Barry Manilow came out at 73, Joel Grey at 82. What about coming out in your 30s, 40s, or beyond? Advertising creative Mihir Chanchani shares his personal journey of coming out later in life and why he says he's "still coming out." We explore the unique challenges of late bloomers in Indian society, family dynamics, and finding the courage to live authentically at any age.

Join host Ashish as he chats with Zoya, a gender fluid DEI leader as they explore the realities of being queer in corporate India. From personal journeys of authenticity to building workplaces where 100+ LGBTQ+ professionals thrive, this conversation dives deep into why DEI matters! The gap between policy and practice, and how companies can move beyond rainbow-washing to create real change.

The queer community's increased visibility comes with a dark side: a rise in targeted crimes. In this episode, we speak with Nakshatra Bagwe, a true vigilante who has dedicated himself to fighting these alarming offenses.

When Aruna Desai's son came out, she faced a choice that would define not just their relationship, but her life's mission. In the first episode of a new season, a personal journey of a mother's advocacy and how it is helping change lives across the LGBTQ+ community, one family at a time.

Akshay Tyagi, a renowned stylist and costume designer, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry joins Ashish for the finale of the season. The duo take a deep dive into the fabulous world of queer history in Indian cinema, sharing. their admiration for the unforgettable queer icons who’ve shaped the industry. Akshay also opens up about his personal journey, discussing his clothing brand "Happiness Within" and sharing his vision for the future of his fashion career.

Sakshi Juneja, entrepreneur and the co-founder of Gaysi, joins us on the the latest episode of The Queer Podcast. Ashish and Sakshi chat about Gaysi's journey from its humble beginnings as a community blog to its current status as a content & events agency by and of Queers. Ashish brings his notepad out as Sakshi also provides valuable tips on how to push mainstream queer narratives in the digital and offline spaces.

Aroh Akunth, community organizer and founder of Dalit Queer Project and Dalit Art Archive joins us on this episode of The Queer Podcast. Ashish and Aroh discuss the intersection of caste and queerness in India, exploring how both aspects challenge societal norms and shape our cultural landscape.

Drag queen, model and entrepreneur Glorious Luna joins Ashish on The Queer Podcast as they have a candid discussion about the history of drag culture in India…from stories about her young life growing up queer in Assam, to her current avatar as one of the popular names in Indian drag, Glorious Luna shares it all!

Artist and illustrator Priyanka Paul joins us on the second episode of this season's The Queer Podcast as they speak candidly about the trauma of bullying, sharing personal experiences of both online and IRL harassment and the resilience that helped them overcome it.

This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including bullying, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation. These themes may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a trusted individual or professional. Viewer discretion is advised.

We kick off the second season of The Queer Podcast with the articulate and astute Anish Gawande. Anish and Ashish explore queer representation in Indian electoral politics; past, present and future. And how the LGBTQIA+ community can participate in shaping the future of Indian democracy.

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