Kolkata - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This is a hard question to answer. There is a very large and notorious transgender street beggar group who are tolerated in Kolkata that wait at stop lights and beg for money. There are several articles online if you interested in reading about it. On the whole, I feel like this is not the best place for openly LGBT people. This is a conservative part of the country with one of the largest muslim populations in India. I have not heard of people getting targeted, but you also don’t hear there being very many LGBT people here (besides the aforementioned transgender street beggars). Not sure if this is the best place to be Out. - Aug 2021
There are LGBT groups but noting else to offer here. - Dec 2020
Probably. Locals in Bengal appear tolerant to LGBT lifestyles. - Sep 2015
I don't think it's bad, but I wouldn't know for sure. - Jun 2009
Not sure, but I would say it's not prohibitive. We had one gay couple here who seemed to do quite well with no issues. - Mar 2009
If you're in a relationship, it could be ok. Many people here seem relatively tolerant. However, if you're looking to date, I would recommend Mumbai or Delhi (for some of the reasons mentioned above). - May 2008
