Kolkata : Sappho for Equality, a registered organisation working for queer, trans, and non-binary individuals for the past 26 years, will host Rongdhonu Mela, a vibrant Queer-Trans-Disability Flea Market, on 22 and 23 November 2025 at Taltala Ground, Jadavpur (beside EEDF Hospital). The event will be open from 12 noon to 9 pm on both days.
Creating Space for Intersectionally Marginalised Entrepreneurs
Rongdhonu Mela aims to provide a nurturing and inclusive space for queer, transgender, disabled and single-women entrepreneurs, many of whom experienced heavy livelihood losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited family or institutional support and few safe public platforms, these communities continue to battle structural discrimination.
The Mela intends to counter these barriers by offering dignity, visibility, and economic opportunity—recognising the talent, labour, and creativity of marginalised groups.
Wide Participation and Diverse Offerings
This year’s two-day festival will feature:
- 46 entrepreneurs representing queer-trans-disabled and single-women communities
- More than 27 performers from across art and cultural fields
Visitors will find an eclectic range of items, including:
- Apparel and ethnic wear
- Handicrafts and accessories
- Artwork, paintings, photography
- Badges, fridge magnets
- Local and Mughlai delicacies
- Beauty and lifestyle products
- Craft items, diaries, tattoos, and more
Community-Led Enterprises at the Forefront
The event will highlight several community-based organisations, including:
- Metho – Single women’s collective from Sundarbans
- Behala Naba Proyas – Disabled entrepreneurs’ collective
- Sanchar – Collective of disabled entrepreneurs
- Lopchu Peshok Ekal Mahila Sangathan – Single women’s group from Darjeeling
- Azad Foundation – Supporting non-traditional livelihoods for women and trans persons
- Black Eagle Binders – Queer-trans collective
MSME units run by queer-trans-disabled entrepreneurs will also participate, showcasing brands such as Queer Crochet Guy, Crafts with Manisha, Q-Wear, Shirto & Teaography, Kurush Kari, The Cakers Lane, Liv Queer, Abigsoftee, Biriyani Bugs, Dark Canvas (Tattoo), Jewels in My DNA, and many others.
A Rich Line-up of Performances
Rongdhonu Mela will host a variety of performances across genres:
- Lopamudra Mitra – Performance on 22 November
- Wild Wild Women – All-female hip-hop collective, performing on 23 November
- Adamya – Transmasculine music band opening on 23 November at 5 pm
- Alor Opera – Community music band performing on 22 November
- Naaz – Drag performance on 23 November
Other artists lighting up the stage include Monami Nandy (Odissi), Sangram Mukhopadhyay (Contemporary Dance), Jhelum Gupta (Stand-up Comedy), Tushar Roy (Belly Dance), Manjima & Mehboob (Dancers), Shreya Acharya & Kingshuk Batabyal (Classical Dance), Abby (Singer), and many more.
A Call for Solidarity and Inclusion
Sappho for Equality has urged the public to visit the Mela and support marginalised entrepreneurs whose work often goes unseen. The organisation stated that Rongdhonu Mela is an extension of its long-term efforts in economic justice, violence reduction, legal empowerment and rights-based advocacy for queer and trans communities.
