DISCO NIGHTS IN Bombay

A writer time-travels between two decades across two iconic queer venues

- Prasad Ramamurthy

Strobes of red light up plumes of white ostrich feathers. A burlesque soundtrack starts up. The feathers part revealing the immaculately done face of the performer. The audience roars in approval. Glorious Luna has taken the stage in all her sequinned glory. She, for those not in the know, is one of India's most prominent and promising drag artists and a key act at the eighth-anniversary party of The LaLit Mumbai's queer-friendly club, Kitty Su. All around me I see individuals expressing love. Cisgendered men, women and those who identify with other frequencies of the identity spectrum, being their open, honest selves. Some with full make-up, with and without facial hair. Some in dresses, with and without facial hair. Others, like myself, 40-somethings in their heteronormative appearing Sunday best. Also, in suits leather chaps, harnesses and what not. There's plenty of PDA as well-boys kissing boys, girls kissing girls, individuals kissing individuals. All seeking the warmth of an embrace. All seeking to love and be loved. Openly and with pride.