Fiturr will host the first edition of ‘Pride Carnival: Met Gala Edition’ on June 28 at its Anjuna venue, with queer artists, community members and allies taking part in performances, a fashion showcase, and entertainment programmes.
Founder of Fiturr, Anshuman Sharma, says the idea came from observing how members of the LGBTQIA+ community often marked Pride within smaller circles or private spaces. “Those spaces are important but we wanted to create an open setting where people could come together and celebrate without barriers.”
The Met Gala-inspired theme will use fashion as a medium of self-expression, with participants showcasing their individuality through their looks. “We wanted participants to see fashion as more than just an outfit. It can represent their identity and the stories they want to tell,” says Sharma.
The programme includes a drag performance by Tyra, a Pride fashion show, belly dance performances, live music, DJ sets, games and interactive activities. Emcee Sethu, popularly known as Bridge, will host the evening. DJ Colette D’Souza has assisted with curating and coordinating the event.
The fashion show will be judged by Mrs. Confident Goa, Namrata; Nadia Khan from the pageant industry; and entrepreneur, philanthropist and Pride activist, Alaister D’Souza.
Sharma says public stages can help queer artists gain visibility and connect with wider audiences. He says, “When queer artists perform on public stages, it creates representation and inspires others to participate. It also allows audiences to engage with talent without viewing identity as a limitation.”
“If even a few people leave with more understanding, empathy and acceptance than when they arrived, we’ll consider the event a success,” adds Sharma, who hopes to make this an annual event.
(The event will be held on June 28, 8 p.m. onwards at Fiturr, Beach Road, Anjuna.)
