded to them — leading to some wonderfully candid, funny and unexpected moments. It was a simple activity, but it brought the room together beautifully.

Umang then spoke about GB and what the community has meant over the years, followed by Harpreet sharing a little about the origins of Gay Bombay and the journey that brought us to where we are today.

The evening also gave us an opportunity to celebrate one of our own. Harpreet felicitated Umang Sheth, in recognition of his being one of the recipients of the Gay Bombay Awards 2026 — a small but heartfelt moment of appreciation for his contribution to the community.

We also looked ahead at what’s in store for the anniversary month, including the upcoming cooking meet and probable movie watch nights, among other activities. There was plenty for everyone to look forward to.

And then came the performances.

We had a beautiful poetry recitation, a few songs, and plenty of spontaneous moments of talent and expression. As always with GB, it wasn’t about putting on a polished show — it was about people getting up, sharing something of themselves and having fun while doing it.

Of course, no GB gathering is complete without food. Anand generously took charge of ordering dinner from Satguru’s, and everyone tucked into a delicious meal while conversations continued around the room.

What followed was perhaps the most quintessentially GB part of the evening: people simply mingling. Friends caught up, new connections were made, conversations stretched across groups, and the room stayed full of laughter and warmth.

By the time we wrapped up at around 9:15 pm, three hours had flown by.

It was a roaring start to GB’s Anniversary Month — a reminder of what makes Gay Bombay special after all these years: the people, the friendships, the openness, the laughter, and that wonderful feeling of coming together as a community.

A huge thank you to everyone who registered, walked in, participated, performed, spoke, listened, laughed, ate, mingled and made the evening what it was.

September couldn’t have asked for a better beginning.

Here’s to another month of celebrating GB, celebrating our community, and celebrating each other. ❤️

Happy Anniversary Month, GB!