(Delhi) Queer Spaces Is Redefining Pride And Leading a Cultural Shift

(Delhi) Queer Spaces (DQS) is a queer-focused, ally-inclusive collective that has become one of the most trusted names in safe space curation in the Delhi NCR region. 

Their events are many, including panel discussions, open mics, mixers, performances, and marketplaces. But the intention is singular:

Being queer should never cost you safety.

Founded in 2022 by Gurnoor Kaur Behl, widely recognised as Delhi’s leading queer entrepreneur, (Delhi) Queer Spaces began as a WhatsApp group of vetted queer individuals. A small, intentional space where people could connect, share, and be themselves.

“That kind of safety shouldn’t be rare,” Gurnoor says. “But it was.”

Three years later, what started as a digital space has now evolved into a dynamic community, cultural movement, and a gradual yet steady growth towards building a safe society for all.

The Real Impact of (Delhi) Queer Spaces

Today, DQS has:
- A community of 800+ member queer-only residents across Delhi NCR
- Partnerships with names like TV9, Meta, Sidecar, Aku’s - The Burger Co., IAmBesharam, Bira 91, SOCIAL Offline, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, and Say It With A Pin.  
- Features on The Jagran Group, CNBC TV18, LBB Delhi NCR, Minis by Swiggy, and more.
- A slate of signature events, including the DQS Inside Out Mixers, Rainbow Mic & Movie Night, and Queering At WorQ.
- 450+ global readers for their monthly newsletter, Queeriosity Digest.
- And most importantly, a network of queer folx finally discovering what it feels like to walk into a space and breathe freely. 

DQS was built not to disrupt, but to reshape society in a manner that every human, regardless of their gender or sexuality, should be able to exist in their full colour. 

What’s Happening This Pride Month

Pride 2025 is big, bold, and thoughtful. It’s open to everyone who believes in a safe and better world for everyone.

Here’s what to expect:

June 8: Catch The DQS Shop at Tinder Queer Made Weekend
DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj | Curated by Gaysi

(Delhi) Queer Spaces is setting up a pop-up at one of the country's largest queer celebrations and marketplaces, showcasing queer-owned products and small businesses. You will also find artists such as Rani Kohinoor and DJ Della there, along with (Delhi) Queer Spaces’ first ever edition of The Queer Spaces Zine. 

June 14: The DQS Pride Party 2025
Saket SOCIAL

DQS’ flagship Pride Party is the city’s most anticipated queer event.

Last year saw mixer activities, live performances, a 14% ally turnout, and members, queer and allies alike, saying they’d never felt safer at a party. It was covered by HerZindagi of Jagran New Media, sponsored by IMBesharam and others, and a special donation was given to Naz Foundation for their contribution to the Queer community. This year, they’re going bigger, with surprises, curated experience zones, and a room full of people who know what Pride really means. You can be a part of it, too!

June 22: DQS is curating Sidecar’s Annual Pride Event
Sidecar, GK-II

Now in its fifth year of collaboration, this iconic event, Sidecar’s Annual Pride Event, includes a queer-owned business marketplace, panel discussions, and a vibrant afterparty, all hosted at one of the World’s top bars.

In collaboration with Sidecar, (Delhi) Queer Spaces, has welcomed guests like Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Aryan Pasha, Anwesh Sahoo, and Kr. Zubair Sher Singh Kalsia, each bringing their lived experience of queerness, advocacy, and identity to a public stage.

This year, expect a richer lineup, a room full of queer-owned businesses, and the return of the now iconic Pride cocktail menu at Sidecar.

It Doesn’t Stop There

This year, (Delhi) Queer Spaces is also: 

• Collaborating with Nukkad Café and Bar for hyperlocal Pride awareness
• Collaborating with The Delhinama to bring deeper queer stories to digital audiences
• Hosting The DQS Lit Club Meet-Up on July 6, for readers, writers, and thinkers
• Running Queeriosity Digest, their monthly editorial vertical that dives deep into queer mental health, creativity, and cultural presence

Why Any of This Should Matter to You

An ideal and better world is one where everyone can be themselves and feel safe within their identities. You don’t have to be queer or an active ally to care about the safety of over 150 million of your fellow LGBTQIA+ Indians.

(Delhi) Queer Spaces believes that if you have ever reposted a rainbow, said ‘Love is Love,’ or have heard any queer story, you can be part of a bigger cultural shift towards a safer and equitable India by showing up with an open mind. 

Whether you’re queer, questioning, curious, or committed to leaving a better world for the future generations, you’re invited to participate in this cultural shift that is already underway.