“For the past five years, I’ve been working alongside the Mobbera Foundation and the Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) on an initiative aimed at raising awareness about AIDS and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in public spaces. This campaign is vital because understanding safe sex practices, including the importance of using condoms, can make a significant difference in public health. This year alone, we’ve reached over 6,000 people and performed at more than 20 public places, including bus stands, railway stations like Kacheguda and Begumpet, all metro stations, the zoo park, and malls. We’re continually looking to expand our reach.

Our team consists of 12 performers, with me handling the drag aspect while the others perform flash mobs. During these events, we also raise slogans and share important messages about HIV awareness. I truly believe we are making a positive difference by engaging with the community directly.

It’s crucial for anyone who is sexually active to get tested regularly and practice safe sex. That’s the core message we want to deliver through our performances. By targeting public spaces, we aim to educate people where they are, breaking the stigma surrounding these discussions.

My personal agenda in this campaign is to raise awareness about drag as an art form and make it accessible to everyone. Through this initiative, I’ve been given the opportunity to educate people not just about HIV but also about the beauty and significance of drag culture. We are reaching a diverse audience, including government officials, which makes this program even more important.

Mobbera is planning several more flash mobs across Hyderabad until the end of October, with Sandipan Kushray leading the initiative. I’m excited to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing our work in transforming public health awareness through art and performance.”

• Patruni Chidananda Sastry, Drag Artist from Hyderabad