Desi LGBTQIA+ | Desi Rainbow

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Promoting
Family Acceptance
in the Desi Community

We seek to build a Desi Diaspora community that values, affirms and celebrates all LGBTQIA+ identities.

WHAT WE DO

GET SUPPORT!

Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies provides a supportive and affirming space for South Asian LGBTQIA+ people and their families to talk about family relationships and learn about gender identity and sexual orientation.

Desi Rainbow is currently only able to serve folks who live primarily in North America. As a mostly volunteer-operated organization, our capacity is limited. If you live outside of North America, please check out our resources page for other organizations who may be better equipped to meet your needs: www.desirainbow.org/resources/

"It was a great experience to be able to talk to someone about what has been on my mind and was nice to know that community exists."

TESTIMONIALS

MEMBERSHIP

When you join Desi Rainbow as a dues-paying member, you are helping to build our community for the long haul. Grassroots support for our mission is essential for us to sustain Desi Rainbow's life saving work.

Membership

SUPPORT DRPA

Donate today to help us lay the foundation of our community!

Make a Donation

WHAT WE DO

We offer a variety of programs and support groups to fit different needs. See what works for you!

Explore our Programs

🏳️‍🌈 Hear direct from our members what a difference Desi Rainbow has made in their lives.

💓 Grassroots support for our mission is essential for us to sustain Desi Rainbow's life saving work.

🌟 To become a member go to https://www.desirainbow.org/membership

🫂Desi Rainbow member F. Rashid says:
I’ve always considered myself an LGBTQ+ ally. Pyar is Pyar. Let people live and love, right? That was easy.

But allyship gets complicated when we are talking about family. Pyar is still Pyar, but tradition and family expectations are both heavy weights to carry.

How do I advocate, protect, and support from a place of love?

I found Desi Rainbow because I need allyship with a desi flavor.

I learned new vocabulary.

I received thoughtful answers to my questions.

I was supported when I cried.

I didn’t have to explain messy relationships – this loving, colorful, and generous community understood me.

I have a larger family now, the birth family and my chosen family, thanks to Desi Rainbow.

#desirainbow #desirainbowally #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #membership #pride

🏳️‍🌈 Become a Desi Rainbow member this Pride month and join a grassroots, LGBTQIA+ affirming movement that is transforming the Desi community from the inside out!

✨ A Desi Rainbow membership gives you access to a supportive community, including our exclusive WhatsApp community, affinity groups, member only programs, swag discounts, and regional events.

💓 When you join Desi Rainbow as a dues-paying member, you are helping to build our community for the long haul. Grassroots support for our mission is essential for us to sustain Desi Rainbow's life saving work.

🌟 To become a member go to https://www.desirainbow.org/membership

#desirainbow #desirainbowally #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #membership #pride

☪️ Eid al-Adha Mubarak from all of us at Desi Rainbow! ☪️

At this confluence of Eid and Pride month, we are sending love and support to LGBTQ+ Muslims and their families 💛

#eidaladha #pride #pridemonth #queermuslims

☪️ Join @theayahproject , @dcqueermuslims , in partnership with @aqua_dc for an inclusive Eid al-Adha prayer service in celebration of #WorldPride. It takes place THIS Saturday, it will include a khutbah, Eid salah, and a reception with light refreshments and tabling.

💓 This event is free and open to all LGBTQ+ Muslims and allies. Come together to honor traditions, build connections, and share the spirit of love and acceptance. Looking forward to seeing you there!

✍️ Scan the QR code to RSVP today!

#eidaladha #pride #pridemonth #queermuslims

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We invite South Asian parents and family members of LGBTQIA+ people to join our virtual Support Group next week! Join us Tuesday, June 10th at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific.

👉 Joining for the first time? You'll need to register at least 2 hours before the event at www.desirainbow.org/family-info to receive the meeting link.

💟 This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for parents and family members of LGBTQIA+ Desis based in North America.

🥰 Join us in creating a more affirming world for LGBTQIA+ Desis at desirainbow.org/donate

#desiparent #desifamily #peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desi #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #queer #southasian #family #chosenfamily #acceptance #queerdesi #queersouthasian

☀️ We invite you to join us for a fun filled Summer Picnic in Somerset, NJ for Desi LGBTQ+ folks, their parents, families, and allies!

✍️ Be sure to register at: tinyurl.com/NJpicnic2025 to confirm your attendance at the event. All information requested is for planning purposes and will never be shared.

👋 A minimum donation of $15 per person is suggested to reserve your spot for the picnic. No one will be turned away for a lack of funds. Children under 10 are free!

#pride2025 #pridemonth #desipride #desirainbow #LGBTQ #NJ #gardenstate

🗣️ If you are in DC from June 4-6, join us for the #WorldPride Human Rights Conference! Our founder and ED will be representing Desi Rainbow parents and sharing insights about her journey that led to advocacy on the national stage, and immersion into the #LGBTQ+ movement, along with parents of transgender youth🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈.

🏳️‍⚧️June 4: FAMILIES ON THE FRONTLINES: A PANEL DISCUSSION WITH PARENTS OF TRANSGENDER YOUTH
https://worldpridedc.org/events/human-rights-conference/#agenda
Ticket information can be found at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/e/wp-hrc/tickets

@CapitalPrideDC
@WorldPrideDC
@humanrightscampaign

#pride #desirainbow #desipride #worldpride

🌈 Desi Rainbow 🌈 is observing #PrideMonth with a series of support groups, in depth discussions and celebrations with allied organizations, as well as community based activities. Join us in person and virtually! Hope to see you there! 👋

✍️ Registration information is in the link in our bio! 
🏳️‍🌈June 3: Desi Rainbow LGBTQIA+ Support Group for Desi LGBTQIA+ community members https://www.desirainbow.org/lgbtq-info Virtual 
🏳️‍⚧️June 4: Families on the Frontlines: A Panel Discussion with Parents of Transgender Youth: - WorldPride Human Rights Conference https://worldpridedc.org/events/human-rights-conference/#agenda
Ticket information can be found at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/e/wp-hrc/tickets
In person in Washington DC
 ☪️June 7: Eid al-Adha for All: An Inclusive Celebration for Queer Muslims & Allies - The Ayah Project
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eid-al-adha-for-all-an-inclusive-celebration-for-queer-muslims-allies-tickets-1363795000559?aff=GeneralEmailInvitation In person in Washington DC  👨🏽‍🎨June 7, Bridging the Divide: Art, Healing and Community Support -South Asia Institute & Trikone Chicago https://www.saichicago.org/calendar/bridging-the-divide-art-healing-community-support
In person in Chicago  🫂June 10: Desi Rainbow Family Support Group for parents and family allies https://www.desirainbow.org/family-info Virtual  ✊🏽June 12: Intersecting Identities: Confronting Hate Against Queer South Asians+LGBTQ + Rights - SAAPRI & SAAJCO
tinyurl.com/ecsintersectingidentities Virtual  🧺June 21, Desi Rainbow Tristate area picnic, Franklin Park/Somerset  https://tinyurl.com/njpicnic2025
In person Central New Jersey

🪷June 22, Pride Baithak - Hindus for Human Rights Tinyurl.com/JuneBaithak Virtual

#pride2025 #pridemonth #desipride #desirainbow

💓 Family, both chosen and blood, have a profound impact on #LGBTQ+ individuals ability to navigate the world authentically and fearlessly. Today on LGBTQ+ #FamiliesDay we celebrate and acknowledge the diversity, joys, and challenges of all LGBTQ+ families—found, formed, and chosen—who exist throughout our world 💓

We are so grateful for our 🌈 Desi Rainbow Family 🌈 and the strength and community you all provide us with 😊

#pride2025 #pridemonth #desipride #desirainbow #LGBTFamiliesDay #QueerParents #LGBTQFamiliesDay #LGBT

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We invite LGBTQIA+ people of South Asian descent to join our virtual Support Group for the LGBTQIA+ community next week! Join us Tuesday, June 3rd at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific.

👉 Joining for the first time? You'll need to register at least 2 hours before the event at www.desirainbow.org/lgbtq-info to receive the meeting link.

💟 This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for LGBTQIA+ Desis 18 and older based in North America/on Turtle Island.

🥰 Join us in creating a more affirming world for LGBTQIA+ Desis at desirainbow.org/donate

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desi #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #queer #southasian #family #chosenfamily #acceptance #queerdesi #queersouthasian

🩷Our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible night of love, community, joy and beauty at Pyar is Pyar, a benefit in New York on May 15 to support the work of Desi Rainbow.

🩵🩷🩵The evening was full of queer and trans Desi joy, bringing together a multi-generational community of LGBTQIA+ South Asians and allies. There was a palpable sense of love that night- love for the relationships we have fought so hard to have, for the strong queer, trans and allied community we are building, for birth and chosen family, for the children we fiercely nurture and protect.

✊🏽Alok Vaid Menon moved everyone present with their eloquent words of support for queer and trans children, saying “I am what happens when a queer kid is loved.” Desi Rainbow is invested in building a world where all queer and trans children and adults are loved, affirmed and celebrated, bringing out their true potential to make the world a better place. Meeting our fundraising goal for Pyar is Pyar supports our efforts to fulfill that mission.

🙏🏽Thanks to everyone who made Pyar is Pyar a huge success with your support!

To view the first few photos from the evening visit https://givebutter.com/c/PyarIsPyar (link in bio). Please tag @desirainbowparents in your posts! More photos and videos will be uploaded shortly, so check back in a few days.

🌈The campaign link will remain open till the end of May, so if you feel that our work is worth supporting this AANHPI month, please share with your family and friends and ask them to make a donation.

❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL
Photos @studioparab
#pyarispyar #loveislove #desistandupforallourkids #allyhip #lgbtqia #trans #joy #community #desiqueer #desirainbow #AANHPI

🙏🏽💙🩷🩵Our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible night of love, community, joy and beauty at Pyar is Pyar last night.  There is so much to celebrate:   🎉We met our fundraising goal! Due to amazing generosity of sponsors and donors, we raised $155,435 for Desi Rainbow’s work of providing support, education and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ South Asians and their families.    🌈The campaign https://givebutter.com/c/PyarIsPyar will remain open till the end of May, so if you feel that our work is worth supporting, please share with your family and friends and ask them to make a donation.  🎞️We will be sharing photos and videos on our website and social media soon! Keep an eye out for beautiful images and videos from an unforgettable night.   🙏🏽We want to thank the people who made Pyar is Pyar possible - our generous sponsors; our amazing hosts; our extraordinary MC, drag queen extraordinaire and cheerleader Malai and the talented performers; the dedicated team of volunteers who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the event happen; and most of all our supporters who made donations large and small, attended, laughed, cried and celebrated Pyar with us.  ❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL    . #loveislove #pyarispyar #desiqueer #lgbtq #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #desirainbowally

🌈Desi Rainbow celebrates queer and trans joy! Our work is rooted in the power of family, birth or chosen, and the resilience, beauty and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community.

🩷Tonight, we are hosting Pyar is Pyar, a fundraiser for our work of providing support, education, advocacy for the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and their families.

🌈The event is sold out! You can support our work with a donation at givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
Link in bio

❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL

pr & marketing support by @pankti_doshi

Video excerpts from “Suit Karda,” a 2023 Pride campaign by @lionpartyfilms and @aaykafashion

Director: Raashi Desai @raashidesai_
Videographer: Jacarrea Garraway @jah_car_rah
Assistant Director: Proma Khosla @promawhatup

Performers: Aathaven Tharmarajah @aathaven_, Anjali Mehta @theanjlife, Ansh Konuru @anshkonuru, Gaurav Simha @gsimha97, Harmeet Kamboj @harmeet_kamboj, Keerti Kumar @bt_gulabi, Nasir Panjwani @nasirpan, Nikhil Dharmaraj @nikhil.dharmaraj, Priyanka Gupta @priyankagupta._, Sitara Herur sitarapotato, Sundeep Singh Boparai @KingSunnyB

Styling: @aaykafashion
Makeup: Heral Patel @heralbeauty_

Production Assistants: Shachi Phene @shachiphene, Leona Kazi leonakazi

#loveislove #pyarispyar #lgbtq #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #desirainbowally

🩷Desi Rainbow celebrates the power of Pyar (love) to transform our lives. We are delighted to feature Arjun and Sanchit as our hosts for Pyar is Pyar, a fundraiser for Desi Rainbow on May 15.   🫂The support of the LGBTQIA+ and allied Desi community is what sustains our work of providing support, education and advocacy for Desi folks struggling with family and community acceptance of their gender identity and sexuality.   🌈The event is sold out! You can support our work with a donation at givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
Link in bio  ❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL

pr & marketing support by @pankti_doshi

#loveislove #pyarispyar #desiqueer #lgbtq #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #desirainbowally

🩵Desi Rainbow celebrates the power of Pyar (love) to transform our lives. We are honored to have @alokvmenon as our host for Pyar is Pyar, a fundraiser for Desi Rainbow on May 15.  🫂The support of the LGBTQIA+ and allied Desi community is what sustains our work of providing support, education and advocacy for Desi folks struggling with family and community acceptance of their gender identity and sexuality.   🌈To support our work with a donation, visit visit givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
Link in bio  ❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL

pr & marketing support by @pankti_doshi

#loveislove #pyarispyar #desiqueer #lgbtq #DesisStandUpForAllOurKids #desirainbowally

💓 A mothers love and support for their LGBQTIA+ child can have a profound impact on the child's ability to navigate a hostile world with confidence. Desi Rainbow applauds mothers who stand up for their queer and trans child. We wish all mothers (birth or chosen) a happy Mother's Day!

🎭 The featured artist Abhijeet (@bon_abhijeet) is a multimedia artist and drag queen from Mumbai in Chicago. They combine live performance with video, photography, fashion, and event production to create art that is larger than life. Their drag is an exploration of their own intersectional queer and racial identity through a lens of camp, fashion, and classical Bollywood.

🎨 Abhijeet made this compelling tribute to mothers as part of the Ally With Pride series for Desi Rainbow in 2021. To watch the complete video and interview with Abhijeet go to https://ow.ly/uHaY50VQv0P!

#mothersday #maa #amma #ammi #mama #mom #desimom #lgbtqia #desisstandupforallourchildren #desirainbowally

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Inviting all mothers of LGBTQIA+ Desis to join us on Tuesday, May 13th for a special group for Mother's Day! Join us Tuesday, May 13th at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific.

👉 Joining for the first time? You'll need to register at least 2 hours before the event at www.desirainbow.org/lgbtq-info to receive the meeting link. Link in bio.

🥰 Join us in creating a more affirming world for LGBTQIA+ Desis at desirainbow.org/donate

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desi #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #queer #southasian #family #chosenfamily #acceptance #queerdesi #queersouthasian

🌱 Happy Buddha Jayanti from Desi Rainbow to all LGBTQIA+ community members and families celebrating today!

#LGBTQIA #LGBT #desi #southasian #buddhajayanti #buddhapurnima

Join Desi Rainbow at Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration of the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community, calling for acceptance, inclusion, and equality on Thursday, May 15, in New York! Meet changemakers in South Asian diaspora and join LGBTQIA+ South Asians and allies coming together to support the life-affirming work of Desi Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization serving LGBTQIA+ South Asians and their families.

🧡For information, tickets and to make a donation, visit https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar - link in bio
Details:
🌈A celebration of queer and trans South Asians, benefitting the life saving work of Desi Rainbow, featuring food, drinks, music, dance and spectacular performances in an extraordinarily beautiful venue in the heart of New York!

Hosted by Malai, featuring performances by Sundari, Sikander & Priya!💃🏽🎻
Music by Sri 🎶

📍 One Columbus Circle, NY
📅 Thursday, May 15th, 6:30-10:00 PM
🎟️ https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar

❤️Presenting Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
💜Platinum Sponsor: The Asian American Foundation
💛Gold Sponsor: Goldman Sachs Gives
🤍Silver Sponsors: Nomura, Pretium
🤎Bronze Sponsors: South Asian Impact, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, EXL

#loveislove #pyarispyar #pyar #prema #mohabbat #ishq #desiqueer #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #newyork #dragqueen #lgbtqia #desirainbow #nycnightlife

✊ Desi Rainbow’s Advocacy Group is a team of Desi allies and LGBTQIA+ folks who meet every month to review current issues that impact LGBTQIA+ rights, identify actions and find resources.

🪧On May 8th, join your peers in learning about cybersecurity.

✍🏽 Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/DesiRainbowAdvocacy

🌱 Support Desi Rainbow’s work with a donation: https://www.desirainbow.org/donate

#DesiRainbowAlly #Allyship #Desi #LGBTQIA+ #queer #takeaction #advocacy #translivesmatter #TDOV #protecttranskids #desistandupforallourkids

🌈Join Anu Sehgal for Pyar is Pyar on May 15th in New York City!  Anu is a children’s author and the founder of The Culture Tree, a cultural literacy and language education company that focuses on South Asia. She is also a proud and dedicated ally who uses her skill, time and talent to support the LGBTQIA+ community.   🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefitting the work of Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer and trans joy!

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio

#pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We invite LGBTQIA+ people of South Asian descent to join our virtual Support Group for the LGBTQIA+ community next week! Join us Tuesday, May 6th at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific.

👉 Joining for the first time? You'll need to register at least 2 hours before the event at www.desirainbow.org/lgbtq-info to receive the meeting link.

💟 This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for LGBTQIA+ Desis 18 and older based in North America/on Turtle Island.

🥰 Join us in creating a more affirming world for LGBTQIA+ Desis at desirainbow.org/donate

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desi #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #queer #southasian #family #chosenfamily #acceptance #queerdesi #queersouthasian

❤️ Today, we celebrate Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26 to increase visibility, representation, and support for the Desi lesbian community. This includes nonbinary people and transgender women, as both may identify as lesbians as well ❤️

#lesbianvisibilityweek #lesbianvisibilityday #desilesbian #desiqueer #lgbtqia+ #desirainbow

🎉You’re invited! We’re throwing a big, beautiful celebration by and for the queer and trans South Asian community on May 15 in New York, where you can mingle with some of the most inspiring faces in the South Asian community.  
🌈There will be delicious food, drinks, DJ, dancing, drag, music and amazing views, and an atmosphere of joyful solidarity.   Limited spots left due to venue capacity.   🎟️Get your tickets now at https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar.  Link in bio.  #pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

Join Aruna Rao (she/her), founder of Desi Rainbow, proud Mom to a queer and trans son and even prouder Ally and Aunty to the Desi LGBTQIA+ community at Pyar is Pyar on May 15!   Allies and proud family members are needed more than ever at a time when all our kids and the LGBTQIA+ community is under attack. Your support can save lives.  🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefitting the work of Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer and trans joy!

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio  Can’t make it to NYC on May 15? Buy a ticket or make a donation to bring an LGBTQIA+ community member to the event.  https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio  #pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #priti #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids #proudmom
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🌈Join the amazing Malai for Pyar is Pyar on May 15th in New York City!  Malai is an Indian drag queen who’s name translates in Hindi to ‘cream’. Malai is known for her unique performances that encapsulate ingenious lip-sync performances and stand-up acts. Malai routinely hosts Bollywood drag brunches; and Bollywood dance nights with the queer group Yuva. She is the founder of ‘Queer Brown History’- an online compendium of of archived South-Asian queer histories.   🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefitting the work of Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer and trans joy!

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio

#pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🐣 Happy Easter to to all our vast and varied Desi LGBTQIA+ Christian diaspora and their families who are celebrating renewal today!
🤎 We wish you all a holiday full of affirmation, peace and unconditional love 🧡

#DesiRainbow #DesiChristian #LGBTQIA+ #lgbt #queer #Easter

🌈Join Becky George (she/her) a movement leader focused on violence prevention, civil rights, and justice, for Pyar is Pyar on May 15th in New York City! Becky is a proud Malayalee and born and bred Texan, a proud child of immigrants, a loud and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and even prouder wife and mother!  
🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefitting the work of Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer and trans joy!

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio

#pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🌈Join Sabrina Dhawan (she/her), acclaimed screenwriter for Monsoon Wedding, for a night of everlasting queer and trans ishq on May 15 in New York City!  Sabrina quotes the great Urdu poet Ghalib to celebrate love as resistance.  "One has no power over love, it is that flame, to wit,
Which neither can be set alight, nor extinguished once lit"   🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefitting the work of Desi Rainbow. Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer and trans joy!   Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar
link in bio

#pyarispyar #loveislove #ishq #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🌈Join Rayman Mathoda (she/her), Desi Rainbow Board Chair, a Sikh-American lesbian, multi-time CEO, social entrepreneur and community activist for an exhuberant celebration of queer Desi love in New York on May 15! 
🎉Pyar is Pyar, a proud celebration on May 15th at One Columbus Circle, New York, is an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefiting the work of Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer & trans joy!  🎟️Tickets: https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar link in bio

#pyarispyar #loveislove #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🌱 Happy Ambedkar Jayanti, Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Pohela Baishak, Puthundu, Vishu from Desi Rainbow to all LGBTQIA+ community members and families celebrating today!
🎉 The traditional New Year in many parts of South Asia is celebrated as a time of renewal. We also celebrate the 135th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and his legacy and contributions.
🌈 We celebrate new beginnings and look forward to a year of intergenerational allyship and growth.

#DesiNewYear #LGBTQIA #LGBT #desi #southasian #Baisakhi #Puthundu, #BohagBihu #AmbedkarJayanti #pohelaboishakh Baishak #PanaSankranti #Vishu #PanaSankranti

Advocates for Trans Equality Education Fund filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on April 10 on behalf of eight organizations that serve LGBTQIA+ Muslims and their families, including Desi Rainbow. The brief is in support of Montgomery County Public Schools’ decision to include LGBTQIA+ inclusive storybooks in elementary language arts classes.

Including LGBTQIA+ affirming storybooks in public school curriculum promotes inclusive education and protects the dignity and rights of all LGBTQIA+ people. Freedom of religion should not be used as an excuse to restrict inclusive educational materials that benefit all students. Granting religious opt-outs would cause direct harm to LGBTQIA+ and Muslim students by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and social stigmas. Desi Rainbow affirms that LGBTQIA+ Muslims are a vital part of our communities and deserve to see themselves reflected in public life – including school curriculum.

#DesisStandUpForAllOurKids

We’re excited to announce that ALOK (they/them) – an internationally acclaimed writer, performer, and speaker - is a host for Pyar is Pyar! Alok’s work and visibility has broken barriers for the trans and non-binary South Asian community.  
Join Alok on May 15th at the Deutsche Bank Center in New York for an evening celebrating the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and benefiting Desi Rainbow! Featuring food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with a huge helping of queer & trans joy! 
https://givebutter.com/PyarIsPyar Ticket link in bio. #pyarispyar #loveislove #pyar #prema #mohabbat #desirainbow #desirainbowally #desisstandupforallourkids
#bollywoodparty #nycnightlife #dj #queer #trans #lgbtq #lgbtqia #instagay #nycgay #nycevent #nyc #newyorkcity #desi #bollywood #newyork #dragqueen #dragrace #lgbtqia

🎬 🍿 Go see 'A Nice Indian Boy' this weekend! 🎬 🍿

The director Roshan Sethi is one of the very few gay Desi men to get an opportunity to direct a mainstream film featuring an almost all Desi cast. He is thoughtful, funny and hugely supportive of Desi Rainbow's mission. The films success in the theaters will determine future opportunities for queer Desi’s like him to make films. We are asking the Desi Rainbow community to support the film and Roshan (who is also a host for our Pyar is Pyar celebration!) by watching the film in theaters this weekend as it opens April 4. Take a picture and tag @desirainbowparents and @aniceindianboyfilm with #pyarispyar!

🎟️ You can find out if it’s playing near you and buy tickets at https://aniceindianboy.com/buy-tickets 🎟️

#aniceindianboy #desigay #desiqueer #pyarispyar #desirainbow #LGBTQIA #LGBT

Join our monthly peer support group on Tuesday, April 8, at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific for Desi parents, siblings, grandparents, and anyone who wants to learn and support their LGBTQIA+ family member(s).

👉If it's your first time joining, you'll need to register at www.desirainbow.org/family-info (linktree)

👉This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for parents and allied family members of LGBTQIA+ South Asians. The group will be led by parents who have navigated their journey of acceptance with their own children. Allied family members at all stages of acceptance - from having just found out about your child's or loved one's identity to having known for years - are welcome to join this safe and nurturing space for families.

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desifamily #desiparents #desigrandparents #desisibling #queer #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #southasian #ally #queerdesi #queersouthasian

🌙 🤲🏼🎁Eid Mubarak from Desi Rainbow to all LGBTQIA+ Muslims and families celebrating Eid al Fitr!
🤎We wish you all a holiday full of affirmation, peace and unconditional love. 🧡

#EidMubarak #Eid #LGBTQIA #LGBT #Queer #Desi

🌱Ugadi habbada shubhashayagalu, Ugādi śubhākāṅkṣalu, Gudi Padwa Nav Varshabhinandan from Desi Rainbow to all LGBTQIA+ community members and families celebrating today! 🎉The traditional New Year in many parts of South Asia is celebrated as a time of renewal. 🤎Desi Rainbow is preparing for a year that will include both joy and sorrow, sweet and bitter in equal measure. 🌈We celebrate new beginnings and look forward to a year of intergenerational allyship and growth.

#DesiNewYear #LGBTQIA #LGBT #allyship #desi #southasian #Ugadi #GudiPadwa

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We invite LGBTQIA+ people of South Asian descent to join our virtual Support Group for the LGBTQIA+ community next week! Join us Tuesday, April 1st at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific.

👉 Joining for the first time? You'll need to register at least 2 hours before the event at www.desirainbow.org/lgbtq-info to receive the meeting link.

💟 This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for LGBTQIA+ Desis 18 and older based in North America/on Turtle Island.

🥰 Join us in creating a more affirming world for LGBTQIA+ Desis at desirainbow.org/donate

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desi #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #queer #southasian #family #chosenfamily #acceptance #queerdesi #queersouthasian

Join our monthly peer support group this Tuesday, March 11th, at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, and 6 p.m. Pacific for Desi parents, siblings, grandparents, and anyone who wants to learn and support their LGBTQIA+ family member(s).

👉If it's your first time joining, you'll need to register at www.desirainbow.org/family-info.

👉This is a monthly 90-minute peer-to-peer support and discussion group that's only for parents and allied family members of LGBTQIA+ South Asians. The group will be led by parents who have navigated their journey of acceptance with their own children. Allied family members at all stages of acceptance - from having just found out about your child's or loved one's identity to having known for years - are welcome to join this safe and nurturing space for families.

#peersupport #supportgroup #community #virtualsupportgroup #desirainbow #desifamily #desiparents #desigrandparents #desisibling #queer #lgbtqia #trans #nonbinary #southasian #ally #queerdesi #queersouthasian

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@desirainbowparents

Promoting Family Acceptance in the Desi Community

"It was a great experience to be able to talk to someone about what has been on my mind and was nice to know that community exists."

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Promoting
Family Acceptance
in the Desi Community