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DIRECTORY A–Z
as well as offering support and advice. Gay Delhi (gaydelhi -subscribe@yahoogroups.com) Send a blank email to join and tap into the capital’s gay scene. Indian Dost (www.indian dost.com/gay.php) News and information including contact groups in India. Indja Pink (www.indjapink. co.in) India’s first ‘gay travel boutique’ founded by a well-known Indian fashion designer. A number of Indian cities have support groups, including the following:
Bengaluru
Good As You (www.good asyou.in) Support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. It’s part of the NGO Swabhava, which works for the LGBT community and operates the Sahaya Helpline (%08022230959). Sangama (www.sangama.org) Deals with crisis intervention and provides a community outreach service for gay and bisexual men and women, transgenders and hijras (transvestites and eunuchs).
Chennai
Shakti Center (%04445587071; www.shakticenter. org) A collective of LGBT activists and artists, which holds workshops, exhibitions and other activities.
Delhi
Nigah (http://nigahdelhi. blogspot.com) Autonomous collective that holds monthly queer events and organises the annual Nigah Queerfest (www.thequeerfest.com).
Kolkata
Counsel Club (counsel club93@hotmail.com) Support group for gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals, and arranges monthly meetings. The affiliated Palm
Avenue Integration Society offers health advice. Sappho (www.sapphokolkata. org) Operates as a support group for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.
Mumbai
Humsafar Trust (%02226673800; www.humsafar.org) Runs gay and transgender support groups and advocacy programs. The drop-in centre in Santa Cruz East hosts workshops and has a library – pick up a copy of the pioneering gay-andlesbian magazine Bombay Dost. It’s also one of the venues for ‘Sunday High’, a monthly screening of queerinterest films.
least third-party insurance; see p1184. » Check in advance whether your insurance policy will pay doctors and hospitals directly or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditure (keep all documentation for your claim). » It’s crucial to get a police report in India if you’ve had anything stolen; insurance companies may refuse to reimburse you without one. » Worldwide travel insurance is available at www.lonely planet.com/travel_services. You can buy, extend and claim online anytime – even if you’re already on the road.
Internet Access Insurance » Comprehensive travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems (as well as air evacuation) is strongly recommended; also see the Health chapter. » Some policies specifically exclude potentially dangerous activities such as scuba diving, skiing, motorcycling, paragliding and even trekking: read the fine print. » Some trekking agents may only accept customers who have cover for emergency helicopter evacuation. » If you plan to hire a motorcycle in India, make sure the rental policy includes at
Internet cafes are widespread and connections are usually reasonably fast, except in more remote areas. Wireless (wi-fi) access is available in an increasing number of hotels and some coffee shops in larger cities. In this book, hotels offering internet access are marked by i.
Practicalities
» Internet charges vary regionally (see regional chapters); charges fall anywhere between ₹15 and ₹90 per hour and often with a 15- to 30-minute minimum. » Power cuts are not uncommon; avoid losing your email
LEGAL AGE » Age of Majority 18 » Buying Alcohol 18 to 25 depending on state (25 in Delhi) » Driving 18 » Sexual Consent 16 heterosexual sex, 18 homosexual sex » Voting 18 Travellers should note that they can be prosecuted under the law of their home country regarding age of consent, even when abroad.