LGBT community rush to Goa beaches to usher-in New Year

With Goa beach parties being a major attraction around New Year, the coastal state has been seeing an increase in visitors from the LGBT community.
"There is something in Goa which makes us feel secure. We can celebrate our new year, the way we want," said a transgender from Pune, who is visiting Goa around the New Year to party with fellow community members.
The coastal belt of Sinquerim-Candolim-Calangute-Baga has the highest number of transgenders gathering.
"Usually when you party, you are not bothered about the gender issues. It's time for fun," one of them said.
The coastal belt has some exclusive parties lined-up for LGBT community members to usher in the new year.

Several LGBT community members have already made Goa their home by picking up odd jobs here.

"I have been here for last couple of years doing some odd jobs. I find this place much friendly to work," said a member of the community, hailing from Bengaluru.
One of them, an engineering graduate, found it hard to get work as per her qualification in Bengaluru due to her gender status, prompting her to shift to Goa.
"We live here in a community. Unlike other cities, we don't find any problem in getting accommodation on rent," she said.