ITANAGAR : AP QueerStation on Sunday organised its ninth Community Meetup in Itanagar to mark Pride Month under the theme “Bring Your Allies.”

The event brought together more than 60 members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with several heterosexual allies, for an afternoon of dialogue, reflection and celebration.

Participants discussed the significance of Pride Month and reflected on the continuing importance of the Pride movement for the LGBTQ+ community. They also commemorated the Stonewall Uprising and paid tribute to pioneers, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, whose contributions advanced the movement for equality and acceptance.

The meetup drew participants from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Roing, Mechuka and Pasighat.

Addressing the gathering, AP QueerStation founder and activist Sawang Wangchha emphasised the importance of safe community spaces for queer and transgender individuals, highlighted the need to prioritise mental health, and shared updates on the amended Transgender Bill, 2026, and its implications for the transgender community.

The event was hosted by community members Mary Siram and Rinea Taba, who underscored the importance of solidarity, collective care and creating spaces where members of the LGBTQ+ community can connect and support one another. They also announced that AP QueerStation would organise more community events in the coming months.

The organisers expressed gratitude to the owners of 2wo Restaurant, Kobyum Zirdo and Tumi Riba, for providing a safe and welcoming venue for the gathering, noting that access to inclusive spaces remains a challenge for the LGBTQ+ community.