If you’ve seen The White Lotus Season 2, you would know exactly what I will talk about. “These Gays, They’re Trying to Murder Me!” The iconic line, delivered by Tanya, played by the gay icon Jennifer Coolidge, who killed it with her signature blend of bewildered panic and utter conviction in The White Lotus Season 2, echoed across screens and instantly cemented herself in pop culture history. In a moment of pure comedic genius, Jennifer Coolidge delivered that line with such utter conviction that it became an instant meme.

While her Sicilian adventure involved a potential murder plot orchestrated by a group of, shall we say, unfriendly gays, my experiences traveling with my gay friends have been decidedly less… dramatic. They’ve been the absolute opposite. Forget paranoia and potential peril; think laughter, unforgettable memories, and a level of fabulousness that elevates any trip from “good” to “legendary”. This story will take you on a journey far removed from The White Lotus – a journey into the sheer, unadulterated joy of traveling with your gay besties. Spoiler alert: No one gets murdered, but your Instagram feed will be slain.

I have travelled to so many places in India with all these gays! I have been to Goa, Rajasthan & Uttarakhand with them! It’s always vibrant, often loud, an unforgettable adventure woven with shared glances, inside jokes that only make sense to us, and a deep, comforting understanding that transcends cities and cultures. And right now, as I type this, reminiscing about our latest escapade, I realize just how essential these journeys with super gays have become.

Growing up in Mumbai, finding your people isn’t always a straightforward Bollywood movie montage. It’s a gradual process of whispered conversations, online connections, and the exhilarating discovery of kindred spirits. My friends, my chosen family, are the people who truly see me – the layers of my identity, the humor that cracks through my anxieties, the dreams I hold close. And when we travel together, it’s like stepping into a world where those layers aren’t something to navigate, but something to celebrate.

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Travelling with them is also a different kind of adventure! The whole travel planning is a beautiful chaos of shared Pinterest boards overflowing with aesthetic goals, searching through Instagram for the best location for an amazing Instagrammable picture, frantic WhatsApp group chats debating various outfits for a single evening, and my favourite process of choosing the next place to explore the local cuisine. The food is for sure on everyone’s top priority list!  With the crew, it’s a passionate quest for authentic flavors, the spiciest street food, and the most comforting dal chawal in unexpected corners of the world. Our adventure made us try everything from the yummiest dal batti churma in Rajasthan, to Goan fish curry and serradura from Goa, to the Garhwali and the Kumauni cuisines of Uttarakhand!

Another important thing is fashion—this trip had me packing lots of clothes because of peer pressure! I had to spend so much money on clothes which I would rarely wear here in Mumbai. The winter collection is pointless in Mumbai, where we get a proper cold climate for a maximum of 10 days. The summer collection somewhat works, but I still have to pay a fortune for these outfits.

But there is a joy that is much more than these things; there is a sense of comfort which we as gays cannot find with heterosexual people! It’s the comfort of being free and without any judgment. A unique camaraderie blossoms when you’re experiencing new places with people who see the world through a similar, yet wonderfully diverse, lens. There is no judgment, but there is reading involved with this lot! They are going to tell you about your choices regarding the men you pursue, the outfits you wear, and so much more. But the shade comes from the heart. There is no ill will involved. I always feel safe with these people.

And let’s not forget the undeniable fabulousness. My gay friends have an innate ability to elevate any experience. A simple rooftop bar becomes a stylish affair, a scenic vista transforms into a photoshoot worthy of a Bollywood movie, and even a mundane bus journey can erupt into spontaneous singing and laughter. There’s a certain joie de vivre, a confidence in expressing themselves authentically, that is infectious and makes every moment feel a little more vibrant, a little more extra.

There are the inevitable “log kya kahenge?” moments that still linger, even when we’re miles away from home. But navigating these with a supportive group of friends who understand the weight of those words and the freedom of temporarily escaping them creates a powerful bond. We become each other’s safe space, a pocket of acceptance in a world that isn’t always as welcoming.

Ultimately, traveling with the gay squad isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing the world through a lens of shared joy, understanding, and unapologetic authenticity. It’s about creating memories laced with laughter, fueled by fashion, and bound by a love that transcends societal norms. It’s about finding home in the company of those who truly see you, wherever in the world you may roam. And trust me, that kind of travel is pure, unadulterated bliss.