Bombay Dost was the first gay magazine launched in India in 1990.
Why Memories of Bombay Dost?
I came out (officially) in the 1970s and I assumed gay people could live openly and freely in India. Unofficially, I was living my life with a very supportive family.
In 1989, I attended the 5th International AIDS Conference in Montreal, where I realised the potential horror of the impact of HIV/AIDS on Indian gay men. Determined to do ‘something’ about it, I relied on my journalistic skills to reach out to gay men. In 1990 Suhail Abbasi and I put together the first issue of Bombay Dost.
I am now 76 years old. As part of archiving my works, I am reflecting on the journey of Bombay Dost – I invite your memories of Bombay Dost as part of archiving my memories.
How do you remember Bombay Dost?
Day/Date/Time
When did you pick up a copy? How old were you?
The situation
Where were you? What was the ambience? Who was around you?
Emotions/Mood
What was these moments like for you?
Why?
Why was this moment important for you? What happened afterward?
Community Engagement
Do you remember picking up a copy of Bombay Dost for the first time in your life? Tell us all about it.
Do you want to remain anonymous? We understand! Please mention this in the submission form. Thank you!
Our Team
Shobhna S Kumar
Publisher
Ishita Shah
Curator | Researcher | Consulting Archivist