November 2009 September 2009
TQC
The Queer Chronicle
| Pune
September 2009
Friend I seek helplessly a soul under this sun Unravel this jinx, this mystery unknown Disclose to me this man of rectitude Who follows me untiringly all over in solitude His speechless love leaves me bewildered He hears me all, though his words unheard He silently weeps as I cry, a companion godsend Seeks nothing instead, but has his pure soul to lend His silent footsteps I can never hear His silent chase I can never construe Why his footsteps sometimes follow mine And sometimes mine follow his in line He walks in unison whilst the sun is high Reassuring his selfless love will never die When the heat is mild, he silently disappears In tranquility he rests with the evensong prayers Aniket, Pune
TQC
Editorial
September 2009
“Happy National Coming Out Day” I was on Facebook one October morning and
The repeal on Article 377 turned on the
I suddenly noticed a really curious thing.
faucets of 150 years of repression and there
Several of my friends had donated their
is no turning them off. Our actual fight begins
status to an event titled “National Coming
now. As we have become more visible to
Out Day”. I thought to myself, ‘What’s that
society, there are widespread protests. For
about?’
the first time all the religious sects are
A quick Google search and a few mouse clicks
coming together on a single platform to
later, I found that National Coming Out Day
oppose us, when they would usually fight
originated in the US in 1988 and October 11
amongst each other.
is now an annual celebration that encourages
So changing the law is not the answer to our
LGBT people and their supporters to live
country’s problems. There is a lot of advocacy
open and honest lives. How cool is that!
work that needs to be done, especially
So many of us live dual lives at home, at work
amongst those who influence society.
and even with our closest of friends. We
The more we as LGBT people tell our stories
constantly live in fear of being ‘outed’ and
and engage the straights in our lives, the
losing the ones we love most. We exist in the
closer we are to achieving equality.
hope that someday we can live open lives
We need to make every day ‘National Coming
without being judged by society.
Out Day’.
July 2, 2009 changed this for all of us.
The editor
The TQC Team Editor: Keith. Columnists: Amey Kolhe, Andy Barve, Amit Herekar.
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 The Queer Chronicle, nor its affiliates. The content of this e-zine not
be
suitable
for
TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com www.facebook.com/tqc.india
all
Editor, TQC
In this issue
Cover: ‘Yearning for a friend’
may
Keith
audiences.
2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Special Focus: The Queer Blueprint for Pune A Queer View: “Honey, I’m home!” Readers’ Corner Food & Drink: Mumbai Wine Tasting Festival 2009 Food & Drink: Sunday Brunch at ‘Opus Pune’ Art & Soul: Resh Val Lifestyle: trendPATROL Weekend Getaway: Kundakali River Rafting Health: How to incorporate fitness into a busy lifestyle Leisure: Movie Classics - Maurice Leisure: Homostrology for November Classi-prides: Queer owned and operated businesses Pune Helpline 1
Special Focus 2
The Queer Blueprint for Pune - Are we September 2009
ready for it? A bar that has a queer night every
across the world have stayed here
week. A theme party at a prominent
without an iota of a problem! And
club, at least once a month. Monthly
then, I get phone calls from our dear
outings for adventure sports like
friends in Pune, on whether the room
trekking, rappelling and white water
is available for rent on an hourly basis.
rafting. Queer Meets to discuss life
Worse still, I am sometimes asked if my
impacting
‘services’ are included in the daily
issues.
Queer
friendly
businesses. A community center. A
tariff.
safe house. Queer city tours …..
And how can I miss mentioning
Pune has the potential to have all this,
cruising public toilets at GPO.
and much more!
Don’t we make ourselves proud!
The first sketches of the blueprint have
Wake up Pune! NACO statistics reveal
already been initiated. Undeniably, the
that 24% of the queer community in
credit goes to the teams at Birds of a
Pune is HIV positive and our city tops
Feather, Bombay Masala and TQC who
the list of most infected cities in India.
have a vision to make Pune a better
If that does not send alarm bells
place for all of us. Through investment
ringing in our heads, nothing will.
of their time and efforts, Pune has
As pioneers of the queer movement in
gotten this far so soon.
Pune, all of us have faced threats at
However, the enemies against progress
some point in time and in some
of our community are actually within
instances have had personal property
the community. And we continue to be
destroyed. These can be repaired.
thrilled
Damage to our personal reputations
with
our
stereotypical
shallowness of promiscuity, immaturity
and
and irresponsibility.
community are sometimes irreparable.
Take for example Birds of a Feather
Sometimes I am painfully convinced
and Bombay Masala have hosted some
that
pretty spectacular parties in the past
despicable behavior, we have in fact
months. Fabulous music, food, people
earned the mistrust and scorn that
and conversation. And how do we
mainstream society metes out to us.
endorse our gratitude for the safe
It is not too late. We promise you that
spaces they have created for us? By
the parties and the fun will continue.
drinking beyond controllable limits, by
But we need more of you to get
smoking ‘joints’, by trashing the venue
involved in setting up responsible
and by creating a nuisance outside the
initiatives for the community. Mobilize
venue after the party.
yourselves
I launched a Bed and Breakfast at my
comfortable
apartment over a year ago, with the
something that mirrors your core
objective of providing a queer friendly
strength.
and economical option for visitors to
Let’s make the blueprint work. We
Pune. Straight and gay guests from
owe it to ourselves.
the
damage
through
done
our
with
juvenile
friends
working
to
you
with.
the
and
are Start
- Keith
The Queer Chronicle
TQC: Is it difficult living together as a
most days only after midnight.
couple?
Over
increasing
Nihal: There definitely is a difference
stressful and it was impossible to
living together as friends and living
continue in the way we were living our
together as a couple. Subodh has to
lives. We needed our own space and
wake very early to get to work every
our independence. We had to plan
morning and I have always been a
something if we wanted to be with
nocturnal animal. Initially, adjusting
each other.
our schedules was a bit of a problem.
TQC: How did your respective families
We always take each other’s opinions
react to your decision?
into consideration before deciding
Nihal: When Subodh & I first started
anything. I check with Subodh before I
dating each other, I was still living with
invite my colleagues home and vice
my parents. Subodh and I used to
versa. However we also maintain our
spend a lot of time together and I was
individual freedom. I can paint the
away from home a lot, which used to
walls the color I like and he can place a
irritate my parents. I was living a
flower vase where he likes. These are
double life and the pressure was just
really small compromises compared to
Nihal and Subodh, co-founders of
too much to handle.
what we get in return.
‘Bombay
be
Frustrated with having to lie to my
Subodh: We don’t have to deal with
celebrating their 6th anniversary as a
family, I came ‘out’ to them about my
landlords or inquisitive neighbors,
couple. TQC recently caught up with
sexuality and told them about Subodh.
which is great! We have never shouted
them for an exclusive interview.
Soon after, my brother shifted back to
from the rooftops that we are living
TQC: Both of you are from such diverse
Mumbai from Delhi, got married and
together as a couple, however we do
career backgrounds. How did the two
decided to set up his own place.
entertain a lot and some of our parties
of you meet?
My parents chose to live with him and I
can get quite loud. I am sure that most
Nihal: That’s true. I work with the film
chose to live with Subodh. This was
of our neighbors have figured our
industry and Subodh is in academics. I
over three years ago. I am grateful to
lifestyle by now. But to date, we have
guess we were destined to meet in this
my entire family, as they have always
not had any adverse situation as a
lifetime. We met online about 6 years
been very supportive of us.
result of it.
ago and have not looked back since.
Subodh: My family does not know
TQC: Do you ever regret your decision?
TQC: What prompted your decision to
about our arrangement as yet. They
Subodh: Not at all! We are really
live together?
just know that I stay over at my
happy to be able to live together. Of
Subodh: We both wanted to spend
friend’s place very often. My parents
course, we do fight over trivia all the
time with each other and used to meet
have met Nihal and like him. So when I
time, but neither of us ever regrets our
every day after work. As we used to
say I am staying over at his place, they
decision.
live with our parents, we were forced
have no issues. As our house and my
TQC: What do you look forward to
to meet at our friends’ place or at
parent’s house are quite close, I shuttle
most when you get back home after a
cinemas and restaurants. To make
between the two. It’s a challenge, but
long day at work?
matters worse, our houses were quite
somehow I manage it.
“Honey, I’m home!” Masala’
November 2009
will
soon
time
it
became
A Queer View
September 2009
far apart and we used to get home
- Continued on Page 6 3
Readers’ Corner
Readers’ Comments Here is what we heard from you, on TQC’s October 2009 edition. “Fabulous issue yet again! Keep up the good work, team.” – Prasad, Mumbai. “Yet again! awesome read!! Kudos for putting it together. The content is indeed good. What I am yet again astonished by is the excellent production quality :) – Darshan, Bengaluru (Bangalore). “That article ....when I told my mom that I
Dear Editor, Arindom, Lucknow: “When can I download a copy of TQC?” TQC: TQC is currently available only as an online e-zine as this enables us analyze reader demographics and helps us make content more relevant for our target audience. If we had TQC as a PDF download, it could be forwarded to others. Not that we have anything against it, but we would lose very critical information that could help us improve.
am gay .. was best, really!!! – Mylo, Pune “Great issue, Keith! And a very nice article on the "Winds of Change". Well done!” – Tuhin, Canada. “Another great edition. I particularly liked the ‘coming out story’. I am sure many of us can relate to it one way or another. Thanks for publishing the story and thanks to the guy who shared his story
Nikhil, Mumbai: Where can I pick up a print copy of TQC? TQC: Being totally non-funded, economics does not currently permit us to have a print edition of TQC. Additionally, a print edition has the quagmire of distribution and pricing. As an online e-zine, we believe we are able to seamlessly reach a larger global audience.
with us. – Suraj, Australia. “TQC is looking fabulous, so keep up the good work, it's a great online resource which is only set to grow and grow ... do you have grand ideas for the future? ... if not, why not!?” – Bob & Phil, United Kingdom.
4
Aditya, United Kingdom: “Nice but too staid the gay chronicle must have some fun articles ‘like I have had anal sex it is my dream to do it right first time. Search for some info how to do it right for top and bottom’. You must print DIY articles. Dostana was quite matter of fact - why cannot you be? You would save lives, keep all of us AIDS free.” TQC: Thank you for your feedback Aditya. I am sure there are other queer magazines that readers can access for more sexually explicit DIY content. However, I don't think TQC is ready for that yet. Nevertheless, it is food for thought on how TQC can evolve content that is more relevant. TQC is just two months old and we are still getting our feet on the ground. It is baby steps, at least for the next few issues. Hence, please do bear with us.
Mario, Mumbai: “A very bold and September 2009 great attempt to bring out an emagazine like TQC in a city like Pune. Loved the layout, well written articles and imaginative pictures. However my personal opinion is that reaches out mostly to the elite English speaking, mall hopping, urban, wine sipping population. If we need homosexuality to be understood in India we need to involve all stratas of Indian society. Not to forget that most Indians believe that "gayness" is a western concept. I do hope some effort is made by TQC in latter issues to involve and address a cross section of Indian gay men. Till then do keep the good work going on! All the best!” TQC: Thank you for your encouragement, Mario. TQC’s mission is ‘To build a powerful, networked queer community (in Pune)’ and I am a strong believer that ‘information is power’. While I agree that the content could appeal more to the urban audiences; I also believe that TQC could help break stereotypical mindsets and broaden the horizons of the queer community at large. To enable the message reach a larger audience, we are considering getting relevant portions of TQC translated into Marathi. Manish, Mumbai: “Do you accept article contributions for TQC.” TQC:
Absolutely, Manish! We are
constantly on the look-out for guest columnists
and
contributors
of
poems, articles, experiences, etc. We would like to involve as many people from the community as possible. We are more than welcome to any ideas for regular feature columns as well. In case you would like us to review some samples of your work, please email us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com.
The Queer Chronicle
BY KEITH September 2009
Soul died and was reincarnated as Opus Pune, part of the Opus restaurant & music empire that has its roots in Bangalore. The Sunday buffet at Opus is a must-do for its
Food & Drink
Sunday Brunch
tantalizing ‘all-you-can-gorge-on’ open buffet, washed down with unlimited mellow mojitos or chilled beer, served by the gallon. The food is predominantly in varied shades of red and spiced authentically enough to sprout hair on your chest.
The buffet comprises
Goan favorites such as Chicken Xacuti, Goan Fish Curry and Sausage Pulao. Although a smattering of prawns or calamari could be a welcome addition. Veggies, do not despair. The buffet includes specialties like Bhendi Cafreal, pasta and a few others. And what The event is a walk through festival
Ralph Craven, Good Earth, Kaira and
which will feature over 12 of India's
Kinvah.
best wineries and will showcase more
Food:
than 50 wines to the wine enthusiast.
barbecued chicken, mutton, seafood,
Set on ‘The Pier’ of the Bombay
veggies & fruit desserts at the Mumbai
Presidency Radio Club with a splendid
Bar-B-Q Festival 2009.
view of the ocean, the harbor and the
Special events: Wine appreciation
unpretentious and has a vibe that is infectious. With a live band playing rock
Gateway of India, the event is
talks by Tulleho Wine Academy and
anthems, plenty of eye-candy, all the guests
expected to attract over 5,000 visitors.
exclusive cheese tasting among other
(seeming to) know everyone else and some
There will be wine appreciation talks
exciting on-ground events.
by experts, cheese tasting, barbecue,
Merchandise
gourmet finger food and wine, wine,
accessories, glasses, racks and more.
It is said that all good things do not come
wine!!
Entertainment:
cheap. At a price tag of Rs 500 + taxes, Sunday
THE EVENT AT A GLANCE
music.
Venue: The Pier, Bombay Presidency
Entry fees: Rs. 450/- per person per
Radio Club, Apollo Bunder, Colaba,
day for bookings made online in
Mumbai 400 005.
advance. Rs. 550/- per person per day
Timings: 11am to 10pm.
at the entrance.
Service: 4.5/5, Budget per person (for the Sunday buffet): Rs 500 + 12.5% taxes.
Participating countries: India, France,
Online bookings:
TQC verdict: “Why yearn for Goa, when you
Australia, New Zealand, Italy, South
www.mumbaiwinefest.in
Goan meal would be deemed complete without Bebinca? Opus has taken care of that
A
fantastic
to
selection
as well. The ambience is amazing. The theme is definitely ‘white’ – something that you cannot miss.
The
atmosphere
laid
back,
experience feels more like one big party
and
Wine
live
rather than dining at a restaurant.
lunch at Opus is not something you should plan at the end of the month. TQC rating: Queer friendly: 5/5, Location for a date: 4/5, Food: 4.5/5, Ambience: 3.5/5,
have Opus?”
Africa, Spain, Japan and Germany.
Location: ABC Farms, Koregaon North
Participating Indian vineyards: Zampa,
Main Road,
Vinsura, Reveilo, Château d'Ori, Four
COMING IN DECEMBER: PUNE WINE
Pune – 411001.
Seasons, Nine Hills, Vin & Vouloir,
TASTING FESTIVAL 2009
Reservations: +91.9850207354
November 2009
is
even breaking into a dance, the Opus
purchase:
Karaoke
of
5
Art and Soul
“Honey, I’m home.” – continued from September 2009
Page 3
Nihal: I look forward to a cup of tea, which Subodh never makes. And Subodh expects a hug which I always forget! Jokes apart, a few minutes to relax with someone you love are more than anyone can ask for. TQC: Do you have any advice for couples who are contemplating living together? Subodh: I think the first year is the most difficult.
You get to know of your
partner’s
quirks,
pet
peeves
and
Elfin, eternally effervescent, dramatic
Says Resh, “I am inspired by everyone
and spunky are words that best
I know, who is close to me. From their
expectations. Do not expect everything to
describe Resh Val, a Pune based self-
feelings, emotions and thoughts, I
be picture perfect. We did have a tough
taught abstract artist.
have a strong desire to understand
time initially, but we stuck together and
Resh began painting ten years ago
the human mind. My art speaks about
it’s working fine now. Just continue to
when she started having outbursts of
my connection with certain people in
emotions and couldn't find an outlet
my life. What I feel about them and
to express herself. “I had some paints
how they make me feel. It speaks
and brushes lying in my room. I just
about deep intense connections with
to support your home and partner in
picked them up and begin throwing
these individuals and how, even if
good times and in bad times.
paint all over my paper. This led to art
they might not know each other, they
Nihal: We also have this rule that has
as therapy for me that I then
still connect through me.”
helped us a lot. If we have had a quarrel
developed into a hobby” says Resh.
Her pieces are contemplative and
She primarily works with oils because
individualistic with intense bursts of
she believes her art is constantly
fluid color, representative of the
evolving and oils are the only media
artist’s emotions while they were
that allow her to keep reworking her
being painted.
have quarreled at home.
multi-hued canvases.
Resh does have plans to formally
Subodh: It is very important to be part of
A brushstroke here, a swirl of color
exhibit her work, however in the
every decision made at home. A few
there and voilà! The elfin artist brings
interim, her work can be viewed at
weeks after we met, I always made fun of
yet another dimension to an already
http://www.facebook.com/group.php
exquisite masterpiece.
?gid=145149281741 Resh
is
available
to
undertake
have faith in each other. Also try to combine your finances. And be prepared
outside, we do not enter our home unless it is sorted out. And neither of us leaves home without sorting things out, if we
Nihal when he used to show me the apartment block where he wanted to live
commissioned art projects. In case
& the layout of the house he wanted to
you would like to discuss an idea you
build with his partner.
had in mind, you can get in touch with
Now, we are both take part in creating
her at rvalcollections@gmail.com
our
dream
house.
Selections
and
decisions are Nihal’s & the execution is “Art is like love. I cannot 'draw' it, but I am always drawn by it” – Resh Val 6
mine! ☺
The Queer Chronicle
trendPATROL PATROL
THAT'S THE SIZE OF IT! Time to ditch the hot spells (and not your significant other) to dazzle into a bonechilling November! trendPatrol forks out soupçon of tips to deck you up because there is absolutely no reason one
Lifestyle
September 2009 BY ANDY BARVE
shouldn’t look your size this winter! Get from Feeble to Fleshy n Funky.
Oversized beanie sported by Zac Efron on an LA winter morning.
trendPATROL loves reusing
Large square-checkered
granddad sweaters and tailoring
oversize shirts compliment
them to snazzy coatigans. Ask for
a frail body shape like a
Just Casuals’ tailors, they do a
dream! Available at Just
perfect job! ☺
Casuals, Pune
Two Pocket Leather Holdall bag, Rs. 1386/-. Available at ASOS.com
Check out JLS’ newest track ‘Everybody in Love’. Oritsé Williams is sporting unisex harem trousers or hung crotch trousers, as we like to call’em! Available at Outfitters, Waterfield Road, Bandra (Mumbai)
November 2009
SoleStudded Hi-Tops, Rs. 1000/- ; Available at ASOS.com 7
Weekend Getaway – Kundalika River Rafting Travel
September 2009
Photo courtesy www.kundalikarafting.in
8
One of the world's most captivating
been found to be exciting yet safe for
for the faint-hearted.
adventure sports now comes to
river rafting.
Of course, there is a minor possibility
Maharashtra.
Rafting at Kundalika takes place on
of the water not being released on a
Imagine this. You hurtle down a
every day of the year and starts
particular day. In that eventuality,
pumping river in an inflatable raft,
EXACTLY at 8.30 am, to coincide with
the organizers guarantee a refund.
negotiate the drops, turns and
the release of water from the nearby
chutes and punch through the sheets
‘Bhira’ dam. For those who are not
of water crashing aboard. A mere
‘morning persons’, a couple of small
two hour drive from Pune and
and cozy resorts have sprouted near
Mumbai,
Kundalika, where you could spend
White
Water
Rafting
doesn't get more exciting than this!
the night before your voyage.
Kundalika is a small,
This is an adventure sport so safe,
relatively
unknown yet extremely beautiful
that
river of Maharashtra. It is located in
welcome. The rafts can hold up to
the
eight to ten people plus the guide
Sahyadris
in
Maharashtra's
even
non-swimmers
are
Quick Facts When to go: All year round. Getting there: The drive is about 88 km from Chandni Chowk, via the ‘Pirangut – Paud – Mulshi – Tamhini Ghat – Vile Phata’ route. Recommended attire: T-shirts, shorts / track pants, sport shoes / floaters. Avoid wearing ‘white’ … on second thoughts, DO wear white. ;)
highest rainfall areas. Additionally,
depending on size of the raft.
the river is fed by excess water from
Your adrenalin pumps for about two
series of hydroelectric projects and
hours, while navigating through a
dams, making it ideally suited for
series of rapids that span 10
rafting. A ten kilometer stretch of
kilometers. Rafting at Kundalika is
P.S. do NOT forget to carry a change
river beginning at village ‘Saje’ has
100% pure aqua fun, though not for
of dry clothes and a towel!!
Prior booking: Required. Please visit www. kundalikarafting.in for more details.
The TheQueer QueerChronicle Chronicle
September 2009
Health
How to incorporate fitness into a busy lifestyle
November 2009
Exercise is something that often falls
to this routine to get some strength
to the wayside when our schedules
training.
get jam packed. It is important to
After dinner, grab your ipod and take
incorporate exercise into our daily
a 10 minute walk around the block.
routine no matter how busy we are.
Me time! Pick one day a week that
We need to change the way we think
you can steal ONE HOUR for yourself.
about exercise and make it part of our
For most, that day is Sunday. Choose a
daily routine by incorporating some of
time of day that your energy is at it's
the following ideas:
highest and do something that gets
Get up 20 minutes early to stretch,
you to MOVE. Walk on the beach, take
take a walk or jump-rope. Don't hit
a class at your gym, ride your bike,
that snooze alarm and snuggle back
roller blade, or simply run/walk on the
into your pillow! Once you get used to
treadmill. Find an activity that you can
getting up and moving, you'll miss it
enjoy and DO IT! Think of this as time
when you don't.
you are dedicating to yourself. You
Stretching is the most important thing
DESERVE IT!
you can do, but it's often overlooked.
Dance! Put on your favorite music and
First thing in the morning, do some
dance around your living room. Dance
‘sun salutation’ stretches. This only
at parties and wedding receptions.
takes five minutes of your time, and is
Don't worry about how you look, just
a great introduction to the benefits of
have fun getting fit.
yoga poses. This will increase flexibility
IN 4-6 weeks step it up! What you
and circulation and get your day
have been doing is creating a habit.
started with energy.
After 4-6 weeks of making these small
Find a friend to help you stick to a
changes you will find your energy start
fitness routine.
to rise as well as your motivation.
Take the stairs! There are many ways
Look back in your journal to see how
we can add steps to our overall day,
far you have come and try to find
thus increasing our total calorie burn.
ways to take it to the next level. Is
You can take the stairs rather than the
there another day you can take an
elevator.
hour? Is there a way to challenge your
Park your car farther away when
highest steps to date?
going to the grocery store or doing
Get creative! There are far more
other errands.
difficult things you all do on a daily
When you get home at night, try the
basis!
‘10 Minute Cardio Blast’ or ‘Time-
We can create a million excuses not to
saver Workouts’. As you get into
do it...stop thinking about and just
better shape, you can start adding
get started. Your body will thank you
hand weights or your resistance band
for it! 9
Movie Classics – Maurice (1987) Leisure
September 2009
BY AMEY KOLHE
10
The film had its world premiere at the
Plot: Director James Ivory brings his
homosexual, backs off and breaks up with
Venice Film Festival in 1987, where
subdued, "Masterpiece Theater" style
Maurice for marriage, family, and politics.
Ivory was awarded a Silver Lion as Best
to a forbidden subject -- homosexual
Maurice is crestfallen, but then he has a
Director,
with
love. The film takes is set amidst the
passionate
Ermanno Olmi. James Wilby and Hugh
hypocritical homoerotic subculture of
gamekeeper, Scudder (Rupert Graves),
Grant were jointly awarded Best Actor,
the English university of Cambridge in
and Maurice and Scudder decide to risk
and Richard Robbins received the prize
Forster's time. Clive (Hugh Grant), an
their
for his music -- a subtle and richly
aristocratic Englishman with a life of
together as lovers.
atmospheric score that is one the most
privilege, suddenly shocks his close
Wilby, under Ivory's direction, infuses the
memorable features of Maurice.
friend
by
title character with a quiet sensitivity and
Academy Awards: 1988 Nominated,
declaring his love for him. Maurice is
an underlying sense of desperation to
Best Costume Design (Jenny Beavan,
initially stunned by the pronouncement,
create a character that, as Forster wrote,
John Bright)
but in the end finds himself giving Clive
has "an ingredient that puzzles him,
The traditional bildungsroman, or novel
a passionate kiss and telling him that he
wakes him up, torments him and finally
of education, ends with a marriage.
loves him as well. In an environment in
saves him." Grant plays Clive with a blend
E.M. Forster's Maurice (1914), the
which
of
second of his novels to be adapted by
unspeakable vice of the Greeks" is
arrogance and intimate vulnerability that
Merchant Ivory, takes on a subject that
omitted, and any overture toward a
attracts, and then nearly destroys,
no major novel in the genre had ever
physical relationship between men
Maurice.
addressed: the problem of coming of
might be punishable by law, Maurice
Mark
age as a homosexual in a restrictive
and Clive struggle to come to terms
Cantabridgian Lord Risley, whose later
society. First published in 1971, after
with their own feelings toward each
conviction as a criminal "of the Oscar
Forster's death, and long neglected by
other and toward a repressive society.
Wilde sort" changes the course of the
critics, it is only recently (and largely
Clive, in the stiff-upper-lip British
film. Denholm Elliot, Simon Callow, and
since the release of the film adaptation)
manner, considers their love to be more
Ben Kingsley turn in strong performances
that critics have come to set Maurice in
of an intellectual concept, but Maurice
as
its unique place among "Reader, I
becomes passionate about the affair.
judgmental men who try and guide
married him (Jane Eyre)" narratives.
Clive, afraid of being exposed as a
Maurice into a conventional married life.
sharing
the
prize
Maurice
any
(James
reference
Wilby)
to
"
the
affair
reputations
dead-on
Tandy
alternately
with
by
English
is
well
Clive's
openly
public
the
living
school
confident
meaning
and
The Queer Chronicle
Homostrology for November
BY AMIT HEREKAR
Celebrations are on their way. You finally have the freedom you seek; now just bask in its glory. Career: Multi task as you are good at it. This will help keep a balance of things. Love: Ask yourself if you really want love, because it’s lust all the way. Rethink about what you want. You many feel you are trapped & burdened; don’t worry it’s just a period and it shall pass soon. Career: Get creative & everything else will fall according to the plans. They say creativity can never be restricted. Love: It’s ok to make the first move every now and then; what are you waiting for?
Spread the warmth as it is required around you. And by warmth I don’t mean
You are not a know it all; questions help get you answers. Career: You have to be loud about your views if you want things to go your way. Communication helps. Love: Since you’re currently giving more than you are getting; you may feel like you are being taken for granted. This may not be the case though.
body
heat. Career: Quit being pushy. You may think you can take over the world but don’t forget your limitations. Love: Too many options are available; take your time to pick the right one. Seek a new beginning & let go of the past. Taking a vacation would be a great help. Career: Compromising every time isn’t good; learn to say ‘No’ at times. Love: Quit scheming & planning in love. It’s supposed to be spontaneous. Be
Talk your heart, but in sweet and limited words. Being tactless & impatient won’t improve the situation. Career: Being hardworking & responsible has its way of manifesting more work; which is good. Love: Money & power can buy love for awhile, but that again isn’t true love. Hear JLO.s song and that will make it clear.
just
generous,
but
don’t turn into a saint. Learn to look at things more realistically.
Career:
Take up a new skill, as they say knowledge is power (will help remove the boredom in life). Love: Beware of emotional blackmail from a loved one & try expressing your true feelings for the one you love. Traveling is on the cards. Be more positive as you move into the fabulous
future.
Career: Your insecurities are the only thing holding you back, work on it! Love: Trouble in paradise, as you may be getting controlled by your loved one. Joy is your natural state. Music lifts your spirit, Go buy a new CD. It will help.
Some one around you is creating problems, keep an eye out. Learn a fact that if rules can’t be broken they can at least be bent. Career: Don’t make commitments you can’t keep; you will only show others that you are restless & unreliable. Love: Honesty is the best policy; it either breaks a relationship or makes it real strong. You decide what it will do for your relationship.
Leisure
September 2009
You have gained financial security for a while, so just go shop and sip on martinis. Career: You are going to be overloaded with work; I hope you enjoy your work. Love: You are going to meet someone real hot and sexy & possibilities of rekindling an old flame are strong. This month is full of passion; if you want it to be. Traveling is on the cards. Start something new as the old stuff bores you. Career: Being a perfectionist helps; keep giving your best to get the best in return. Love: If you are in a relationship, your love story is turning into a one sided affair; take responsibility & control before it’s too late. Some one is trying to cause problems in your life, so keep a look out for the bitch Remember your true worth, always. Career: they say there is no gain without a loss. You may have to compromise for the things you seek. Love: Stop being possessive & a control freak. Try to broaden your mind to improve your relationships. 11
Classi-Prides
Your guide to queer owned and
Pune Helpline
operated businesses
Birds of a Feather (BOAF) is a support
September 2009
group that aims to bring people A franchise of Juice from Mumbai, Juice
Salon and Spa opened for business in Pune in May 2008. Under the creative directorship of Shackya Nanda, an accomplished styling professional with an experience of over 6 years, this
together and establishing a foundation for the queer community in Pune. BOAF is a non-commercial enterprise. facebook.com/group.php?gid=9016510 6564
Bombay Masala is a support group that creates a safe and friendly space for the
contemporary unisex salon offers an
queer
elaborate range of Hair, Beauty and
Mumbai.
Nail care and Body Spa treatments.
commercial enterprise that facilitates
Details on treatments are available at
bonding
www.juicesalon.in . Location: 216-218, Vitoria 2, Fortaleza, Opposite Gold
communities
in
Pune
and
Bombay Masala is a nonbetween
like-minded
individuals. facebook.com/group.php?gid=7227019 4982
Adlabs, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411014. For appointments, please contact Shackya Reams have been written about them.
at +91.20.32417717 / +91.9923235783
Hundreds flocked to their pre-pride
or email shackya@gmail.com
Samapathik Trust is dedicated to promoting awareness on men’s sexual health
among
Gays,
Transgenders,
Transsexuals and Intersexes. The Trust
exhibition in Mumbai. You probably
runs a support group, a helpline and a
walked in the shade of their 30-foot
counseling center that also addresses
rainbow flag at QAM 2009. You have
pre-test & post-test counseling for
seen fellow queers flaunt their T-shirts and accessories. You may have bought merchandise from their online store.
HIV/AIDS/STIs. Address: 1004, Budhwar Peth, T-9, Third Floor, Rameshwar Market, Near Vijay Maruti Chowk, Pune. 411002. samapathik@hotmail.com
It’s time for Pune to proudly wear its rainbow on its sleeve with the launch
Azaad Bazaar’s first retail outlet, at a
The Queer Chronicle (TQC). We now have our very own ‘Page’ on Facebook! facebook.com/tqc.india
prominent store near you. Shopping for the latest LGBT pride merchandise has never gotten simpler!
If you are a doctor, lawyer, investment consultant or any other professional, and would like to volunteer your time
For more details on the launch, please visit www.azaadbazaar.com
and
professional
expertise
to
the
community, please write to us.
This issue of The Queer Chronicle was dispatched on November 1, 2009. The next issue will be dispatched on December 1, 2009.
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 12
future editions even more exciting! E-mail us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com.