The Queer Chronicle - November 2009

Page 1

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.


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