KhushDC founders Atul and Yassir met on the streets of New York City in June of 1994 during Stonewall 25th Anniversary celebration. They were surprised to learn that they were both from D.C., and while they spoke at the "Utsav" in New York City, they decided to start a group similar to NYC's SALGA (South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association) when they returned to D.C.

Flyers were posted and an ad the in the "Washington Blade" brought people to the first meeting at "Luna Books." Before "Chutney Friday" and the current social atmosphere, the emerging LGBTQ South Asian group in D.C. met at each other's homes and had small discussion groups. The name "KhushDC" was voted upon and won by a simple majority.

Recent organizational developments in KhushDC include the first ever KhushDC Board retreat in August 2004, followed by the formation of the KhushDC By-Laws and "Policies and Procedures" (ratified on April 17, 2005), an official Membership structure, and KhushDC's first democratic Board Elections on July 31, 2005. November 2005 saw the formation of the KhushDC-Girls group, and the future may see the formation of KhushDC-Youth . . .

Of course, "Chutney Saturdays," KhushDC Potlucks, and "Chat 'N' Chai" Discussion Groups are popular KhushDC Events, but we have also thrown some great parties! These include two hugely successful Pre-Pride Fundraiser Dance Parties -- "Monsoon Night" in May 2004 and "JALWA" in May 2005 -- and the Ten-Year Anniversary "Utsav" in September 2004.

KhushDC also fights for LGBTQ Asian/Pacific Islander visibility, and since 2004, we have been a part of the D.C. "Pride and Heritage" coalition. KhushDC also takes part in D.C. Youth Pride and the D.C. Capital Pride Parade and Festivals, including the first independent KhushDC marching contigent in June 2005.

Please remember that even regularly-scheduled events are subject to change. Please check the KhushDC Events Calendar for specific details regarding any event. Suggestions for an upcoming event may be directed to the KhushDC Board.

"Chutney Saturday" - This is our signature happy hour event held on the first Saturday of every month.   7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Dinner at a restaurant in the Dupont Circle/ Logan Circle neighborhoods.   9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Drinks at "Titan" (1337 14th Street NW) or "halo" (1435 P Street NW)   11:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. Dancing at "Club Chaos" (1603 17th Street NW) or "Cobalt D.C." (1639 R Street NW) KhushDC-Girls Meetings - KhushDC-Girls Meetings are a place for lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer and questioning South Asian women to discuss issues relevant to their community. Contact Urooj for questions, event venue and to RSVP. KhushDC Community Meetings (formerly called KhushDC Board Meetings) - Upcoming events and current isues are discussed at these planning sessions, which are open to all KhushDC Members and allies. Community Meetings are typically scheduled for the first Saturday of every month. Past Board Meetings have been held at "Steam Café" (1700 17th Street NW), "Dos Gringos Café" (3116 Mount Pleasant Street NW) and "Sparky's Expresso Café" (1720 14th Street NW), or a Board Member's house. "Chat 'N' Chai" Discussion Groups - Often held in KhushDC Vice-President Daniel's Board Room or hosted by a KhushDC Member, past topics of "Chat 'N' Chai" discussion groups have included coming out, South Asian gender identity and expression, sex and relationships, and gay marriage. These Discussion Groups may also follow a movie screening, with light refreshments to be provided by the KhushDC Board. KhushDC Potlucks - Everyone loves food, and these events are where this love is shared! KhushDC Potlucks are hosted by a KhushDC Member, and the food you bring will be determined by a rotating cycle corresponding with the first letter of your last name. Can't cook? KhushDC Members pay $5 and non-members pay $10. Wear your South Asian attire with pride and don't forget to bring your favorite music!

"Spicy Asian Crunch" - This monthly event held at "halo" (1435 P Street NW) is a mixer for D.C.'s LGBTQ Asian/Pacific Islander community: AQUA, APIQS, KhushDC, and A:Y. Get together with old friends or meet new ones! Buy the first drink, receive the second drink for free. (You have until 10:00 p.m. to receive your free drink.) This event takes place on the first Tuesday of the month. "Pride and Heritage" - May is Asian/Pacific Islander Cultural Heritage month, and the D.C. LGBTQ Asian/Pacific Islander community adds pride into the mix. Under the coordination of DC-MAPS, AQUA, APIQS, KhushDC, and A:Y host a month-long series of events celebrating A/PI Pride and Heritage. D.C. Capital Pride - June is Pride month, and we like to celebrate like everyone else! KhushDC marches in the D.C. Capital Pride Parade and sets up a booth at the Pride Street Festival the next day. Once again, you will see us side-by-side with DC-MAPS and the other D.C. LGBTQ Asian/Pacific Islander groups. (By the way, don't forget to stop by the KhushDC Booth at Youth Pride in April!) "Reel Affirmations" Film Festival - In the past, KhushDC has been a community sponsor for South Asian and Southeast Asian-themed movies at the "Reel Affirmations" GLBT Film Festival, organized by "One in Ten." Films sponsored by KhushDC have included "Iron Ladies," "Mango Souffle" and "Sancharram [The Journey]." For more information, visit http://www.reelaffirmations.org