Thursday, June 15, saw loads of people flocking to Park Street, walking towards the giant red and golden Trincas sign, and then walking past it into another space tucked behind its flashier counterpart. Tavern by Trincas hosted the first ever Pink Social Thursday, and the city’s queer community and allies owned the space, taking pride in their identity.
Organised by Kolkata Pride and Pink Party Kolkata, the evening was a love letter to inclusivity, providing people a non-judgemental space to enjoy themselves and drive mid-week blues away. There was a focus on ensuring comfort — allowing people to party without feeling overwhelmed.
(L-R) Nil and his friend Tathagata Bhattacharya brought the mic to life with their rendition of Badi Mushkil Hai. ‘I had an amazing experience at the Tavern, with delicious food, a warm ambience and delightful entertainment. The various impromptu performances were breathtaking and it was a beautiful evening,’ said Bhattacharya, who is an assistant professor at Auburn University in Montgomery, USA
“These Pink Social Thursdays Tavern by Trincas have the potential to become a melting pot of the city’s LGBTQIA+ culture, where people will sing, read, hangout or even debate on their next steps for us to take on the fight for equality,” said Nil, one of the co-founders of Pink Party Kolkata, and a volunteer of Kolkata Pride.
The team from Kolkata Pride were all smiles after putting together a successful event. “I was delighted to see so many queer, trans and non-binary folks find a nice space to bond, interact and have fun. We, at Kolkata Pride, want more people to come and enjoy the vibe together, so that Pink Social Thursdays becomes a larger phenomenon,” said (first from left) Bhaskar Das, a neuro-psychiatrist
While June 15 was just the inaugural edition, Pink Social Thursdays will be a weekly celebration from now, bringing the LGBTQIA+ community together with some great karaoke and adda, and the occasional game of darts. For tipple enthusiasts, a 2:1 offer on drinks is another exciting draw. The motto is to allow people to bond in a queer-friendly space without loud music or flashy lights, every Thursday from 5pm to 10.30pm. The best part? The event has no entry fee and is open to everyone!
However, patrons are welcome to donate for the Kolkata Pride Month celebrations being planned in November through a locked box at the venue.
This group clinked glasses after availing the 2:1 offer on drinks
Nil reflected on what the event represents about the community’s progress in the city. “It’s been 12 years since we started Pink Party Kolkata as a protest to find our own inclusive social spaces and it’s been more than 24 years since the first pride walk of South Asia took place in this city. We walked through Park Street last year, and this year we’re already debating on same sex marriage. It goes to show how small steps can lead to big dreams. This is the beginning of something new,” he signed off.
