Gay India

Same-sex partnerships are recognised in India, though full marriage may still be pending. The Legal Status panel above has the current position. India decriminalised same-sex relations on 6 September 2018, when the Supreme Court unanimously struck down Section 377 of the Penal Code in Navtej Singh Johar, overturning its own 2013 ruling. On 17 October 2023 the same court declined to open marriage to same-sex couples, saying the question belonged to Parliament, and a review petition was dismissed in 2025; there is no civil union, same-sex couples cannot adopt jointly, and a 2022 ruling gave cohabiting same-sex couples only social-welfare parity. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 bans discrimination against trans people in education, employment, health and housing and allows identity certificates, though activists object to the medical screening. No law bans discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in employment, and openly LGBTQ people cannot serve in the armed forces. In 2024 the government formed a committee on LGBTQ needs and confirmed that same-sex partners can hold joint bank accounts and name each other as nominees. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata have established scenes and large Pride marches; a 2024 study still found most gay and bisexual men reporting abuse or violence. Visitors are safe in the big cities and rarely bothered elsewhere.

The cities listed on this page have the most active LGBTQ+ scenes in India, typically anchored by the capital and the largest tourist cities. Each city page links to verified LGBTQ+ venues and upcoming events.

Yes — gay-friendly and gay-popular hotels are listed on each city page in India. International chains in central districts are reliably welcoming; independent boutique options are flagged where the community has verified them.

Pride events take place in India — check the events calendar on this site and each city page for the current year's dates.