New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Questionable. - Apr 2024
While there’s plenty to do socially, and Delhi expats will accept and welcome you, homosexuality only recently became legal and is definitely not accepted by most Indians. - Jul 2020
The western embassies have a large acceptance of LGBT personnel and I have not heard of any problems. Cross-dressing beggars are common in some parts of the city and they seem to be doing fine. - Jul 2019
Imagine a time warp that sends you back to the year 1963, where gays stayed in the closet and polite people didn't talk about "homosexuality." Now, add a draconian law that allows for broad police power to arrest LGBT individuals for "unnatural sex" and you have the heady brew which is being gay in India as an expat. When I checked into the Embassy with my partner(who is 9 years younger than I am) everyone asked if my son was ready for school. There is an LGBT expat group populated mostly by older dead-eyed gay men in long-distance open relationships, trying desperately to arrange some fleeting liaison before their boyfriends return for a 72 hour stint. - Dec 2017
Not really. India is not supportive of LGBT people in general and I believe homosexuality is technically illegal. Embassy workers do come with same-sex partners, but need to be discreet locally. - Mar 2017
I think this would be a tough place for LGBT expats because of the local culture, especially if you're single. - Feb 2017
Maybe not the best, but not bad? - Nov 2016
Gay life exists, but it is super-underground. Be aware that men holding hands with each other aren't gay in this culture. People are very rough on lesbians. There is a small but supportive gay scene, and they are doing more to win political and civil rights, but this is a conservative culture. - May 2013
Not sure. - Oct 2012
Most people don't judge here. You'll see many young men walking around holding hands. - Sep 2012
from what I've heard, I think there is a decent network for gay men. - Aug 2011
Very closeted culture - Aug 2011
Not great, but getting better. - Sep 2010
Not like a Western city but Delhi has an active gay community and an annual gay parade. Contrary to the last post, our gay friends (including Indians) did not seem to have an issue. - Aug 2010
NO! If the locals know you are gay or lesbian you will be stoned to death. - Aug 2010
There are many gay/lesbian expats living here. - Mar 2008
Male/male physical contact is a very common sight but it's just a show of friendship. With the things I know about India, I would not advise public displays of gay/lesbian affection. - Feb 2008
