THE QUEER CHRONICLE 2011
FEB
TQC Issue 2 . Volume 6 . India
QUEER AZAADI MUMBAI 2011 & VALENTINE SPECIAL
In this issue
Editorial
TQC Exclusive: The reasons for pride
01
Page 3: Queer Azaadi Mumbai 2011
03
Movies: Beyond Gay ‐ The Politics of Pride
04
Art & Soul
05
TQC Exclusive: City of Singles
06
Mex in the City: The Chase
08
RJ’s Top 10
09
The Indian queer community has never had it better! Who would have thought, a few years ago, that we would march by the thousands, on the streets of every major metro in this country? Who would have dreamt that our generation would be spoilt for choice with queer enterprises, book stores,
Leisure: Santé & Bon Appétit
10
Music: And not all that Jazz...
11
The Candy Store
12
Life & Tarot: Predictions for 2011
magazines, bar nights, club nights,
Reflections
holiday packages, film festivals, and so
13 15
much more? It’s all very exciting; and who can blame us for getting caught up in the moment! As Martin Luther King Jr so beautifully put it, “I have a dream.” ‐ it is our dream of equal human rights that we so often tend to lose sight of in the midst of a flurry of more ‘fun’ ventures. We need to strike a balance. We need
TQC. Issue 2. Volume 6. Pune.
to put aside our differences and our
Cover photograph by Zohar. Photograph copyright Z Photography (captureframe@gmail.com).
egos. We need to get off our high
Used with permission of the photographer and the featured models.
horses and stop expecting ‘others’ to
Editor & publisher: Keith | Contributors: Alika, Ambika Rajgopal, Amey Kolhe, Mahesh Natarajan,
facilitate change. The responsibility lies with each of us.
Partha Sarathi Biswas, ‘RJ’, Rohit Pramar, Sagar Dave, Sanket Tandulwadkar, Subodh Bodke, ‘Zephyr Ray’ | Queer Azaadi Mumbai 2011 photographs: Akshay Bajaj & Sunetro Lahiri | Layout concept, design & production: Keith.
We need to work cohesively, as a
TQC (The Queer Chronicle) is a monthly e‐magazine published for and by the queer community in
community, for the betterment of our
India. This e‐zine is a non‐commercial publication, is not for sale and is exclusively for private
community ‐ for our human rights. Let’s give ourselves something to be really proud about.
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. The appearance of any person in this ezine, is not to be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons. www.facebook.com/tqc.india, www.planetromeo.com/tqc_india, TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
The Editor
Please print this ezine only if you have to. Help save our planet.
TQC Exclusive : The Reasons For Pride
TQC - Feb 2011
BY PARTHA SARATHI BISWAS
Photograph by Akshay Bajaj
For young Rohit, participating in the
recollection of the Pride March that I
have become almost a very common
Mumbai Pride March in the year 2008, was a very overwhelming experience. A
have as of today was the instant peace that engulfed me when I saw the crowd
feature in quite a few cities across the country. While some in the community
small town boy, Rohit did have his share
with whom I was to march”, is how
frown upon this ‘aping’ of a Western
of apprehensions and fears before he mustered up the courage to go to the
Rohit explains his first pride experience two years later.
concept, by and large, the LGBT community of the country is slowly
Pride March. “I was afraid that people would recognize me or make fun of me.
Be it the flamboyant drag queens, with their vibrant costumes or the ‘dykes on
waking up to the need and the purpose of Pride as an important milestone in
Although I was out to my family and
bikes’, Gay Pride Marches across the
the LGBT liberation movement in India.
some friends, I still was in the closet, so to speak. Many questions were coursing
world have always been a source of intense debate; be it within the LGBT
It started off in Kolkata in the year 1999, with a Pride March, which took
through my mind, as I went to August Kranti Maidan. Once I reached the
community or society at large. While, in the West, Pride Marches have
the whole country by storm, and how! Anindya Hajra, a queer and women’s
venue, it was as if by magic, my fears
become another excuse to party, India
right activist fondly recollects the
and apprehensions vanished. In that sea (it did appear to me like a sea) of
is slowly coming to terms to the greater politics and purpose behind the Pride
impetus that made the Kolkata Queer Community take their march to the
humanity, I felt at home and I was immediately at peace. The only
Marches. Post the historic judgment of the Delhi High Court, gay pride marches
streets. “Pride marches have been the symbol of protest by the marginalized 1
throughout the world. While planning
“I do not care if the concept of Pride is
the Kolkata Pride in the year 1999, we had the dual aspects of protest and
not Indian, but the purpose of Pride is too big to be ignored. And since when
visibility in mind. For most of us,
have we started boycotting any idea, on
marching with the rainbow flag was a big event, which marked a high in our
the basis of its land of origin? If that had been the case, we might as wind
lives. It marked the transition for us, from the comfort of the family closet to
up Big Boss and other reality TV shows. My logic is simple ‐ if the idea is good,
coming out in the open and asking for
why not adopt it? In today’s world of
our rights. Invariably, the question that many of us had, was its feasibility, the
the global village, this ideological apartheid is both silly and ludicrous.”
need and the logic behind the Pride. While some of us were apprehensive
The concept of global village in the recent times has become a dominant
about the march and some down right
theme for activist Mario Da Penha,
agnostic. For us, the Pride was a form of legitimate protest that we had to
when he stresses the importance of Pride in unequivocal terms. “The
undertake to ensure, we were not written off the books completely.”
question of whether a city should have a pride or not, is a question that the
For most queer rights activists in India,
city must decide for itself. On a
the last two points are of cardinal importance, which makes them take up
personal level, I think Pride as a concept is a matter of celebration of
the flag and take their march to the streets. Harish Iyer, an organizing
who we are in reality. It gives many of us a chance to come out in the street
committee member of the Mumbai
and celebrate ourselves in the most
Pride scorns on the so called ‘East‐West divide’ when it comes to organizing and
natural way we can,” he explains. “Pride has the dual importance of
holding the pride. “To begin with, I do not feel any different from the person
celebration and protest at the same time. For those of us, in the LGBT
on the street in anyway. Having said,
community, who do not have the
this, I must insist that however hard we may try to ignore the fact, but there
privilege of straight‐acting, Pride gives them the freedom to be as flamboyant
still remains a lot of prejudice from the mainstream against the sexual minority
as possible. It indeed must be trying to put up an act, to conform to
and Pride is an important milestone is
stereotypes and Pride is the occasion to
trying to reconfirming our rightful space under the sun. When we turn up
let your hair down, in the literal sense. Thus, the presence of flamboyant drag
in large numbers, to march under the rainbow flag, it gives a sense of sheer
queens is another way of giving those the freedom to revel in their own way
numbers which the mainstream can’t
and I guess it functions as a safety valve
deny or ignore, how ever hard they may try to. It is a message, that yes we
for many. Its this celebration that I find very important for Pride to be
might be a sexual minority, but we are too enormous in numbers to be written
conducted in the Indian cities,” he further adds.
off the books. Also, when they see the
Another aspect which Mario points out
plethora of actors, doctors and other professionals marching with us, in the
to is the element of protest, which often is drowned in myriad images of
long run it creates a dent in their armor of misconceptions about the queer
semi‐naked men and raunchy behavior that prevails in the Pride marches.
community”, he says. Taking a direct dig at the frowners, Harish retorts (albeit tongue‐in‐cheek) 2
Photograph by Sunetro Lahiri
‐ Continued on Page 4
TQC - Aug Feb 2011 2010
PAGE 3 Queer Azaadi Mumbai (QAM) January 29, 2011. Mumbai Photographs by Akshay Bajaj & Sunetro Lahiri
‐ Continued from Page 2 (The Reasons for Pride) “I have walked in the Pride of New York quite a few times and was surprised to see the broad spectrum of people who walk in it. We have Orthodox Jews,
MOVIE REPORT BY AMEY KOLHE Gay Pride marches and festivals are
Gilbert Baker ‐ creator of the first
happening all over the world ‐ sometimes with heavy opposition and
rainbow flag. Sao Paulo Pride Parade, Brazil
violence.
VIP access to the world’s largest Gay
Beyond Gay – The Politics of Pride is the most comprehensive look at the role of
Parade where 4 million people take part in their government sponsored
these events ever undertaken. This feature length documentary follows the
Pride: a street party that defies the imagination. Their theme this year:
Vancouver Pride Society’s (VPS) Parade
Homophobia Kills! Then, 7 days later …
Director Ken Coolen and his VPS colleagues as they travel to places
Moscow Pride, Russia Coolen and crew are the only foreigners
where Pride is still steeped in protest to personally experience the rampant
i n v o l v e d i n t h e c l a n d e s t i n e preparations for this event. Secret
homophobia that still exists. They also
meetings, hidden identities, police
travel to Sao Paulo Brazil for the world’s largest gay parade and New York City,
harassment, the first successful peaceful Pride March, and a violent
the birthplace of the modern gay liberation movement.
counter protest reveal just how passionate people can be about a
Increasingly the Pride movement is
parade.
globalizing. Coolen and many Pride organizers in North America and Europe,
Pride Colombo, Sri Lanka Pride events here are only advertised
where celebration has overtaken political action, strive to remind their
after they take place, in order to protect the identities of those brave
communities that Pride is at its heart a
enough to attend. Pride organizer
global fight for human rights. Despite the hundreds of thousands of
Sahran Abeysundra, later travels to Canada to be a Grand Marshal in
people cheering in the streets, Pride is much, much more than a parade and a
Vancouver’s Parade. Vancouver Pride, Canada
party. It is a giant step on the road to
“Celebrating 30 Years of the Rainbow”:
true equality. The GLBT community during Pride is an entertaining and
Back in Vancouver, where equal marriage is legal and the parade
engaging multi ethnic group than can bring attention to the issue of human
entertains half a million people, Ken struggles to make the parade have
rights with diversity, insight, and of
some meaning after all he has seen.
course plenty of fabulousness. Some highlights include:
Through Ken we discover that despite thousands of people cheering in the
InterPride 2007, Zurich Switzerland Coolen and co‐parade director, Dean
streets, Pride is much, much more than a parade and a party. It’s a giant step on
Nelson, attend this international
the road to true human equality.
conference of Pride organizations. Many human rights activists are interviewed, including American artist and activist 4
‘Beyond Gay – The Politics of Pride’ was screened at Queering Saturdays, organized by Open Space. (www.openspaceindia.org) TQC
Churches, support groups, walking side by side, with the more flamboyant crowd and their reason is simple ‐ h o m o p h o b i a o r a n y f o r m o f discrimination based on sexual preference is an infringement of human rights and that has to stop. However, the main stream media, often chooses to ignore this cardinal message and focuses on highlighting the nudity and other elements of the Pride, “ he sighs. For photographer par excellence, Sunil Gupta, it is time that the Pride Marches take a step forward and ask for more rights. “When we had the first Pride in Delhi, it was like any other civil society protesting against the injustices meted out to them. Then we had the exuberance of the Naz Foundation case being heard in the Delhi High Court, and we wanted to protest as a civil society. So, our march ended at Jantar Mantar. We need to now start asking for more legal changes with these Prides. We have to press for legislative changes, which will give us the same rights as heterosexual partners, through our Pride Marches now. It’s a welcome move that with in a short span of time we are having pride marches in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai, but I think we need to now formulate the policy of m a k i n g t h e s e m o r e v o c a l a n d vociferous. The time is ripe and we must act fast,” he states. For our very own Pune, the queer community is literally counting the days, when this city will have its own Pride. Says Aniket,"Pune is in for some good times and going by the success of the QFest, I will not be surprised if we manage to have a Pride soon. We have kept our fingers crossed but I hope that it happens soon." Amen to that. TQC
Art & Soul
TQC - Feb 2011
COMPILED BY KEITH
TQC is committed to encouraging and promoting the creativity of queer & queer-friendly talent. As part of the India Pride season, TQC is proud to showcase Pride Art by Rohit Pramar. Upper: "Culture" ; Lower: “The good prevails" These artworks are not for sale, however in case you would like to commission an artwork by this artist, please write to us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
Rohit Pramar
5
TQC Exclusive: City Of Singles BY SAGAR DAVE
“You know you're in love when you don't
acknowledge it. Valentine’s Day is often
Akash Singh, 28, an IT Professional
want to fall asleep because reality is
the most dreaded day of the year for a
when asked what his plans are for
finally better than your dreams.”
single man. For a man living in the city,
Valentine’s Day says, “It’s good to
‐ Dr. Seuss
love is a difficult thing to pursue yet
spend it with someone special but then
If you Google “love” you are going to
easy to drown in. With the ease of
this day is more about people you love
get more than a billion hits, each one
finding a date, there is always a risk of
to o, w h i c h m o st p e o p l e d o n ' t
literally shouting out about how lovely
losing one just as easily. The city is such
understand. We should wish our
love is and how amazing it is to be in
a place and it plays mind games too, as
parents, friends, anyone we love. It’s
your lover’s caring arms. Love is
long as you’re a pawn in it.
not just about being with your
something that each of secretly desires
If you are the kind who is a sucker for
Boyfriend.” Akash further adds,
and yet we find it difficult to express
love then you are in for a reality check
“Usually I'm at the office so I don’t
There are those who wear their hearts
on Valentine’s Day! ‘Oh god! Another
really have time to celebrate it”. Akash
on their sleeve, while others simply
Valentine’s Day and I am single!’, ‘14th
is trying to see this day in a broader
refuse to accept that they are struck by
Feb...why is it even celebrated?’. These
sense and has convinced himself that
the Cupid. But love as we know it is a
are the thoughts that run through a
it’s nothing more than a day to show all
tricky thing. Like a sweet smelling rose,
single’s mind; some might feel lonely
the people you love, how special they
one wrong move can result in a nasty
while others simply despise it.
are.
prick.
I caught up with some very eligible
Arun Mirchandani, the author of the
14th February is a date that we all know
singles in the city to find out what
book ‘You are not alone’ says, “I am
very well. Some make a big deal of it
Valentine’s Day means to them.
single this year too and have never
w h i l e o t h e r s s i m p l y r e f u s e t o 6
been in a relationship long enough to
celebrate or mourn over Valentine’s Ameya, 31, an architect on the other Day!” He believes that Valentine’s Day hand thinks Valentine’s Day is just is great for people who are in love but another marketing gimmick. He says, sucks for those who aren’t. He is not “The first thought that occurs to me is ‘I averse to celebrating it, though. He hope no one asks me out’. I find the says, “You have Mother’s Day, Father’s whole idea of Valentine’s Day, Day, Children’s day, Friendship Day ... So extremely cheesy.” Ameya isn’t against Valentine’s Day? Why not?”. When the idea of celebrating love in all its asked about how he feels being single, diverse forms yet feels one doesn’t Arun confesses, “Response from the need a particular day to show it. To exterior ‐ Great, I love being single; him, “Valentine’s is a number. A Day. Response from the interior ‐ Sucks!” Being single on Valentine’s is just like Arun is a true believer in love and being single on any other day of the thinks it’s inevitable and will happen year. A day is only as important as you someday. Meanwhile for this year, it’s make it to be.” When asked about what his TV and a bag of chips!
he plans to on this Valentine’s Day, he
Dalip, 55 has a different take on raises an eyebrow, “Really? Do you Valentine’s Day. The first thought that think I’d plan something? I don’t think it comes to him is, “Oh God! The saffron is important. May be a Hollywood Rom‐ brigade is going to be at it again, Com!” Ameya believes that he doesn’t bucking their ‘uninhibited’ hips in
need a day to celebrate love, he could
public, creating an unsavory spectacle do it with anyone on any day he wants of themselves ‐ being a nuisance to all.” to. Not averse to the idea of love, he On a lighter note he talks of Valentine’s says, “It happens right when you stop Day “Cute! Cupid has sexy buns! But I looking for it.” Ameya thinks it’s a am no crib snatcher.” Having seen many personal decision and says he will cross Valentine’s Days, when asked about his the bridge when he comes to it. take on love, he replies, “Encyclopedic! From worshippers, to semi believers, to In a phrase – be honest about it, with it, cynics, the city is satiated with in it; in a sentence – without love life is opinionated singles. However, like it or a drab.” Dalip adds, “Being single is not, all of us crave love and as we know sublime! Like with everything else in life love is only love, when it is given away. – there are moments of hardship and So what if you spent another New Year pain too in being single. Being single is tucked in your bed alone or another not the same as being ‘alone’. That’s an Valentine’s Day sitting at your favorite altogether different ‘ball game’. Finally bistro, sipping mocha or for that sake to the toughest question of the lot he any other day! replies, “This Valentine’s I plan to buy What matters is the possibility of this myself a rose; give myself a well‐
being the last of its kind. Valentine’s
needed hug and a kiss; and as the night will come and it will pass. But when you
TQC - Feb 2011
begins to whisper sweet nothings do meet the man of your dreams the around a flickering candle flame... wait will be totally worth it because slowly undress and take me to bed... that moment onwards each day will be Any Cupid out there cares to frolic with Valentine’s Day for you. me on that night?”
TQC Source: PlanetRomeo
7
Mex In The City: The Chase BY ALIKA
Photograph: Alika
8
I sit waiting at a café, starving. I’ve now
the caliber of men. Nor does it have to
dude ples.” Delete. “pure top. i have
been sitting there for 30 minutes.
do with the lack of gay‐friendly clubs,
place. plz revert. fat.” Block. “hi.”
Finally, I lose my patience and place an
bars, lounges, restaurants, etc. The
Hello? “send ur no.” Ignore. “want
order with the waiter. My dinner
aspect of this scene that disappoints
sex.” Ugh!
arrives, and finally so does my date. He
me the most is, quite frankly, the chase.
Online dating, especially in the gay
sits there quietly, lacking anything
The chase: I spot him at a club—he
scene, is often sex‐driven regardless of
interesting to say. I ask him if he is going
smiles. As I dance with friends, he
which continent I happen to inhabit.
to order anything. No. How about a
coolly winds his way through the crowd
The major difference between here and
drink? Not even that. I sit there,
in the darkened venue. Packed in the
t h e r e i s t h a t w i t h s u c h f e w
awkwardly eating my platter as he sits
club, he gently yet assertively touches
opportunities to meet in person by
there. Silence. So, what do you do?
my waist, passing by as if going to the
happenstance, PlanetRomeo is it. The
Engineer. Where are you from? Delhi. I
bar. A couple drinks later, I find him
only way for me to have the remote
finish my dinner and he states: Let’s go
dancing behind me. With the dance
possibility of meeting someone who is
back to your place.
floor at capacity, his back is now up
worth the chase is by searching on the
I’d like to say that I just describe a bad
against mine. He turns around—and
other end of the LCD screen. Yet, when
date that I recently experienced.
we’re dancing. His face inches from
the date materializes, it will most likely
Unfortunately, it has been a string of
mine. We kiss. Exchange numbers.
be a dud.
bad dates, all with the same semblance
I arrive at the dimly lit lounge in the
On Valentine’s Day, I will be back in NYC
of annoyance and boredom.
gayborhood. As I enter, I scan the
for a short visit. I have already started
For Christmas, I went home to
room. There he is, poised with an air of
flipping through my modern‐day
California. Sitting in a posh lounge in
confidence suited in his trendy attire,
Rolodex (a.k.a. Facebook), searching for
Los Angeles, an acquaintance who I had
calmly fingering his full chilled martini
past Casanovas who will surely deliver
met a year earlier in Palm Springs
glass as it starts to slowly sweat. He is
an evening that will quench my thirst
learned that I had moved to India.
the handsome guy from the previous
for ‘the chase.’
“What!? How did I not know that?
night. I sit down, order a drink, and the
And, maybe upon my return, I’ll meet
Where do you live?” Pune. “Where is
night ensues with intellectually
s u c h a n i n d i v i d u a l h e r e , w h o
that?” Near to Bombay. Then he
stimulating conversation.
understands the fine balance between
paused, with almost a sad look of
This chase is what I miss most. Instead,
a p p e a r i n g b o t h e a g e r a n d
horror: “What’s the dating scene like?”
I have PlanetRomeo: “im 19 male pune
disinterested, excited yet composed,
My biggest complaint about the gay
wanna have a good male and
and most of all: gentlemanly sexual.
scene in Pune has nothing to do with
passionate and hot experience with a
TQC
RJ’s Top 10 “Valentine’s Day is round the corner and many people I know, are dying to fast‐forward to the 14th of February so that they can show their loved ones how much they love them… But there are people (including me) who are still single (and not ready to mingle) and they find it difficult to deal with all the hullabaloo about Valentine’s Day. So to make sure that you don’t end up being bored out of your mind, when your friends talk about their Valentine escapades, here’s my list of what you can do on Valentine’s Day if you are single!” ‐ RJ
on’t s first…D g in h t t s Fir …!!! and pout e m o h t stay a
Organize a ‘Singles Party’ at your home and bitch about couples that are about to part ways…(It’s soooo much fun…lol)
Go to a spa… pamper yourself…a lways remember th e best way to please your self is to pamper you rself…!!!
Valentine’s Day is all about sharing love… an orphanage or elderly home has lot to accommodate …!!!
D o your DV t d e k o o h Get atch your player…w ovies in favorite m t on’t forge d ( … n io t a continu orn) ck of popc o t s a p e e to k
in Book a table for yourself a famous restaurant…eat like a royal, sitting single on a single table…much to the envy of the couples around…
Sleep…..zzzzzzzzzzz zzzzz….nothing can beat a peaceful
TQC - Feb 2011
snooze…!!!
Get laid…!!! s (Only finding life partner is difficult… finding sex dates is not…)
Phone your frien ds whom you haven’t spok en to in a while, like schoo l friends… the best day to fe el nostalgic about school days …(I’m darn sure you’ll love it)
this… g n i ead da are r u o o fin t e t If y n’t le ’s tim t o i , w e I oz dud …bec nto r e n me i e c part r fo g listin ditor E e e m h a t es !! ng th i t i ell…! r w w s a year next
9
And Bon Appétit
Santé
BY CHEF SUBODH BODKE
PINK CRUSH
Presenting some delectables for that special ‘dinner-for-two’ on Valentine’s night
Ingredients 10 fl.oz. coconut flavored rum 6 fl.oz. pineapple juice 16 fl.oz. strawberry‐flavored soda Method Pour the rum and pineapple juice into a cocktail mixing cup and stir to combine. Gently pour the strawberry soda into the mixture, pouring down the side of the mixing cup to prevent the soda from going flat. Slowly tilt the mixing cup back and forth a few times to mix. Pour into cocktail glasses and serve immediately.
Va le nt in e Pi zz a Ingredients 3 cups bread flour 0.25 oz. envelope active dry yea
st
1¼ cups warm water 3 tablespoons extra virgin oliv e oil 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosema
ry
14 oz. can pizza sauce 3 cups shredded mozzarella
cheese
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
Preheat the oven to 200 deg C.
1 zucchini, sliced 15 slices pepperoni 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives Method Place bread flour, yeast, water and 2 tablespoons olive oil into the brea d machine pan. When the dough mixed, knead rosemary into the dough.
Bananas
dough into three portions. Sha
piece into a heart shape about
Divide the
pe each
thick. Brush with remaining oliv
spread a thin layer of pizza sau
½ inch
e oil, and ce on each
pizza. Sprinkle cheese over pizz a sauce, and arrange tomatoes, zucchin i, pepperoni and sliced olives. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes , or until the cheese has melted and the crust has browned.
Fo s t e r
Ingredients
ons butter
2 tablespo
sugar ons brown 3 tablespo innamon n ground c ⅛ teaspoo 1 banana ice on lemon ju 1 tablespo ¼ cup rum a liqueur ons banan 2 tablespo Method
in a edium heat, tter over m u b e th n lt e M nd cinnamo r in sugar a ti S t. e ill sk small re bubbles. til the mixtu and heat un nana. Place arter the ba u q d n a e l e e P on juice in th es and lem c ie p a n a re n ba tes mo , 3 to 4 minu k o o c d n a t skille h syrup. basting wit
10 20
at rum and led pan, he d n a -h g n lo In a eat until just r medium h ve o r u e u lly liq banana pour carefu lcohol and a e th e it n warm. Ig nana slices. over the ba heat and et from the ill sk e th ve ices with Remo e banana sl th e st a b to wn. continue mes die do until the fla e c u sa ir e th oons, of . With two sp e c n o t a e Serv course! :)
And Not All That Jazz ... BY AMBIKA RAJGOPAL
A column that features music and artists; in definitely not ‘run-of-the-mill’ genres!
QUEEN
GOD HELP THE GIRL
THE DIVINE COMEDY
Borrowing heavily from different genres of music,
This indie pop band was the brainchild of Belle and
“The Divine Comedy is Neil Hannon,” claims the band’s
Queen ushered in an era of musical inclusion. Their
Sebastian’s front man Stuart Murdoch. Coupled with the
official website. The silvertongued front man founded the
musical style was an
euphonic talent of Catherine
orchestral pop band in 1989
amalgamation of progressive rock, hard rock, glam rock as
Ireton, Brittany Stallings and Dina Bankole and many other
and has since been the force behind the band, through its
well as less conventional styles like that of opera, gospel and
female vocalists, God Help The Girl began its musical journey
two decade long tenure. Dressed in dapper suits and
folk.
towards a classic pop rock
backed by a full-fledged
Freddie Mercury’s songwriting skills coupled with his knack of
tribute. What culminated through this
orchestra, Hannon’s quirky and self-ironic style earned him a
magnetizing the audience made him the undisputed god
collaboration was a 60′s-70′s
name internationally, especially in France.
of rock and roll. His ability to
style is reminiscent of the celluloid and stage musical
modulate his voice pitch from bass to falsetto has made him one of the most versatile rock stars to ever grace the musical arena. Many modern day musicians have paid tribute to Queen and cited them as their musical influence.
girl group spectacular. The
tradition. It is Catherine Ireton’s rich full-bodied voice that blows life into the music. God Help The Girl is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed lazy day, when one is in the mood to travel back to a time of silver screen razzmatazz.
The mellow reposeful style is often contradicted by cynical lyrics dripping with a biting droll. The delightfully eloquent Neil Hannon spins poetry and weaves strings of harmony. The Divine Comedy makes for easy listening. Its easy to become enthralled by the tuneful compositions and dry witty
TQC - Feb 2011
lyrics.
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LdEzt3YR8C4
www.youtube.com/watch? v=DXP1oLtPyDA 11
The Candy Store BY SANKET TANDULWADKAR I still vividly recall my first conversation on the
I could totally relate the warm fuzzy feeling to my
subject ‐ GAY, from the days when I was in high
past relationships with my (now ex) girlfriends.
school. Not that I was shocked. It just felt a little
Thinking back to the times spent with girls, I began
awkward.
to question my sexual inclinations: bisexual,
Imagining two girls ‘together’ was indeed a
homosexual or heterosexual?
pleasure, as it is for most straight men. However,
Even today I don’t fully understand the role of
the thought of two men engaging in coitus was
sexual orientation in choosing sexual partners. Is it
inconceivable (pun unintended), as I had been part
driven by dictionary meanings or the society’s
of a community with slightly orthodox ideologies.
outlook?
It was when I got talking to this guy, a fashionista
The feeling of being with a girl has never made me
of sorts, that I pictured what the other playing field
feel any less important, neither was I ever
would be like. It was an unfamiliar conversation
confused or unhappy.
which definitely ignited the curiosity to know more
With Kunal however, there always was a free mind
within me.
and we lived in the ‘now’. This was something I
Though he was open about his sexual orientation,
never had experienced with the girls I had dated.
there was no way I would walk up to him and strike
It was not the physical intimacy that generated
up a conversation.
strong feelings about him, but the sole reason that
Was it because I was scared; or was it because I
he understood me better than most of my other
didn’t want my peers to view it in any other
friends, something one presumably longs for and
context? Answering that question isn’t really
looks for in his partner.
difficult. Though I wish that things had happened
Bisexuals are sometimes mistaken as the confused
in a different way.
lot. Everyone is born bisexual. It’s only a few, who
Back in 2006 when I moved to Pune, I was very
try to figure out which side they would want to bat
much into the ‘fairer sex’ and I did have my share
for eventually.
of fun with the ladies. To be honest, the idea of
Bisexuality is not a confused state of mind but the
being with a guy had never crossed my mind ‐ till
state of enjoying the company of the person you
then.
are with, regardless of the gender.
Days after entering into my junior year, I finally
Quoting one of my close friends, “I am a blessed
spoke to him, Kunal. And it didn’t really feel any
bisexual. I have no issues sampling candy from the
different. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I
other store. It gives me an idea whether what I get
certainly had no feelings of aversion or anything
here is better than that at the other store. And as
towards him.
long as it is, I don’t have to worry about what it
As days passed by, I discovered that he too liked
costs me”
‘house’ music, Chinese food and artsy movies.
I couldn’t agree more.
One night, lying in my bed, giggling when I recalled the stupid jokes that Kunal had cracked, I asked myself ‘Is this because I like the guy?’
12
TQC
Life & Tarot
TQC - Feb 2011
BY ZEPHYR RAY
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Card for 2011 – 2 of Swords: Stuckness.
Card for 2011 – The World: Completion
C a rd fo r 2 0 1 1 – T h e C h a r i o t :
The more you strive, the harder it gets.
of an important cycle. The start of
Movement, Accomplishment.
Key lesson for 2011 – Knight Of Wands:
something fresh and new.
Key lesson for 2011 – Strength:
Anger and frustration will only
Key Lesson for 2011 – 7 of Swords:
Courage. Stand your ground in all
complicate matters.
Caution in action, speech and thought.
matters of importance.
Career: A year of taking one step ahead
Career: An important project may be
Career: Major career shifts are
and two back…or so it may seem. Plan
completed. A feeling of consolidation
possible. A long‐standing goal could be
ahead, cultivate patience, let go of
and fulfillment. Make sure you have all
accomplished.
feelings of frustration.
bases covered before you make the
Money and investments: Good year to
Money and investments: Money may
next move.
buy a new car.
get stuck in projects. Make sure you
Money and investments: Double‐check
Health and happiness: Hyper‐activity
have a small kitty saved up so you don’t
the credentials of that financial
indicated by the cards. Take care to get
feel the pinch.
planner!
plenty of fresh air, rest and nutritious
Health and happiness: Don’t fight what
Health and happiness: A great year to
food.
is beyond your control. Acceptance is
start meditation or some spiritual
Romance and leisure: Those in long‐
the key. Develop a zen‐like outlook to
practice. For those already doing
distance relationships may feel a bit
life’s situations.
Sadhana, an year of important and
isolated or neglected by partners. Make
Romance and leisure: If things seem
genuine accomplishments.
your feelings known to tide over minor
like they’ve slowed down with a loved
Romance and leisure: Take that foreign
bumps in the road.
one, it could simply mean you’re
vacation you’ve always dreamed of!
Good months: June, July.
getting comfortable…not a bad thing at
Give sparingly of your trust in matters
all!
of the heart.
Good months: September, October.
Good months: All of 2011 (lucky you!) 13
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Card for 2011 – 9 of Swords: Stop
Card for 2011 – 9 of Cups: Wish‐
Card for 2011 – 6 of Wands: Success in
worrying so much!
fulfillment!
material matters.
Key lesson for 2011 – 4 of Pentacles:
Key lesson for 2011 – Page of Wands:
Key lesson for 2011 – 5 of Cups: Tough
Time to take stock of life and realize
Nascent creativity needs nurturing and
lessons about love and relationships.
that you’re in a good place after all!
encouragement.
Career: Fruitful and rewarding work will
Career: Sleepless nights, loads of work
Career: Ask for whatever you think is
be accomplished.
with the chance to earn loads of
d u e t o y o u … m o r e m o n e y , a
Money and investments: Follow your
rewards and recognition.
promotion…you’ll get it!
head and use your common sense.
Money and investments: No need to
Money and investments: Keep an eye
Some older investments could yield
be a miser. Enjoy your money, you’ve
on expenses, especially the credit card
results.
earned it!
charges.
Health and happiness: Let the bottle
Health and happiness: Digestive
Health and happiness: Plenty of
be a casual acquaintance, not a
problems indicated, so eat loads of
chances to eat, drink, make merry
constant companion!
fiber and keep your system hydrated.
equals acidity. Moderation needs to be
Romance and leisure: “Heartbreak
Romance and leisure: Be generous and
exercised.
Hotel” could well become your theme
giving with your partner. A time to give
Romance and leisure: The man of your
for the year. Stop playing the victim and
and not just expect to receive.
dreams will come a‐knocking!
turn it into “I Will Survive”.
Good months: April, May.
Good month: March.
Good month: August.
villa queenie, ground floor 16th road, bandra (west) mumbai, india
TQC
REFLECTIONS HAIKU
By Mahesh Nataranjan, Author - Pink Sheep
Somewhere a leaky pipe Cries calling for repairs. If only tears came easy.
Such clear insights In imagined conversations. I'd rather we spoke.
All that is will pass. And new memories made By remembering. Photograph by Akshay Bajaj
TQC - Feb 2011
CONTEMPORARY ARTS AND CRAFTS B/6 Mantri Manor, Lane 5, Koregaon Park, Pune, INDIA
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