Atul Garg and Yassir Islam founded KhushDC in 1994 to mirror New York City’s South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association, but don’t call their organization unoriginal. Today, it’s the only major organization that unites D.C.’s South Asian LGBTQ community under one banner. Through events like potluck dinners, “Chutney Saturdays,” and “Chat ‘N’ Chai” discussion groups, KhushDC’s members have an outlet to celebrate both their South Asian heritage as well as their sexuality, even as many South Asian governments discriminate against—even imprison—their gay citizens. The organization also fights for LGBTQ Asian/Pacific Islander visibility by taking part in D.C.’s Pride and Heritage coalition, and participating in the D.C. Youth Pride and the D.C. Capital Pride parade and festivals. July 12 marks the 20th anniversary of KhushDC’s annual gala, making the organization one of the oldest U.S. support groups for LGBTQ South Asians in the country.