April 2010 September 2009
yah
The Queer Chronicle
TQC
| Pune
Editorial
TQC
September 2009
Can you help TQC touch even more lives? TQC started out in September 2009 with
I believe now is the time to spread the
a modest readership of about 250.
word and make a difference to even
8 issues later, TQC’s readership has
more lives.
crossed the 4-digit milestone, with
As TQC is 100% non-funded, economics
queer and queer-friendly readers in
does not permit us to spend on
over 20 countries.
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I often receive feedback from readers
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about how relevant these are in today’s
is through our fan page on Facebook.
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that we aim to achieve, we request you
KKeeiitthh
what ‘being queer’ really means, has
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I can confidently say that we are touching
lives
and
we
remain
The editor
committed to making a difference.
Cover: Artwork © Syed Ali Arif The TQC Team Editor & publisher: Keith. Columnists: Amey Kolhe, ‘Fleeting Sunshine’, Jaideep Bhide, Piloo, Pulkit Sharma, Ranjeet, Ruby, Tushar Tayal, Yuv. Layout concept, design & production: Keith. TQC (The Queer Chronicle) is a monthly e-magazine published for and by the queer community in Pune. This e-zine is a non-commercial publication, is not for sale and is exclusively for private distribution. Views expressed are solely the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial team of TQC, nor its affiliates. The content of this e-zine may not be suitable for all audiences. www.facebook.com/tqc.india www.planetromeo.com/tqc_india TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
In this issue
01 02 03 04 06 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13
Feature Story: Straight “I” for the Queer A Queer View: 5 reasons why you should marry a lesbian! Page 3 A Queer View: Legal to Love Art & Soul: Featured artist – Prakash Mohanty Art & Soul: ‘Na Yeti Uttare’ – a play in Marathi & English Movie Classics: C.R.A.Z.Y. Queer Biz Review: ‘Bangalore Rooms’ Health: Ask Doctor Tushar Leisure: Life & Tarot Readers’ Corner Reflections: I am YOU Classi-prides: Queer resources & businesses in Pune The Queer Chronicle
bra strap showing? Was he checking me out or hitting on me? And without worrying about “where is this going”
Feature Story
September Worrying about how I looked. Was my 2009
and “what do we mean” or anything like that! As they say about flirting, it is never a bad time to make someone feel good. It was pretty refreshing and liberating - the companionship and Piloo (L) & Ruby (R)
Straight “I” for the Queer
generalized mutual respect. For those people out there who have preconceived apprehensions or mind-
BY PILOO & RUBY
sets of hanging out with the queer, all
Sun, sand, sea, surf …. the four words
trends in make-up, fashion accessories,
we have to say is that its great; it’s time
seldom fall short of mystifying and
art and basically all things pretty, unlike
to embrace and accept the best in each
always bring forlorn looks of longing in
the you-know-whos ….
other.
everybody’s eyes.
These folks definitely steal the thunder
experiences
To these four magical words add the
when it comes to tantrums, fussing
beliefs and ideologies, embracing life in
fifth – ‘GOA’ and the longing is filled
about and generally doing a great job of
all its wondrous glory is something one
with a different energy - the energy of
minding other people’s business.
should not miss out on.
lethargy. To someone unfamiliar with
Most folks seem to think that women
This was our first experience of being
Goa,
were worrisome, constantly fretting and
with the queer for an extended period
unfathomable oxymoron.
prone to paranoia very like poor Mrs.
of time.
Well to cut a long story short, these two
Benette of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ fame,
their own fight! I wish all of us win our
very single and ready to mingle gals
but let me enlighten the readers that
fight and stand up for simply what we
decided to take off one weekend in
these fade in comparison to the
want. It is a radical act to create
January to wondrous Goa, and that too
‘Paranoid Parvatis’ of the queer world.
anything that’s unconventional. It is a
accompanied by three very eligible
Reflecting on this aspect I am seriously
radical act to love yourself in a society
bachelors. Now before your mind starts
wondering why Ekta Kapoor has not yet
that says you shouldn’t because of any
running away before you, it’s time for a
introduced a queer character into her
number
reality check!! The equation actually
Saas-Bahu drama.
characteristics.
reads two straight gals and three ‘not so
After all the tongue in cheek, on a more
choose a career that is different than
straight’ guys … so now you get it! The
serious note, the comfort shared was
the typical 9 to 5. It is a radical act to
situation was quite similar to the
immense. The ‘no agendas’ relationship
send
famous
had
care,
compliments on them. For the maverick
everywhere but not a drop to drink’, so
compassion and mutual respect that
in us, Goa and the Queer was a radical
us poor muggles, were in for something
was very relaxing and reassuring. It was
mix of loads of magical love and
quite hmmm different.
like having all the space in the world still
celebratory moments.
One must admit here that hanging out
there
cared,
So if you’re having trouble escaping the
with queer guys is a refreshing change;
provided the necessary security and
cult of societal norms which you do not
the benefits are immense – you are
generally made you feel good about
understand, stop and figure out how
both ogling at the same eye candy, they
yourself and everything around you.
you can put a little more love in the
are completely updated and like in this
Dates, Not Dating. The gist is, hey, it
world
case some even more so in the latest
was like being on a date without
humanity.
April 2010
this
is
understandably
words,
‘water,
an
water
the
was
right
amounts
someone
of
who
Let’s
not
shy
because
away of
from
misplaced
Kudos to them for winning
of
your
and
your
inalienable
It’s a radical act to
friends
celebrate
cards
with
diversity
in 1
A Queer View 2
5 reasons why you should marry a lesbian! (A satirical point of view)
September 2009
BY ‘FLEETING SUNSHINE’ Get real. We ain’t gonna have gay
thing) that it's gonna be an ‘open
eclipse in your dating calendar. Dykes
marriages in India anytime soon. 377
marriage’. So, there is hardly any
spend inordinately long times talking,
took full seven years to get repealed;
question of being upset about your
give cards and gifts and in general, do
sorry, amended.
partner screwing behind your back -
everything you'd want your boyfriend
So going by the odds, we gay mortals
someone else’s, that is. You might even
to, off bed.
need to accept this fact and make do
be able to use her as a bait to get that
with the next best thing - our female
straight hottie next door into your bed.
Gays are girlish. Lesbians are 4 boyish. So there's a chance that both of
counterparts, the dykes.
Twisted thought, yes, but (a) Yes,
you may find each other attractive in a
Here are 5 fabulous reasons why you
straights are that stupid. (b) She's only
queer(?) way, and end up having ...
SHOULD marry a lesbian:
bait. The fish ain’t gonna touch that fly;
umm ... children! Children are cute. And
You need work on Sunday 1 afternoons. The house is never gonna
only yours. And, (c) you can also show
even if you are blessed with an alien,
your gratitude by bringing home a hot
your mom will be happy.
get dirty if there are only gay people in
chick home once in a while ;)
it. The dykes are a perfect compliment. What a boring life it would be to live
If you manage to find a place in her 3 heart, even as a friend, hold on.
with someone just like you! You gotta
Wouldn't that have happened already
family is happy in the end. Everyone
have diversity; not just at the workplace
before you take your tailor-made
carries white lies behind the black suits.
but right in your home too.
marriage vows? You're just gonna love
Nobody has to reveal the true story, for
Now the best part. It's going to be 2 implicitly obvious (yes, there is such a
the attention she will give you. That's
the greater good, until the time is ripe.
going to be of big help when there's an
Do we hear wedding bells? ☺
Marrying a lesbian will turn your 5 life into a Karan Johar movie. Complicated, yes; but everyone in the
The Queer Chronicle
Page 3
September 2009
‘Birds of a Feather’ Q-Party IV, Pune | Photo Credits: Jimmy
A Queer View 4
Legal to Love
BY YUV
For majority of the non-gay population
social change or simply of expression. A
in India, gay people are like ‘Asafoetida’.
film
It’s a well known spice their curries
responsibility of striking a perfect
can’t do without but which needs to be
balance between the box office and the
sealed in an air tight container and kept
ethos he/she is directly or indirectly
far away from their drawing rooms
playing out in the societal influx. One
because of its queer smell.
earlier such character that people
Whether or not the Delhi HC’s hearing
remember
in the Naz Foundation case will have an
Anupam Kher in Dulhan Hum Le
impact on the way homosexuals are
Jayenge. An unclassified category then,
portrayed in films and television is as
now all such characters are termed gay
big a question as whether or not the
without realizing the differences that
‘moral & culture police’ will ever sport
exists within the variegated community.
the pink chaddis gifted to them on
The critically acclaimed film Page 3 was
Valentine’s day.
beautifully crafted and showed the lead
Speaking about films, the ‘mother of all
actress being cheated on by her
arts’- the trend of documentary style
boyfriend who is gay. The recent Life in
film making is back. Current hot topics
a Metro took up the same ‘cause’. The
mostly become the theme and if not
difference? Here the boy isn’t bisexual
they make surely make cameos in the
but does it for his parents sake. Hmm,
films. Somehow homosexuality seems
nobody can deny that these things do
to be the flavor of the season. So much
happen. If I do not make things milder,
so that our traditional ‘Hindi film
they are actually the cases in majority.
industry’
the
Films inspire people and vice a versa.
conventional to include themes on it. If I
These flicks must be showing the
am not wrong in assuming most of the
directors’
gay community would have enjoyed the
experience in and around. Interestingly,
‘sense of mention’ as we generally do
homosexuality
for our states, languages or cultures.
Bhandarkar’s favorite topic. I also
But somewhere there is deep rooted
wonder why poor Konkana every time?!
phobia with gay
characters (read
A real mockery of homosexuality was
homos) in the minds which makes itself
seen in Kya kool hain hum & Kal ho na
evident on the screen periodically.
ho but they got away with something
Let us go retrospective. A recent film
called ‘sense of humor’. The later can
shows John Abraham & Abhishek
still be given a benefit of doubt but I
Bachchan as a gay couple only to
wonder how the first one, with its
ridicule the gay traits and strengthen
dialogues that leave a bad taste in
the already existing stereotypes like
mouth, could be forgotten by the
Abhishek
feminine
saviors of culture and religion. But the
gestures. It is needless to mention that
real issue of protest is somewhere deep
films always work in the ambit of
rooted.
stereotypes but it is also true that they
Let me mention, has it been forgotten
are one of the most potent tools of
by the common man that the hullabaloo
also
taking
goes
on
beyond
the
maker
naturally
clearly
or
has
was
the
played
September 2009
the
by
scriptwriters’
remains
Madhur
The Queer Chronicle
laughed at, lesbian acts on the September silver 2009
Deepa Mehta’s Fire was more about the
screen are cherished. Basic Instinct and
lead characters being called Radha and
American Pie for example. I thought it
Sita and less about homosexuality itself.
was ‘normal’ to see a man and woman
It then becomes crystal clear that Fire
making love. Then? Oh, they say a
came under a deep fanaticism only
mindset is reflected in films. But isn’t
because it was a simultaneously a bitter
America an equal and just society?
and feminist take on religion, more than
Specious issue!
same sex love. Mehta goes into
Different still are the films in which the
intercuts of how the ‘karwa chauth’ fast
issue is handled with care, sensitivity &
started and intelligently cuts into the
research. The most recent & popular
present where the leading ladies are
one is The Brokeback Mountain directed
neglected by their husbands either for
by Ang Lee. The brilliance with which
other women or under the influence of
the film handles the gay theme is
‘religious gurus’ teaching abstinence
praiseworthy. Though the film is a very
from
was
‘Hollywood formula’ take on a love
something unprecedented that the
story, it doesn’t nonetheless shy away
chauvinist and ‘sanatan’ parivar could
from showing an onscreen kiss between
not take and the excuse sought was the
two men. But mere classics whether
love affair shown between two women.
queer or not, are actually foreign
Of everything gay that has struck Indian
language films.
screens ever, Mehta’s Fire is the most
Bad Education by the famous & award
memorable. It was cinematic, bold, & a
winning
poignant tale of love & desires. Even the
Almodovar and Happy Together in
better acclaimed film maker Mira Nair
Chinese by Wong Kar Wai are few that
couldn’t catch this poignancy in her
can be mentioned. In Hindi, it was the
Kama Sutra-The tale of love. Fire spoke
recent Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd that
and spoke so boldly that the legs of all
should be praised for its subtlety.
the chairs from Nagpur’s Reshambagh
Though My Brother Nikhil handled the
to Delhi’s 24, Akbar Road were shaken
theme very boldly there was a certain
to the core. For the first time after the
air of discomfort in handling the scenes
new wave of the 70s-80s, a film had
when the two guys come together.
shown what cinema was capable of
Bad Education is a vivacious take on a
doing.
cross dresser’s life. Almodovar, himself
Talking about homophobia, arousing
an openly queer, gives a certain edge to
attention, are actually Hollywood flicks
his
coming from so called ‘liberal &
different from the caged or rebel
modernized’
Trip,
characters of film makers of the ‘New
Beauty,
Queer Cinema’ like Todd Haynes, Derek
Wedding Crashers, to mention a few.
Jarman, Greg Araki et al; Almodovar’s
The Shawshank Redemption again goes
gay characters are already liberated and
in the category of ‘things that happen’.
roam around the space of the film, just
Contrary,
doing the usual.
one’s
American
own
wife.
This
America - Euro Pie,
American
thought
provoking
and
noteworthy is that where gay men are April 2010
A Queer View
created by the Sena and Sangh during
Spanish
homosexual
director
characters.
Pedro
Much
Continued on Page 11 5
Art & Soul
Art & Soul
COMPILED BY KEITH September 2009
TQC is committed to encouraging and promoting the creativity of queer & queer-friendly talent. Prakash Mohanty, the featured artist, has pledged that 15% of the proceeds on sale of this artworks through TQC, would be donated to ‘Voices Against 377’ (voicesagainst377.org), a coalition of NGOs and progressive groups working together as a united voice to fight against Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code. If you would like to purchase this work of art and would like to connect with the artist, please send an email to TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com, mentioning the artwork code in the subject line.
Title: “COMING OUT” Artwork Code: TQC-0005 Artist name: Prakash Mohanty Medium: Digital Art Poster Style: Figurative
The published image is copyright of the featured artist.
Size: 30 inches x 18 inches Mounting: Unframed Price for the art: Indian Rupees 7,000/Year: 2009
‘Na Yetee Uttare’
REVIEW BY RANJEET their families and society.
Event at a glance
Although the play may not offer any
Venue: Sudarshan Rangmanch, Pune
novel facts about the whole mysticism
Date & Time: April 4, 2010 at 11:00 am
of being gay (for people who are well
April 14, 2010 & April 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm
read, and are sure about who they are),
Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
it certainly makes a firm yet gentle
Tickets: Rs 50/-
statement.
Writer & Director: Pramod Kale
The play is a must-watch for everyone
Artists: Harshad Rajpathak and Mandar
Ashutosh and Ranjeet are students in
who is gay and who is out, planning to
Kulkarni
the same college. Ranjeet is gay and has
come out, closeted, planning to get
Music: Akshay Kulkarni
accepted his sexuality. He is out to his
married, already married. AND their
Set: Sachin Bhilare
family and some people close to him.
friends,
Lights: Apoorv Sathe
On the other hand, Ashutosh’s mind is
brothers, or whomsoever may want a
in chaos. He is in a dilemma about
glimpse into the myths, facts and issues
several things about himself and his
of being gay.
sexual orientation. He is terrified by
The play is usually followed by a
certain experiences. He is unable to
discussion, in which you may/may not
accept the fact that he is gay.
participate, but do watch the play!
mothers,
fathers,
sisters,
Production: Maharashtra Cultural Center
‘Na Yeti Uttare’ is a Marathi-English play
6
that portrays life of two gay young men
For more details, please contact Pramod
as they discover themselves, fall in love
Kale (+91-9850839917) or Shubhangi
and try to answer questions posed by
Damle (+91-9822055421). The Queer Chronicle
Movie Classics
September 2009
REVIEW BY AMEY KOLHE A real family movie, CRAZY charts the
brothers, heralding the movie's tragi-
Predictably enough, everything goes
tricky
gay
comic tone, and foreshadowing two
awry after Zac accidentally smashes his
chiefly
decades of spills, thrills and hard knocks.
father's rare Patsy Cline import - and
concerned with inter-generational ding-
Most all these ensuing scenes will be
especially when he's caught trying on
dongs, wearing its sexuality beneath its
filtered through family life or Zac's
his mother's dresses and pearls. He’s
crushed velvet sleeve. As director Jean-
inner. If his brothers - sporty, rebellious
sent to a psychiatrist after Gervais spies
Marc Vallée stresses, "the theme of the
and egg-headed - share little in common
him apparently making out with another
film is personal acceptance... about the
with their sensitive sibling, their bullish
boy and, succumbing to parental peer-
struggle to express yourself and being
patriarch,
Aznavour-
pressure, he beds his best friend
honest in the moment”.
crooning Gervais (Cote), initially takes a
Michelle (Thompson). He also beats up a
shine to his youngest son, taking him
'gay' stalker in a misplaced display of
(Grondin) 'otherness', his initial entry
out
machismo.
into the world on 25 December 1960
expeditions and attempting to curb his
Offsetting the hardships, temporary
owes more to the horror genre, with the
doting wife's cooing indulgences.
salvation comes in the form of David
emphasis on bloody birthing tables and
Gervais puts his foot down when she
Bowie, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling
foreboding incubators; a beast is born.
buys Zac a doll's pram, determined his
Stones. Trying to find himself, Zac
Furthering the anti-Christ imagery, he's
son won't grow up to be anything less
eventually winds up in Jerusalem, where
also comes furnished with a strange
than a man's man. "I knew very well
he takes a lover (a man this time) and
birthmark on his scalp, which his mother
what a fairy was," says Zac. "I especially
nearly dies in the desert, before
Laurianne (Proulx), with whom he
knew I didn't
one.
returning home to make peace with his
shares a strange psychic bond, believes
“Sometimes I wonder why we pray to a
father, prompted by his offering of a
denotes the gift of healing - a blessing,
long-haired guy who hangs out with a
replacement
"for good or ill".
bunch of guys in robes", grumps papa.
coincidentally found at an Israeli market
Almost immediately, however, he's
Nevertheless, Zac prays to Jesus every
stall.
dropped on his head by his resentful
night to make him less "soft".
Film duration: 2 hours, 9 minutes
trajectory
adolescence,
Emphasizing
April 2010
of
although
Zachary
closeted it's
Beaulieu’s
on
the
secret
Charles
French
fry-guzzling
want to be
Patsy
Cline
LP
he's
The Queer Chronicle 7
Queer Biz Review 8
September 2009
‘Bangalore Rooms’
REVIEW BY KEITH
Whenever I am overseas, the spectrum
Any apprehensions that I may have had
Fairly priced airport transfers, local
of accommodations available to the
about ‘Bangalore Rooms’ immediately
transport and relocation assistance are
queer traveler never ceases to amaze
flew out of the window, when I was led
among the additional services that are
me. Queer owned. Queer operated.
into the tastefully appointed lounge of
on offer.
Queer friendly. Queer safe.
the serviced apartment.
I have always wondered why India did
The apartment comprised a well-sized
not have such options, especially when
lounge, three cozy bedrooms that were
there is an obvious need to unwind and
ensuite, a small but picturesque foliage
‘drop your straight mask’ at the end of a
laden balcony, a dining room and a
long and exhausting day.
kitchen that was equipped for every
mushrooming across India, the owners
A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing
eventuality – from microwave-proof
of ‘Bangalore Rooms’ are pioneers in
PlanetRomeo and I came across an
dishes, to wine glasses and even a
their own right; and it is important for
advertisement
complete dinner service!
us queers to acknowledge and support
‘Bangalore Rooms’. As I had a work trip
Every room had ‘Home Centre by
their business efforts. We hope to see
planned to Bengaluru, curiosity finally
Lifestyle’ written all over it – a treat for
more such queer-safe spaces in every
got the better of me.
any Home Centre aficionado. And most
major city across the country!
A quick visit to their website and I knew
importantly, every room was not just
I HAD to try it out. A phone call and a
‘clean’ … for all the F.R.I.E.N.D.S fans
few efficient minutes later, I received
out here we could call it ‘Monica-clean’!
my room confirmation by email.
Each apartment had a substantial
money: 5/5
The property I stayed at was blissfully
collection of home delivery menus
TQC verdict: “Seriously dude, I am
nestled in one of the by-lanes of the up-
representing every conceivable cuisine,
really trying to find something that I
market locale of Koramangala and a
there is a really nice breakfast included
can find fault with. But I can’t!”
stone’s throw away from the popular
in the tariff and to top it all … free Wi-Fi
Reservations: +91-9535475222.
and eye-candy laden mall ‘Oasis Center’.
internet!
Website: www.bangalore-rooms.com
that
simply
said
Photographs courtesy ‘Bangalore Rooms’
To me, ‘Bangalore Rooms’ represents value for money, coupled with comfort and convenience. And who knows … you just may get ‘lucky’! Although
queer-friendly
bed-and-
breakfast accommodation options are
TQC rating - Queer friendly: 5/5, Location:
5/5,
Ambience:
5/5,
Amenities: 5/5, Service: 5/5, Value for
The Queer Chronicle
September 2009
“I need to maintain the body I have
Egg white
3.5
currently, with the perfect balance of
Tofu (100 gms)
10
energy, fat and proteins. But I
Soybean (1 cup)
28
sometimes indulge in the occasional
Peanuts (½ cup)
19
junk food binge. What should be my
Almonds (½ cup)
15
calorie and protein uptake to maintain
Cheddar cheese (per 100 gms)
25
and what would make me put on?” –
Parmesan cheese (per 100 gms) 35
Ankur, Pune
Yogurt (per cup)
Dr Tushar: Ankur, I’m glad you asked
Coming to fats, avoid butter, ghee;
this question because with the sudden
switch over to olive oil. Have the pre-
advent of modern lifestyles, which is
requisite 8 glasses of water every day.
inclusive of eateries advertising calorie-
Always keep an oatmeal bar/nutribar in
laden
as
your backpack along with a handful of
supermarkets with rows and rows of
peanuts/almonds. Supplement your
health foods, finding the middle path
meals with flavored yogurt (available at
seems a bit difficult.
Dorabjee’s)
We’ll get down to the basics here,
tetrapaks). Have a glassful of Aloe Vera
starting with daily energy (E) and
juice at night for fantastic bowels. It’s
protein (P) requirements.
the season of fruits; have half a
E = Wt(kg)*2.2*15 Kcal/day & P = Wt*
watermelon for dinner with a bowl of
0.6-1gm/day. So a person of 50 kg
chicken / paneer / mushroom /sprouts
weight would require approximately
salad and a glass of mango/chickoo
1650 calories and 30-50 gms of protein
shake.
as daily maintenance. Fat requirement
water/tomato juice instead of your
varies from 50-80 gms/day.
regular cuppa chai. Have roasted
Your protein requirement can be
instead of fried, boiled instead of
adjusted according to the following list:
roasted, steamed instead of boiled and
Food article
best of all raw, you get the idea? Last
delicacies,
as
well
Protein (gms)
Have
13
and
buttermilk
green
tea/
(Amul
coconut
Milk (1 glass)
18
but not the least, don’t forget your
Egg (with yolk)
6
daily multivit capsule, I’d recommend
Paneer (100 gms)
18
Riconia Silver.
Roasted chicken (100 gms)
25
And yes, it’s okay to binge once in a
Beans/chickpeas/lentils
April 2010
Health
Ask Doctor Tushar
while. The fun would be lost otherwise,
(per ½ cup)
8
won’t it?!
Fish/shrimps (per 100 gms)
21
In case you have a health related query
Chapati (1) / Brownbread (1)
3
that you would like answered, email us
Soy milk (1 glass)
6
at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com 9
Leisure
September 2009
Life & Tarot
BY JAIDEEP BHIDE
“I am an MBA living in Mumbai. I have
next 2 to 6 months, so keeps your eyes
rarely forgiven by the aggrieved spouse,
received two job offers, both very
and ears and options open.
and in your case, your wife finds it all
lucrative, both excellent opportunities.
In the long term, you may settle/work
the more inexcusable!
One is in the U.K and the other in
outside
moment,
Very tough phase ahead of you. Your
Bangalore. Which one should I select?”
Bangalore is where you should be
wife is almost certainly headed for
Name: Dev
headed. SPECIAL ADVICE: Big jobs entail
divorce court and will ask for (and
Date of Birth: October 31
bigger responsibilities. You may have to
probably
JB: Hi Dev, a tough choice indeed!
put in longer hours and more pressure.
settlement. In addition, there are bound
Obviously, a career decision needs to be
Be ready to cope with a lot!
to be accusations and mud-slinging
India.
At
the
made carefully as it has far reaching
a
big
financial
which will be painful to bear. Your
consequences and impacts other areas
“My marriage of 6 years is on the
parents are also likely to be dragged
of life as well.
rocks, as my wife has found out that I
into this, so it would be advisable to
In your case, both job offers are really
have been cheating on her…with other
warn them in advance.
good. However, the one in Bangalore
men! What do I do? Is there any
The time to make amends is long gone.
would pay dividend sooner than the one
hope?”
The only thing to do now is to accept,
in
Name: Vishal
endure and then, move on. Easier said
Date of Birth: February 10
than done, but there honestly is nothing
the
U.K.
responsibilities,
Also,
in
terms
contentment
of and
overall growth, the Bangalore job seems
JB:
to offer much more than the other one.
hopeless…and is set to become worse. I
That said, don’t give up on overseas
am guessing that you got married under
opportunities. Keep looking, as the
duress and the fact that you continued
cards
sleeping with men could only mean that
definitely
movement.
indicate
Some
other
a
major
overseas
opening could come your way in the
10
receive)
No
Vishal,
the
situation
is
that is where your natural leanings are. However, infidelity within a marriage is
else that can be done with this situation. Have a question for our Resident Tarot Expert? Email your Name, Date of Birth & Question to thequeerchronicle@gmail.com. The advice of Tarot Cards can help you find a solution to any problem or situation you are facing in Life.
The Queer Chronicle
Here is what we heard from you, on TQC’s March 2010 edition.
“Love the issue! It gets better and better!” – Imran, Pune
Legal to Love – Continued from Page 5
“It’s lovely. Loved the heartfelt one about German Bakery. Thought about the Sunday breakfasts the first time I heard the news break.” – Sachin, Mumbai
Won Kar Wai takes his sizzling lead
“You guys are on fire!! Absolutely love this issue.. starting with the cover! – Nakul, Mumbai “Arif's art gives an entirely different dimension to the e-zine. He's an exceptional artist.” – Sameer, Mumbai
Reader’s Corner
Readers’ Comments
September 2009 At the same time Hong Kong film maker
couple of Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung on an intellectual and philosophical journey to find a certain mysterious waterfall in Argentina. During this process they break up and start over again and again. Where films like Fire & Kaizad Gustad’s Bombay Boys are getting close to seep in the class of the language of New Queer Cinema, films like My Brother Nikhil, though a cliché AIDS story, are
Dear Editor,
“Pune is one of India's largest cities, and has a gay community that's growing both in confidence and visibility. The Queer Chronicle is playing a big part in that, through the magazine itself and its Facebook page. The March 2010 edition contains a vivid and moving article about the deadly terrorist bombing last month, which destroyed a restaurant that was a popular meeting place for the local gay community.” – Tim, Gay Travellers Network “I congratulate the editorial team for the sensitivity displayed in each article and word put out in the magazine. I am not queer, but it still bonds me at a human level.” – Ruby, Mumbai “Thanks to you and your team for keeping up with this every month. I can only imagine the effort it takes to do something like this - especially the layout and graphics. Looking forward to future issues.” – Pratap, Pune “Congratulations for the wonderful job you do! More space for freedom and brotherhood, more space for tolerance and intelligence.” - José, France April 2010
Souvik, Kolkata: “Congratulations for the fabulous work that you are doing. Just read the March 2010 issue and as expected it turned out to be an awesome read. I just had a question. From the nature of the articles that you publish, it seems that theme of the various contents for each issue is planned ahead. So in that case, are all contributions to your e-zine only by invitation to select contributors? Or you do also entertain voluntary contributions on adhoc themes ?” TQC: Thank you for your encouragement, Souvik. TQC is ‘for and by’ the queer community. To keep the content relevant and dynamic, we maintain a healthy balance of regular columnists and guest columnists. We definitely encourage and welcome article contributions from readers. These articles may be sent via email to TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com for assessment by our editorial team. Rahu, Pune: “How can I get this magazine?” TQC: As TQC is only available as an online edition, to receive the links to the ezine, you could opt to join our Fan Page on Facebook (facebook.com/tqc.india) or our guide/club group on Planetromeo (planetromeo.com/tqc_india).
doing their best to get gay stories their rightful place in mainstream cinema. How fast homophobia disappears from the Indian screen then, is as good a question as whether you can be an Indian housewife used to the smell of asafoetida every morning.
Event at a glance Dates: April 22-25, 2010 Host City: Mumbai Venues: To be announced International
:
Movies
Argentina,
Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and USA. More
details
can
be
found
at
www.mumbaiqueerfest.com. Those who would like to volunteer or attend the festival, please write to: kashishmqff@gmail.com 11
Reflections
September 2009
I am YOU - A lament for the differentially preferenced BY PULKIT SHARMA A love-lorn glance, a meaningful touch Condescension and abhorrence, I cannot take it much I was born this way, i chose a different way Then why is it that I am the one with almost nothing to say I am alone at times, I talk to myself too I cry for equality, for my feelings so true Why is it so hard to accept me, make me one of your own Then why those drops of salt, to which now I am much prone You laugh at the eye-liner I put, or the feelings I wish to share, Then for once after introspection, reflect upon the facade you all wear My tight clothes may subject me to mockery, enabling you to play with my mind The Bible says it, but does God ever say to you that it is a sin to love your own kind? I leave you with a tear and a bit too much paint Get an insight into me hear my voice which is now almost faint I am one of you all, just a research never referenced I’m neither gay or straight, I am just differentially preferenced A bird in a cage, you are the feathers to my wings I am the nightingale, you are my voice which sings Leaving you on a solemn note but at the same time so true I descend from the same mother, I am none other but I am YOU
Poem Š Pulkit Sharma Model: Pierre Cotroni-Wagner Wardrobe: Azaad Bazaar (www.azaadbazaar.com)
12
The Queer Chronicle
Classi-Prides
September 2009
Centre of Contemporary Dance Temple Tree & Contemporary Arts and Crafts
present a new range
of furniture, tableware, table linen, cushion covers,
lamps
and
other
household
accessories for the summer. We are also
For more details, please visit www.hrishikeshpawar.com
happy to add that we will begin our new section for accessories for men and women from 1st May including jewelry, bags, stoles and much much more. As a queer run/friendly business we would like to work with as many people from the community as possible. If you are an artist, potter, fashion / jewelry designer, interior /
Open Space is an independent, interactive and creative public space where civil society organisations and public-spirited citizens can interact, debate and initiate action on social justice and development issues. For more details please visit www.openspaceindia.org Location: 301, Kanchanjung Building, Kanchan Lane, Off Law College Road, Pune.
furniture designer or if you have something you want to sell / show, contact us and we can try and make things happen. For further information contact us at etalidesign@gmail.com or call Rishad on +91-9890295263 This issue of The Queer Chronicle was published on April 1, 2010. The next issue would be published on May 1, 2010.
At ‘Either Or’ Pune | www.azaadbazaar.com
We would love to hear from you! We hope that you enjoyed reading this issue of The Queer Chronicle. We welcome your feedback and suggestions to make future editions even more exciting! E-mail us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/tqc.india 13