Jewellery for the queer

After a special online bookshop that stocks queer reads, an exclusive gay travel boutique and stores that stock accessories for homosexuals, it is a Kolkata-based jewellery brand that has launched a line for the LGBT community.

After a special online bookshop that stocks queer reads, an exclusive gay travel boutique and stores that stock accessories for homosexuals, it is a Kolkata-based jewellery brand that has launched a line for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community. Called ‘Freedom,’ the range was unveiled on July 2, the day that marked the first anniversary of the Delhi High Court’s landmark judgement that decriminalised gay sex.

“The jewellery has rainbow-coloured flags enameled on them. We also have a pendant designed in the shape of Greek alphabet Lambda, a symbol of gay rights,” says Brinda Sirkar of Gold Factory, the store behind the line. The silver items cost between Rs 500 and 1,850. Sirkar gets 7-8 inquiries daily.

International websites such as

loveandpride.com

,

prideid.com

,

rainbowstore.com

, and

overtherainbowshop.com

also offer gay jewellery.

Investing in the pink rupee (a term used for purchasing power of the gay community) has become a hot new business trend. “Initially, we would just get foreigners, but Indians have started exploring these services after their newfound freedom,” explains Sanjay Malhotra, founder of Indjapink, a gay travel boutique.

“Entrepreneurs recognising our existence is a progressive step,” says Arjun Saxena, a software engineer and member of the gay community.