In this episode, we sit with Vinay Jobanputra, the founder of Bollyqueer, London’s first fully gender non-conforming Bollywood dance company. They discuss the origins of Bollyqueer, the intention behind creating inclusive dance spaces, and the balance between loving Bollywood films and holding the industry accountable. Vinay reflects on his early experiences with dance, navigating gender norms, and the small, thoughtful decisions that shape every Bollyqueer dance class. This conversation explores what it means to build community, make room for self-expression, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, express and be, exactly in the way they want to.(00:00) Introduction(00:55) What is Bollyqueer?(02:57) How to be more inclusive as an attendee of dance classes?(04:55) Should inclusivity of all genders be the norm across all dance classes?(07:10) Dismantling gender norms in Bollywood(09:15) I do love Bollywood but you have to hold it to account(11:59) The evolution of the students of Bollyqueer(15:30) Vinay’s childhood experiences as a dancer(19:10) Finally feeling empowered with dance in lockdown(21:55) Dismantling the gender binary in Bollywood companies(22:45) The realisation that 'Maybe I should teach?'(24:12) How to not stereotype based on gender in dance class(28:58) Taking Bollyqueer international(31:08) In India there was a lack of queer sober spaces(38:05) Queer joy, community and letting mistakes happen(40:45) Is Bollyqueer performing on stage going to affect self expression?Find Vinay and Bollyqueer on: Bollyqueer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/Vinay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/Follow BGS on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngamestrong/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@browngamestrong/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KRk9vQUP0Rqh9GDMkr4RHApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brown-game-strong/id1482564133To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!