Does Goa have a queer culture of It's own or is it all down to the unfamiliar people who visit Goa? How enriching are the lives of queers in Goa? The varied lived realities of queer locals and outsiders reveal a nuanced landscape, depicting a work in progress for the LGBTQ+ culture in Goa.
Goans speak out on being queer
Goans who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community, have mixed views regarding the queer culture/community in Goa. People from South Goa do not feel the presence of a strong community; it is nearly non-existent, unlike North Goa, where queer community presence is apparent. “North Goa seems to have a welcoming attitude for queer people. But sad to say, it's mainly because of the outsiders who have settled here”, said Zahur, a Goan who identifies as queer. He further added, “My life is quite pleasant, but I would attribute that to adhering to societal norms, not being a stereotypical gay boy, being a flamboyantly feminine gay guy sadly puts one in danger.”
Shanoor Shaikh, another Goan queer person gladly said, “I have met many people who are queer and I have had this conversation of them getting support from locals and not causing a negative atmosphere for them. So I suppose they feel safe and free to express their sexual orientation.”
Queer and welcome
in Goa
For outsiders who are queer, Goa has been inviting. Harry, who has been living in Goa for the past six years, said, “I moved to Goa when I was 16, and I feel confident to express my identity and my gender. Goa has been extremely helpful.” She further added that she was terrified when she was staying in her hometown, Punjab. Goa, being exposed to hippie culture, seeing numerous foreigners peacefully living their lives here, seems to be welcoming for people from the LGBTQ community. Aadhi, a host for queer events, said happily, “My landlord is a Goan, and he feels that his wife and kids are safe with me as their tenant.”
Queer dating scenario
The dating scenario is, unfortunately, as complicated as it can get. Most people use apps like Grindr or Tinder. Hookup culture is the one major hazard. Tinder mostly has tourists who pass through. Grinder mostly has local Goans. It's hard to find genuine LGBTQ+ people in Goa. The dating scenario could have been better if there were safe spaces to meet, like queer friendly clubs, and events organised. “Being queer is being overly sexualised because of the strong hookup culture”, said a person who identifies as queer. Polyamorous relationships are also common among queer people. There are people out there exploring their sexuality and dating, but the community is extremely small and does not offer many options.
Constant obstacles faced
Innumerable difficulties are encountered by queer people on a day–to–day basis. Internalized Homophobia is a huge one among those. Zahur said, “You grow up hating yourselves, there's no sense of pride.” There is a lot of discrimination within the gay community itself. The stereotypes are real and cause difficulties. Being judged throughout one's life for not behaving in a certain way is immensely saddening. “At times, gay people are misunderstood in terms of sex workers. This can be seen prominently on the Baga beach side of North Goa”, said Shanoor Shaikh. Homophobia exists everywhere, “I am very used to getting kicked out of my rental homes for being gay,” said Aadhi.
“In Goa, I met so many amazing queer people who are doing so many wonderful things, and all of these are fun and exciting. I have not faced any problems regarding homophobia or anything of that sort,” said Jaison Arland, a queer person from Mumbai, who is a frequent visitor of Goa. Queer culture in Goa is a constant work in progress and hopefully soon everyone will coexist happily in a very inclusive, nurturing and compassionate space.
LGBTQ+ communities and events
Queer people in Goa are mostly people from big cities who got lost in the crowds and reached Goa to rediscover themselves. Every month, events are organised. Most events have a considerable amount of participation. These events bring together entrepreneurs, artists, poets, deejays, performing live, and fun games. Communities are offering employment and acting as a source of money for people. The comparatively smaller size of communities in Goa offers people more inclusivity and feelings of belongingness, which they did not experience in big cities. Aadhi, said, “The queer community in Goa appears tiny compared to the ones in big cities, however the community is growing at a fast pace.” Gaurav, founder of Barefoot Goa, where queer events are conducted, said, “It's not about building a community for me; we are just trying to include everyone and live organically. Have a good time with people around me, regardless of who they are, where they come from.”