THE QUEER CHRONICLE 2011
JAN
TQC Issue 2 . Volume 5 . India
Q-FEST PUNE 2010 SPECIAL EDITION
In this issue
Editorial
TQC Exclusive: From Sambhaji Park to QFest Pune 2010
01
Page 3
03
Q‐Fest Pune 2010: Through the lens
04
Movies: The best of Q‐Fest Pune 2010
06
Book Review: Pink Sheep
08
Art & Soul
09
The Q‐Fest Pune 2010 Wall
10
Mex in the City: Man of my dreams
13
Life & Tarot: Predictions for 2011
14
Readers’ Corner: Dear Editor
15
RJ’s Top 10
16
As we charge headlong into the new year, let us take a moment to remember the good times we shared with family, friends and all the lives that we have been touched by in the past years. And let us never forget those who did not make it to see 2011.
Gaysi: And like that we turned two
17
Music: And not all that Jazz...
18
Weekend Getaway: Kalsubai
19
Leisure: Santé & Bon Appétit
20
Reflections
21
To me, the new year is an opportunity to forgive, to make amends and to strengthen the relationships that keep us alive. “Another fresh new year is here . . . Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright new year is given me To live each day with zest . . .
TQC. Issue 2. Volume 5. Pune.
To daily grow and try to be
Cover photograph: “A NEW BEGINNING?” by Zohar. Photograph copyright Z Photography
My highest and my best!
(captureframe@gmail.com). Used with permission of the photographer and the featured model. Editor & publisher: Keith | Contributors: Alika, Ambika Rajgopal, Amey Kolhe, ‘Enigma’, ‘Gaysi’, ‘MJ’, Partha Sarathi Biswas, Prasad Bhide, ‘RJ’, ‘Sentinel’, Subodh Bodke, ‘Zephyr Ray’ | Q‐Fest
I have the opportunity
Pune 2010 photographs: Akshay Bajaj | Layout concept, design & production: Keith.
Once more to right some wrongs,
TQC (The Queer Chronicle) is a monthly e‐magazine published for and by the queer community in
To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!” (Poem by William Arthur Ward)
India. 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. 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 : From Sambhaji Park To Q-Fest Pune 2010
TQC - Jan 2011
BY PARTHA SARATHI BISWAS The second week of December, for
group discussions led by Prayatna, it
A mention must also be made of the IT
Queer Pune, was a weekend that many would remember for a long time. That
indeed has been a long journey for Pune.
revolution, which changed Pune’s skyline as well as the laid‐back
weekend for many, translated in
Omky, the man behind the Pune‐based
character of the city.
attending the QFest Pune 2010 ‐ a cultural extravaganza of movies, poetry,
discussion group Prayatna, attributes this mainly to the internet revolution
“ T h e p a s t 1 0 y e a r s h a s b e e n monumental for Pune in ushering in a
plays, art and panel discussions. With bright faces and brighter attire (when it
and to the Delhi High Court judgement d e c r i m i n a l i z i n g h o m o s e x u a l i t y.
very cosmopolitan character to the city. The IT and ITES crowd that came in with
comes to us queer folk, we do justice to
“Personally, the year 2001, was the
the IT revolution, brought in new ideas
our Rainbow Flag), Queer Pune was out in large numbers to watch movies, to
year of reckoning for many of us, with the internet revolution getting on full
and new thoughts and that was also instrumental for opening up the city for
socialize and to have a jolly good time. Given the roaring success of Q‐Fest
swing. Chat rooms and sites like Guys4men (now PlanetRomeo) &
good. Now, the acceptance level having increased a lot, we might be at the
Pune 2010, it would have been difficult
Manjam, did indeed open up a world
brink of a major revolution of kinds in
to digest the fact that 10 years ago, being gay in Pune was almost equivalent
which was unknown to many of us. Prior to the internet revolution, it was
Pune,” Omky continued. Ameya, a Pune‐based entrepreneur,
to a life sans social interaction. With the renowned Sambhaji Garden at Deccan
Sambhaji park, or public toilets, if you wanted to meet people of your
agrees with Omky when he attributes this new found confidence of Queer
and unsavory loo‐cruising, the only
orientation. While at the garden, it was
Pune to the internet revolution and
means of interaction with the queer community, it indeed was a sea change
through an intricate system of eye contact, that you got talking to some
thinks that Pune is all set to witness some great things regarding the queer
for many in Pune, to witness the metamorphosis.
one you liked and took it forward. With the advent of internet, things changed,
movement. “The success of Q‐Fest, is a clear indication of the fact that Pune’s
So, what caused this sea change?
and it was quite reassuring to find,
gay community is both visible and
Undoubtedly, the winds of change had started blowing a few years ago and the
more of your tribe. For example, when I first logged into Guys4men, it gave me
vibrant. The internet undoubtedly has played a very important part in the
Q‐Fest being held in Pune was another proof that Gay Pune might be finally
quite a shock to see more than 2,000 profiles from Pune,” he stated.
movement, making us realize that there are many in the world with the same
coming out of the closet.
It was the anonymity of the internet,
orientation. With this new found
As of now, a weekend in Pune for the queer folk is literally a buffet to choose
that had many creating profiles on these websites, and the opening up of a
positivity, it was but evident that Pune was all set to witness the revolution in
from. With ‘Queering Saturdays’ ‐ film screenings hosted by OpenSpace, events
world of information regarding queer lifestyle, that made Pune open up
the queer community, which has already become a major feature in
organized by Birds of A Feather and
slowly but surely.
other cities. I am confident that very 1
2
soon, Pune would have its own Pride
attendees, take the step of coming out,
March, given the level of enthusiasm that is now in Pune. A most heartening
to their family or at their work? Also when it comes to the word activism,
feature is that the next generation, is
some how Pune does not seem to
very open about the subject of h o m o s exu a l i t y w h i l e t h e o l d e r
come of age. Activism for many seems limited to hosting parties and film
generation is slowly coming to terms with it and accepting it as a natural
festivals. However, activism has many facets, like legal, health, social etc. In
thing,” he stated.
Pune we do not have any infrastructure
However, there is certainly a lot that remains to be done, in both the gay and
or resource persons, to handle these queries. The need of the hour is to get
straight communities before Pune can wear the badge of a ‘Queer‐Friendly
proper people to handle these queries, and to ensure that gay activism comes
City’. For a start, the representation of
of age in Pune”.
the Transgender community, over all has been close to negligible. Also, as
Adds Sagar Dave, co‐founder of the Pune‐based support group Birds of A
both Zameer Kamble, and Bindhu Madhav Khire point out the main
Feather, “Pune has seen a lot of change especially in the last two years. Events
hurdles that Pune has to over come.
and ezines provide a sence of
Zameer’s short film, “Love_Lonely” was screened at the Q‐Fest to rave reviews.
normancy to being gay. It is no longer just an issue that is health related or
“Technically, this was not the first queer film festival Pune had seen. Almost five
something that one must ‘endure’. I believe that by creating a safe space
years ago, a lesbian support group
where once can express oneself
called Olava had conducted a film festival ‐ Laargish. It was a huge
physically through participating in events or emotionally / intellectually in
success, with people of all walks of life and all strata of society attending the
the case of queer literature / magazines will in their own subtle way, change
same. However, due credit must be
mindsets.”
given to the present team, who have managed to successfully host a festival
Speaking on how he believes a sense of b e l o n g i n g i s i m p o r t a n t , S a g a r
of this magnitude. I would attribute this to the greater visibility of the present
continues, “Our support group Birds of a Feather aims to create a sense of
team and their judicious usage of social
belonging within the LGBT community,
networking sites like Facebook. This has led Q‐Fest to be noticed by a certain
so that we all know that we are not alone and being accepted for who we
section of the society. However, when it comes to awareness about LGBT issues,
are is not as difficult. I believe it gives us the courage and confidence to
t h e g ra s s ‐ ro o t s a re o f t e n l e f t
embrace life as it is and eventually
untouched,” he contemplated. Talking on the same vein, Pune‐based
helps us to come out ‐ first to ourselves and then to others. Both aspects are
gay activist Bindhu Madhav, points out to the need of more acceptance with in
important in their contexts.” “We are all excited about the winds of
the LGBT community itself. “When it
change blowing in Pune and across the
comes to acceptance, or coming out, many in the gay community are adverse
country. Q‐Fest is a baby step in the journey of much bigger things to
to doing that. In Pune we have had parties since many years, and they are
happen for queer Pune.” concludes Keith, the editor & publisher of The
well attended. But how many of the
Queer Chronicle (TQC).
TQC
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The Q-Fest Pune 2010 Panel Discussion: “Queer visibility in the Arts”. Sitting L to R: Shobhna S Kumar (Queer Ink), Arun Mirchandani (Author), Ashish Sawhney (Filmmaker), Sunil Gupta (Photographer)
The Q-Fest Pune 2010 Panel Discussion: “Is your sexual identity, your only identity”. Sitting L to R: Ram Naidu (Architect), Bindumadhav Khire (Gay Activist), Balachandran Ramiah (GayBombay), Ma Faiza (International DJ), Apphia K (Birds of a Feather)
q-fest pune 2010
TQC - Aug 2010
Photographs by Akshay Bajaj
4
December 11‐12, 2010. Pune
TQC - Aug Jan 2011 2010
2 fabulous days . 15 films . 2 panel discussions . 2 book readings . a book launch . a script reading . a skit . an exhibition of art and queer literature . 380 participants
5
Movies: Best of Q-Fest Pune 2010 BY AMEY KOLHE HAPPY HOOKERS
India, 2006 Director: Ashish Sawhney Running Time: 53 Minutes. In a duration of 53-minutes, this documentary traces the lives of three male sex workers. Sawhney follows their lives to understand the implications of sexual identity. While some are bisexual, others are transgender but they all remain gay together.
STRAIGHTLACED
USA, 2009 Director: Debra Chasnoff Running Time: 67 Minutes The film is about the lives of teens and young adults as seen through the gender lens. Approaching society's ideas and ideals of gender through clothes, sexuality, sports, dance, safety, consumerism and emotion, the film addresses the complexities of conceptions of masculinity and femininity for Generation Z.
6
SUDDENLY, LAST WINTER
Italy, 2008 Directors: Gustav Hofer, Luca Ragazzi Running Time: 90 Minutes Cast: Gustav Hofer, Luca Ragazzi and Frank Dabell
The film follows Gustav and Luca as they try and uncover the DICO legislation in Italy. A couple for 8 years, Gustav and Luca find their lives turned around by the reactions of other people. With a camera in hand they follow the Italian conventions and try and understand what it means to be a family.
FLYING INSIDE MY BODY
India Director: Sushmit Ghosh, Rintu Thomas, Sumit Sharma, Ajeeta Chowhan Running Time: 40 Minutes The film is a journey with veteran photographer Sunil Gupta, who has used his art to challenge the stereotypes that define one's body, sexuality and identity. Gupta has spent over 20 years compiling the first photographic chronicle of the gay community in India, while at the same time, exploring his own relationship with his country of origin.
PRAYERS FOR BOBBY
TQC - Dec 2010
USA Director: Russell Mulcahy Running Time: 89 Minutes
GULABI AAINA
India Director: Sridhar Rangayan Running Time: 40 Minutes
Prayers for Bobby is the amazing true story of a mother torn between her loyalties, challenged by her faith, and moved by a tragedy that would change her life, and the lives of others, forever.
The Pink Mirror, the Indian release title Gulabi Aaina is said to be the first Indian film to comprehensively focus on Indian transsexuals with the entire story revolving around two transsexuals and a gay teenager's attempts to seduce a man. The film explores the taboo subject of transsexuals in India which is still much misundersood and ridiculed.
MR & MRS SINGH
A TOUCH OF PINK
USA Director: Brian Harris Krinsky Running Time: 12 Minutes
Canada Director: Ian Iqbal Rashid Running Time: 91 Minutes
A parody of the Hollywood movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, an IndianAmerican couple enters into a marriage of convenience to appease their parents. But both are hiding secrets from each other!
The movie concerns, a young gay Muslim man born in Kenya and raised in Toronto, who moves to London to get away from his conservative upbringing. He faces the hardships of coming out of the closet to his mother, as well as hardships in his relationship with his boyfriend. He has an imaginary friend who gives him advice when he is in trouble. Unfortunately, the advice often seems to make more trouble.
7
Pink Sheep BOOK REVIEW BY ‘ENIGMA’
Mahesh Natarajan, author of ʻPink Sheepʼ at the book reading at Q-Fest Pune 2010
8
If you are looking for a book with the
remains hidden, the confrontations
very honest tone, which I believe would
typical dramatics usually associated with
elusive – Perhaps this can be attributed
a p p e a l t o m o s t r e a d e r s . T h e
the narration of a gay story, this is not
to the fact that the Gay subject in most
pretentious and the ones looking for
the book for you. The writing while
stories is a 30 something man and the
metaphors and hidden meaning would
subtle and restrained in emotional
stories revolve around him, his life and
need to look somewhere else, as this
expression remains provocative enough
choices. Another reason that this
book is wonderful with its simple
to warrant some time just mulling over
absence could be explained is the
narration and maturity of thought.
the situations represented in a very fluid
heavy South Indian influence that is
About the author: Mahesh Natarajan
manner. There may not be stark
part of this book, and South Indians in
has had a radical career journey, from a
similarities but you will surely find
my opinion are the closest to the very
consultant, to a counsellor and
yo u rs e l f i d e n t i f y i n g w i t h s o m e
tal ked a b o u t Am er i ca n Wa sps /
psychotherapist, to a writer. He loves to
characters or situations in the stories.
Episcopalians.
travel and is fond of reading. He is
Although this is not an exhaustive look
What is noteworthy is the fact that the
currently based in Bangalore.
at a gay person's life but is a very bold
author captures various perspectives,
Book Summary of ‘Pink Sheep’
attempt at covering a multitude of
not just the overtly explored Gay Man’s
The eighteen stories in this collection
experiences, emotions and occurrences.
perspective but also the perspectives,
highlight different aspects of gay life,
The lying that is an inherent part of a
thought processes and reactions of the
and shows how these men yearn for
Gay man’s life in the Indian construct is
family, friends and cousins.
the same things everybody yearns for;
captured quite well and is an essential
Overall, the way these very short
acceptance and a fulfilling life.
part of a book.
stories would affect you also remains
Publisher: Gyaana Books (2010).
The stories usually talk about a partial
slightly hidden and the full effect might
Price: INR 165.00.
acceptance and the “Big” coming out
be felt at different times, might even be
The book would be available at most
seems to have already happened or has
days after you read them. It is apparent
leading book stores from January 2011
been deemed redundant – which is a
from this read that the stories are
and could also be ordered from
prominent gap. Perhaps these stories
based on experiences of the author and
www.gyaanabooks.com, www.queer‐
come from a land where dramatics
his friends which impart the book a
ink.com and www.flipkart.com.
TQC
Art & Soul COMPILED BY KEITH TQC is committed to encouraging and promoting the creativity of queer & queer-friendly talent. As part of QFest Pune 2010, several talented artists & photographers from within the community came together to put on a spectacular exhibit of their artworks. TQC is proud to showcase some of these masterpieces.
"Kumbhar Wada" (Potter's Place) is a 5.8” x 8.3” monochrome photograph. Price Rs 1,000 (Framed). This photograph forms part of a 5-photograph series. Photographer: Vinay
TQC - Jan 2011
“Half-a-woman” is a 9.8” x 13.4” artwork using ink pens on cartridge paper. Price Rs 9,600 (Framed). Artist: Resh Val
“Bachelorhood” is a 18” x 30” limited-edition digital reproduction on canvas, of an original watercolor on handmade paper. Price Rs 2,500 (Mounted). Artist: Nitin Rodge
If you would like to purchase these works of art or would like to connect with the artists, email us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
TQC
9
TON for “Thanks a uch a giving us s wo days ! t s u o l u b fa ized .... well organ was just everything perfect” h - Siddhart
“I had an amazing time. What an event!”
- Vic
“I lyk d da conce pt!! :))” - Aha na
“Q-fest rocked.. amazing 2 days- i enjoiyed all movies -- cried a lot while watching " Prayers for Bobby :( “ - Shail
“This is so inspiring.. wish I was in Pune for this..” 10
- Ungira
“This Pune is what needs !!! Bravo - Kar Qfest!!” an
ice to n s a w “It entire e h t e se omeo R t e n a l P oom in r e n u P e he H ( . . . . . . y realit Suresh ” ) e h
“I don't believ e that this happened when I wasn't around :(”
- Jayesh
Thank You!
FILM PARTNERS
PANELISTS
Kashish - Mumbai International
Apphia K
Queer Film Festival
Arun Mirchandani
Solaris Pictures
Ashish Sawhney
The Bangalore Queer Film Fest
Balachandran Ramiah
The Nigah Queer Fest
Bindumadhav Khire Ma Faiza
EVENT PARTNERS
Ram Naidu
Gay Bombay
Shobhna S Kumar
Good as You
Sunil Gupta
Queer Ink Swabava
PERFORMERS
The Humsafar Trust
Ranjeet Kulkarni
WhaQ
Bhushan Korgaonkar
TQC - Jan Dec 2011 2010
Zameer Kamble MEDIA PARTNER
The team from 驶Begum
The Queer Chronicle (TQC)
Productions始
The Q-Fest Team: Standing L to R - Keith, Ameet Palkar, Arindam Basu, Vinay Bhorkade, Andy Barve, Ranjeet Kulkarni, Sagar Dave. Sitting L to R - Akshay Bajaj, Balkrushna Potdar, Sharvari Manakawad, Imran Ali Khan
11
Mex In The City: Man OF My Dreams
TQC - Jan 2011
BY ALIKA
On a recent trip to Mumbai, I met the
date, her mother reluctantly agreed
man of my dreams. His playful and
only when my parents put it frankly:
charming grin of perfect pearly‐white
“it’s just ice cream.” We sat a booth all
teeth seemed to taunt me despite his
by ourselves. The next day, I brought
distinguished and sexy stature framed
her a rose from my grandmother’s
by salt and peppered hair. As the head
garden wrapped in aluminum foil. She
of trade for a Western European
broke up with me. I was heartbroken.
country at an embassy in Mumbai, he
About a year later, my Aunt Helen gave
knows this Consul General and that
me a pet goose (don’t ask). I named
Ambassador. The night before we met,
her Heather. She likewise ran away.
he was rubbing elbows with Bollywood
Now, I am 26. I no longer desperately
stars as a designer from his home
hope that ‘he’ is right around the
country launched a new line in India. In
corner. But, meeting the European did
his mid‐30’s and wonderfully fit, he had
cause me to trip on my heart a bit. He
me captivated. And, he is happily
appeared to be everything for which I
coupled ‐ not with me.
have otherwise longed: confidence,
As disappointed as it was to meet the
stability, good looks, success, maturity,
man of my dreams only to find that
education, experience... And then, it
somebody else had already dreamt him
hit me. I was so deeply enamored
away, it got me thinking. Why was I so
because those are the qualities that I
thoroughly smitten with this guy? He
crave for myself.
seemed like the perfect package:
This New Year’s I will be ringing in 2011
dashing good looks, a cute European
with my dear friends Tommy and Tim in
accent,
an endearing tinge of
their fabulous penthouse overlooking
cockiness, a huge and stunning
downtown Los Angeles—along with my
apartment in a ritzy part of town, an
Ex. Will it make me jealous to see
amazing job… a perfect package. Was
Tommy and Tim so happily nestled in
he everything that I wanted?
their disgustingly amazing flat in LA?
I am a hopeless romantic. All my life I
Slightly. May it be uncomfortable
have craved finding that special person
celebrating the beginning of a new
who would sweep me of my feet. In
chapter with the man who just turned
fact, I experienced my first encounter
the page on me? Probably. But, this
with love in nursery school. Her name
year I am dedicating it to my dream
was Heather. She was an adorable
man: me. May I become the man that I
brunette with dimples. One day I asked
long to love.
TQC
her out for ice cream to Baskin Robbins. Concerned that we were too young to Photograph: Alika
13
Life & Tarot BY ZAPHYR RAY
ARIES: Card for 2011 – King of Swords: Situations will demand tough action and tough talking. Shape up or ship out! Key lesson for 2011 – 6 of Cups: Stop living in the past. Stay grounded in the present. Plan for the future. Career: Be extremely professional in ALL your dealings. Don’t shy away from responsibilities. If you think you deserve a promotion, ask for it! Money and investments: Focus on needs, not wants. Not the year to indulge the child or adolescent in you. Focus on and plan for the long‐term. Health and happiness: Find ways to bust the stress, and boy, will there be plenty! Romance and leisure: An old flame could come back into your life and spice things up. Good months: Late October, November TAURUS: Card for 2011 – 8 of Cups: Let go of the past. Key lesson for 2011 – King of Wands: Creativity is a great outlet for pain. Career: If the job isn’t working for you, if your heart desires to do something different – go do it! 14
Money and investments: Shopping can be very therapeutic but can make a dent in the wallet. Try and experience the joy of saving, for once! Health and happiness: No one likes a Devdas! Become the designated driver more often. If you feel you want to kick someone’s arse, try kickboxing! Seriously…join a gym! Romance and leisure: Sort out your issues with yourself before plunging head‐on into yet another relationship. In love this year, let the head rule the heart! No, not THAT head!! Good months: February, March GEMINI: Card for 2011 – Ace of Pentacles: New beginnings Key lesson for 2011 – Temperance: Moderation, balance, calm Balance is the key. Keep it real, stay grounded and you can reach for the skies! Career: You could change jobs, change career paths or just take up new tasks in your current job. Whatever you do, it will bring a new sense of worth and responsibility. Money and investments: Don’t invest in get‐rich‐quick schemes. Exercise
caution, read the offer document carefully before investing. Health and happiness: Moderation in everything – food, drink and yes, even exercise. Don’t push yourself to do the downward facing dog if you can’t! R o m a n c e a n d l e i s u r e : A n e w relationship could begin. Don’t rush too fast into it, enjoy the courtship period as you also gauge if it is really going anywhere. Good months: January CANCER: Card for 2011 – 8 of Swords: Stop being your own worst enemy! Key Lesson for 2011 – 4 of Wands: Consolidate your position. Time to take stock of Life Quit wandering through the wilderness. Grow roots, make commitments, and get serious. Career: Not a good year to change jobs. Instead, stick it out in the current job and see where it takes you. Money and investments: Seek advice from a financial planner…and then make sure you follow it. Good year to buy property. Health and happiness: Live a little, laugh a little, love a little. Life may not
be all ha‐ha, hee‐hee but it’s not all serious and dowdy either. Romance and leisure: Experiment in the bedroom. Try out the things you always wanted to do but were afraid to. Share your fantasies; hell, act them out! Good months: April, May
TQC - Jan 2011
LEO: Card for 2011 – 5 of Cups: Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional Key lesson for 2011 – 9 of Swords: Again: Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Everyone experiences loss but that need not be what defines your life. Career: Difficult year. Don’t slack off. Keep one ear to the ground listening for sounds of trouble. Money and investments: Save, save, save. Good time to get that mediclaim policy you’ve been putting off buying. Health and happiness: Don’t take everything so seriously. Take time out to smell the flowers Romance and leisure: Treat your partner with love, respect and compassion…only then can you expect to receive the same things. Good months: June, November VIRGO: Card for 2011 – Ace of Pentacles: New beginnings. Manifestation. Key lesson for 2011 – Ace of Swords: Cut out all that is unnecessary, leave behind all that no longer works for you. Career: Perhaps, it’s time to leave. Don’t worry, something better is waiting for you. Money and investments: Save, save and then, save some more. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. About time you stopped living paycheck to paycheck. Health and happiness: Follow your gut, listen to your heart, stop making excuses and you’ll feel light and joyous! Romance and leisure: Perhaps, this is the year you’ll meet your Mr. Right. But before that, remove all remnants of Mr. What‐Was‐I‐Thinking? Good months: January, August, September. TQC
Dear Editor,
trying to map readership demographics via the eZine website. However we do realize that our readers have a need to download the editions and read them at their leisure. You can now download the PDFs from www.tqcindia.weebly.com. We hope our readers would find this useful. ‘TheContradiction’, Mumbai: Do you guys take anonymous posts / entries? I am not out and would love to contribute articles and my thoughts on being gay / bi / curious and speak out for the greater good.
Anshul: It’s heart warming
The Editor: Absolutely! we publish a lot of our articles
that there are people like you
under pseudonyms and other than I - not even the rest of the
who care for us. But you know,
team know the true identity of
the hostility of society towards
these writers. Privacy is our biggest commitment. So do write
our kind and hence it becomes very difficult to access your magazine. Shouldn't there be
in email us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
also ‘pdf’ versions of the magazine so that we can directly download from your
------------------------------------------------
home site.
TQC’s editorial desk is now open for article contributions
The Editor: Anshul, thank you very much for your encouragement. For a while, we did not allow PDF downloads of any of the issues as we were still
to be published in the February 2011 issue. Please send your articles to us via email at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com by January 15, 2011.
Happy New Year We would like to thank all our readers for their encouragement and support through 2010 and we look forward to bringing you many more exciting issues through 2011. The TQC Team
15
RJ’s Top 10 “Guys this is again the time to bid goodbye to another year which will remain only in the air of memories. It’s time to look back and
LY HIT ACTUAL
THE GYM
t the orite bu me fav ti ll a . n e’s a doing it This on tually “ c a “ in ce lies differen
analyze the whole year with a glance that may help you to make best of the coming year. You must have done wrongs and rights, and if the balance shifts on the former side then also no worries as you have a full new year ahead of you to mitigate the guilt feelings. And what better than a new year to give kick start to new things in life…!!! It brings in new
BE LES dousin
S ON D
RAMA
g nast y rum eing h ors of ig Queer h on d minim rama um in . Indu gossip lge The re ing ab percu out ot ssions h e r s lives. would less o be felt f tresp instan assing tly, in my own li fe. folk b
GET MYSE LF TESTED
joy, a new zeal and a breath of fresh air. Though it may be symbolic in nature to some
Not only fo
r HIV but a lso for oth er STDs which are as life thre atening.
who believe that life remains same no matter how many years pass by, but for those who still somewhere in their corner of hearts
START SAVING Having a life full of fun is okay but it just
believe that Santa exists, Alice must have been to Wonderland and Hogwarts still
doesn’t end in my 40s. Financial security is as imperative.
awards degrees, the new year always acts as a catalyst to add more happiness to their carts… Well you need not believe in all these to start a new year on a high, but can make it
Help in
MAKE AMENDS Make-up with my friends whom
you surely worth
I have
lost because of trivial misunderstandings, SORRY is a sing
remembering
word which initiates an answer
by sticking to some resolutions
le
“me too”
between friends.
so that when the year ends you
e.
E
R SHA
m with cess x e n or nd i oney h I fi m c i , h n io a gw ucat ake thin e, ed Any uld m m i o t , w nk Love I thi e. hing t y renc n a diffe
have a sense of ACHIEVEMENT…!!!” ‐ RJ TQC T LEAST O
GIVE UP A
NE
r sex drinking o excessive , g in k o have a Be it sm t things to alance ou B . n o ti ic add life. balanced
This c o my li
uld p
fe, le t
16
COME
rove t
o be
Salsa, Spanish, noodles, driving or anything I alwa ys felt like lear ning. Guys this is the time… !!!
OUT
a tur ning poin t of away with hono t h rs. e
2011
LEARN A NEW TH ING
walk
__
__________
ar it love to he we would e n o is th Well e yourself you promis id d t a h W from you. ???. this year…
Turned Two
TQC - Jan 2011
BY MJ
To add to this, all I will say is that I am
struggle and continuous commitment is
support her in exchange for some
confused. Should we declare it as our 2nd Birthday? Or does 2nd anniversary
something we all should be grateful for. On behalf of Gaysi folks, “Thank you
shallow media bytes…and I could go on but I am certain Broom will haunt me in
sound most appropriate? On second
sir…for…for being Gay”.
my sleep if I don’t stop just about now.
thoughts, screw it! Birthday or anniversary, all good wishes (naughty
Next on the list, our now‐permanent Queer landmark, Azaad Bazaar. Other
As for Hostel Room 131, even though the book got thumbs up on Gaysi, it
ones to be offered ONLY offline) are welcome and we are here waiting with
than being the only Queer store (straight‐friendly too) in this more‐
was ripped to shreds in many other public spaces. Rumour has it, the
open arms.
than‐we‐can‐handle populated city,
author was so mad with the bad
And since it’s such a joyous occasion, I get to flaunt my pompous arse (N.B:
what truly gets me all pepped are the two, very young lady entrepreneurs
reviews that he personally emailed those who had written it, asking for an
Broom’s on holiday, so guess who’s the boss now, sillies!). So here’s a look at an
heading this fantastic effort. We are constantly asked to follow our dreams,
apology. Ooppsy! Foot…mouth… disease, shut up!
article published on CNN Go (Asia)
and here they are living it when many
Thankfully we have other deserving
stating the 10 Gifts from Mumbai’s LGBT community. Now I am not sure how well
of us simply contend with dreaming. True inspirations, for me they are.
mentions on the list. For instance, the Gay Bombay Support Meet for Parents,
you would take to this since some of you completely believe in the notion
Kashish Film Festival and Queer Ink Book Fair; two fantastic events have
Bombay Dost magazine, Gay India Twitter stream and Nitin Karani’s
“Delhi farts but it’s Mumbai that stinks”
taken place in this city. And no, they
personal blog Queer India. Though I am
…and even if they are spot on…and it cannot be denied that though New
didn’t happen in some dingy cinema hall or isolated shack. These events
sure many would agree, Nitin deserves his own spot apart from his blog, in this
Delhi is our political capital, it’s Mumbai’s Queer Politics that keeps it
took place in broadest of day light, at the jazziest locations, out and loud…
list. He is after all the official Queer, Mr. Fix it!
away from being the self‐righteous Gay
colouring the city Pink. Well almost, if it
And yes…yes, saving the pompous glory
capital. Let’s just say we do have our own set of precious crowning glories.
weren’t for the damn smokers, the Hummers, the developers, the metro…
for the very last, it gives every inch of my toned 6 pack *advertisement
Starting with none other than our very dearest; the Gay author, fashion guru
ok, I‘ll shut up. Moving on we have, Hostel Room 131
filter*, the immense pleasure of announcing that Gaysi managed to
and the dude sitting pretty on every desi
& Laxmi Tripathi. Now at the expense of
score a spot as well and that too
gay guy’s knock out list, Parmesh Shahani. And mind you, the only guy
exposing my foot‐in‐mouth disease, I have no freaking clue what the heck are
without any selling, flashing, begging, etc.
whose criticism of Salman Khan I took very sportingly.
they doing here. Or maybe they are placed here for the Dolly Bindra effect;
So here’s wishing all Gaysi folks a very happy birthday…errr…anniversary…
Then we have Mr. Ashok Row Kavi. This
you know to spice up the O‐So‐Modest
err…crap…happy times ahead.
man is a legend. Fighting for existence at a time when more than half of our
list, I personally don’t think much of Ms. Tripathi. I find her crass, publicity
Damn! This makes being grounded by Broom so bloody worth it.
population was not even aware of the word “homosexuality”, Mr. Kavi’s
hungry, and someone who conveniently turns her back towards those who
(Article previously published at www.gaysifamily.com) TQC 17
And Not All That Jazz ... BY AMBIKA RAJGOPAL
A column that features music and artists; in definitely not ‘run-of-the-mill’ genres!
SUEDE
BAUHAUS
ROXY MUSIC
Suede sashayed into the Britpop scene in the 90s and
Heavy, dark and pendulous are the first words that come to
The tunes of Roxy Music immortalize the glam chic. It is
soon became the most influential English rock bands.
mind when one thinks of the band Bauhaus. Described as the
in every sense an ode to the unique and dazzling art school
Their knack of exposing
fathers of Goth rock, their
background, which influenced
human vulnerability with a cruel tenderness, got them
music bears tribute to the Bauhaus Art Movement of
the vocalist, Brian Ferry. Roxy Music paved the way for
acclaim among critics and fans alike.
1920s. Their music unleashes a flood of
the glam rock era. Theirs was a time for glitter dust and
Suede paints pictures of
rich and brooding symphonies,
platform boots. Their music
emotional holocaust and angst filled reflections, with nuclear
which occupied the prime spot in Goth subculture. They were
offered a welcome respite to its listeners and encouraged them
colours and acidic brutality. Loaded with a heavy dose of
the pioneers in creating the swirling musical metaphors
to explore the individuality within. It symbolized a break
truth, the front man- Brett
most associated with this
from the throes of
Anderson’s words sting almost as much as truth itself.
culture. Their lyrics beg for release and
conventionalities. Brian Ferry’s rich, full toned
Their neo glam image is very inherent in their personalities
create in the minds of the listeners the most potent
vocals effused with the pop synth-like sound of Brian Eno’s
and music. The riffs are edgy
imagery. The sensual dark
mixing table produced
and jagged, but are molded into liquid finesse, made possible
waves sweep the listeners into a place, which occupies the most
harmonies which have massaged the musical
only by Anderson.
untouched area of their minds.
sensibilities of bands like The Sex Pistols, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and Morrissey.
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LyJ6RIod7Eg 18
www.youtube.com/watch? v=‐VyWNDxQQxM
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hRzGzRqNj58
Weekend Getaway: Kalsubai
TQC - Jan 2011
BY ‘SENTINEL’
The otherwise barren and dry Western
‘Everest of the Deccan’. Towering at an
The wild flowers and natural verdant
Ghats turn densely lush green, post the
impressive 1646 meters, it offers an
hues make the place seem very surreal.
onset of the monsoons. The rain, the
amazing view of the Western Ghats in
The feeling can’t be described, it has to
i m m a c u l a t e s n o w‐ w h i t e c l o u d s
the Nashik region, an all time favorite,
be experienced. At the Summit is the
combined with the freshly grown
as far as trekking in the Sahyadris is
temple of Goddess Kalsubai, the patron
vegetation are more than reason
concerned.
deity of the mountain and protector of
enough to go trekking. With the
Kalsubai is situated near the village of
the Nashik region. As one sees the
increase in altitude the view that these
Bari which is about an hour by road
fabulous bird’s eye view overlooking
Ghats offer is no doubt spectacular and
from the Karjat railway station on the
nearly 25 forts and the mighty
in some instances can actually give the
Central Line of the Mumbai Suburban
Bhandardhara reservoir, it isn’t very
much taller Himalayas a run for its
Railway. It can also be reached by road
difficult to understand as to why the
money. But all this beauty has a
from Pune by taking the Nashik by‐pass
locals ascribed divine status to this
downside to it too. The magnitude of
to Ghoti and then subsequently moving
peak. Take your time to soak it all in,
the southwest winds is such, that as one
to wa rd s B a r i . T h e c l i m b ta ke s
the photography can always wait. After
reaches the summit of high peaks in this
approximately 3 hours, so it’s advised
lunching on your tiffin stuffed meals
region, it’s all mist and only mist, which
to start early. A local villager can always
and relaxing for a bit, one should begin
is a great feeling, but robs one of the
be asked to accompany your group as a
the descent by late afternoon to reach
otherwise panoramic views.
guide, given the mesmerizing yet
the base village in time. If you manage
And that’s why; the early winter months
puzzling terrain. The trek has relatively
to reach Bari by 4pm; you can easily be
is the best time to visit Kalsubai, given
become easy as important rock‐patches
in Mumbai or Pune by nightfall.
the highly non‐uniform and extra‐
along the route have now been
Good places don’t always have to be far
ordinarily high rainfall this year. Kalsubai
equipped with ladders, which makes
far away !
is the tallest peak in the Sahyadris and
the ascent as well as the descent, all
therefore has earned the sobriquet
the more safe.
TQC
19
And Bon Appétit
Santé
BY CHEF SUBODH BODKE
TALLI LEMONADE
Ingredients
Le ek & Po ta to So up
½ cup of white sugar 3/4 cup water
Presenting some delectables to keep you warm this unusually cold winter.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt ½ cup of lime / lemon juice 1 cup carbonated water or water Ice Straws (optional) 90 ml Tequila 60 ml White Rum Method Add the 3/4 cup of water in saucepan. Turn on high heat, cover and wait till it boils. Once the water boils, add the sugar and salt and stir well for 2 min . Transfer the sugar mixture to a measuring cup and put it in the freezer for 10 minutes. This will be enough time for it to cool down but not enough time for it to freeze.
1 leek (cleaned & sliced) 1 sweet apple (peeled, cored & sliced) 2-3 potatoes (peeled & sliced) 3 celery stalk (sliced) 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup milk ½ teaspoon salt Cooking oil Pepper Salted crackers (optional) Cilantro (optional)
potatoes are soft. Turn off the hea t, open the cover, and let the soup coo l down to room temperature (about 15 min utes). Method With a soup ladle, transfer the contents of Add about 2 teaspoons of oil in the soup into a blender. Cover a pot. and blend Turn the stove to high heat. Add the sliced for 20 seconds. Add the blended soup leek and cook for about 3 minutes back into the pot. Add the milk . Add . Reheat the chicken broth and the rest the soup by turning the stove on med of the ium vegetables. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and heat and stir for about 5 minutes. mix. Cover and let it simmer on low to Serve with pepper, salted crackers , and medium heat for 20 minutes unti l the diced up cilantro (optional).
Slice some lime and squeeze out the juice in a measuring cup. In two separate glasses, add the lime juice, then the sugar mixture, tequila & rum and finally the carbonated water. Mix and serve with ice and sliced limes /lemons.
ke Po u n d C a Ingredients
flour ll purpose 3 cups of a n salt ¾ teaspoo der baking pow 1 teaspoon lted butter 1 cup unsa ar 2 cups sug s 4 egg gurt d ¾ plain yo ly squeeze juice (fresh e g n ra o p ⅓ cu kaged) or pre-pac peel on orange 1 tablespo el on lime pe 1 tablespo
inutes. Add eed for 2 m sp w lo n o r mixe juice. Turn me orange so d n a s. r u more flo for 2 minute low speed n o r e ix d m n on the ur, yogurt a ntil all the flo epeat this u R ded. Method as been ad nge juice h chine and ra a o m r e ix se some m tter in a 350°F. Grea to n ve w o Add the bu fe e nd on for a Pre-heat th e orange a ium speed e oil. Add th nd let it mix m a turn it med r so a g h it re. su w tu e s ix pan ur m en add th e blended flo ded. Add th n minutes. Th le to b in ll e ls ke e w a e l ec lime p speed unti ther. Pour th y on medium rything toge eating lightl ve b e , e ix m M ti a t ne a the pans. the eggs, o mixture into ion . it d d a s. To h c a e after t 60 minute king °F for abou 0 salt and ba 5 e 3 t th aked a b h it s ke a w a w r B e flou ing nd cake u th o ry p e ve e th Combine th r so e wl the test wheth the flour bo oth pick in powder. Mix all portion rt a long to sm se a in , n, d h d g A u . o en es out clea tributed on the othpick com is evenly dis rn to Tu e . th rt u If g . e centr ture and yo of flour mix ready. the cake is
20
REFLECTIONS EYESORE
By Prasad Bhide Gossip mills won’t stop. The grind begins & goes on into the late evening – incessantly! Fall in line, fall in line – choose your camp. Fierce & independent is such a bad combination – you are so bad. Why can’t you be lame or tame or as they say – politically accurate? You know you will be loved by one and all – they just know you won't gnaw. You know the heat will be on you, you know it, don’t you. But you will still hang in there, still, won’t you? You are an eyesore …
ES
I TR
R
LL A C
EN
FO
It is time once again to get ready for Indiaʼs largest queer film festival: KASHISH, Mumbai International Queer Film Festival.
TQC - Jan 2011
KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011 to be held in April 2011 intends to be BIGGER, BOLDER & QUEERER. We call upon filmmakers to submit shorts, features and documentaries that highlight / focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters, communities and expressions.
Requirements: • Submissions should be of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgendered people. • Films should be submitted only on DVD. We will not be able to preview online. • Films / videos of any length and in any language are accepted. All films, other than in English, should be subtitled in English. • Each film must be accompanied with a duly filled entry form. • Submissions without completed entry form will not be accepted.
• Please note THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE for submission. • We believe in investing all our resources in showcasing the films to the best possible extent, hence NO SCREENING FEE would be paid to filmmakers / distributors. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2011. Entry forms are available at www.mumbaiqueerfest.com and www.kashishmiqff.blogspot.com Email: kashish.miqff@gmail.com 21