The Queer Chronicle - October 2009

Page 1

October 2009 September 2009

TQC

The Queer Chronicle

| Pune


September 2009

The Diva i chose the color red i bled i bled sometimes alive sometimes dead beauty lies in the hollow caverns of the head a woman and man in a single body unwed. Firoze Shakir | Mystic . Poet . Photographer


TQC

Editorial

September 2009

Make it a better place, for you and for me. A couple of months ago, a group of friends

We live in very exciting times wherein the

while sipping on wine, deliberated on what

queer community has experienced more

more could be done for the queer

change in attitude, acceptance and levels of

community of Pune. As the wine flowed,

tolerance in the last couple of years, than it

so did our ideas!

has done in over a century. We need to

TQC was conceived that evening.

ensure that this impetus is maintained. Our

We knew it would be powerful. We knew

final goal is the change in legislation,

Keith

it would be effective. We knew it would

nothing less.

Editor, TQC

impact a lot of lives.

Each of us needs to engage in positive

Yet, never in our wildest dreams did we

dialogue whenever possible. We need to

imagine that in the first month of its

educate. We need to enable society to

launch, TQC would touch the lives of over

understand us better. We are pivotal in

500 readers across 6 continents. Such is

facilitating this change.

the might of the global queer network.

Let us make the most of NOW, to ensure we

This network is a very powerful force that

make it a better place, for you and for me.

can facilitate change, when we focus our collective energies towards it!

In this issue

Cover: ‘The Diva’ Photograph and poem by Firoze Shakir

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 may

not

be

suitable

The editor

for

TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com

all

audiences.

2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11

Special Focus: Winds of Change A Queer View: “Mom, I’m gay” Readers’ Corner Lifestyle: ZEBA by Krsna Lifestyle: Eating Out Lifestyle: trendPATROL Art & Soul: Nikhil Chaganlal Art & Soul: Events in October 2009 Weekend Getaway: Fort JadhavGADH Health: How much do you want to achieve before your heart attack? Leisure: All that you need to know about dating a Gay Libra Classi-prides: Queer owned and operated businesses Pune Helpline 1


Special Focus

Winds of change

Photo credit: Harpreet

2

September 2009

A couple of years ago, I was whining to

entertainment industry has resulted in

a friend in Spain that he lived in such a

a huge demand for content, some

free world and that I did not believe

featuring gay characters. TV serials

that homosexuality would be legalized

like Will & Grace and Queer Eye for

in India my lifetime.

the Straight Guy showcase gay men in

He cited a comparison that Spain was

fun, positive ways, and films like

a dictatorship till the mid 70’s, where

Brokeback Mountain and Milk brought

most things were strictly regulated

gay issues onto the screens with

and controlled. Then change came.

surprisingly little or no censorship.

Democracy swiftly brought reform

Closer to home, Indian films like

across the country. He said, “Keith, do

Honeymoon Travels and Fashion have

not lose hope. Change will happen

highlighted gay themes and received

when you least expect it. And you will

none of the problems that earlier

not have to wait long.”

films like Fire faced. Dostana took

How prophetic his statement was. On

more risks by taking the subject on to

July 2, 2009, in a ruling that shook

mainstream screens as well, but was

conventional society to its core, the

rewarded by becoming one of the

Delhi High Court stated that Article

biggest hits of last year.

377 violated fundamental human

More recently, we saw the advertising

rights. As expected, the judgment

industry doing its bit to de-stigmatize

came under immediate and heavy fire

LGBT relationships. In July, most of us

from various sections of society, who

woke up to a picture that circulated

felt

in

widely on Facebook, of a billboard

violation of nature and legalization

that showed the iconic Amul mascot

would do irreparable damage to the

offering buttered slices of bread to

fabric of Indian culture and society.

two girls and boldly proclaiming “Out

However, we are glad that the

of the closet”.

Government is not (openly) buckling

Or take the Hindustan Times AD that

to societal pressures and intends to

is currently airing on several channels,

stand up for what is right. On

where a guy sitting at a table gawks at

September 17, 2009 the Government

a gay couple, nudges his companion

of India stated that it would not

and makes a derisive gesture of a limp

oppose the Delhi High Court ruling,

wrist.

leaving it to the Supreme Court to

smirking guy on his head with a rolled-

determine whether the lower Court

up newspaper. Cut to the line, "It's

ruled correctly in overturning the

time to open your mind".

archaic ban.

Looking back at the past months, I

The Ministries of Law, Health and

gasp at the enormity of change. I

Home Affairs are doing their bit to

caution myself that it is just the

promote change, in a diplomatic way.

beginning. But at least the winds of

Kudos to them!

change are on the move, and they are

Meanwhile, the growth of the

blowing in our direction.

that

homosexuality

was

The

companion

hits

the

- Keith

The Queer Chronicle


A Queer View

this and he definitely did not see it as an

September 2009

abnormality. It was just that he didn’t expect it to exist in his family. He went on to assure me that it did not disgust him and that he supported my decision of not wanting to get married. Next was coming out to Mom, which I think was the toughest thing I ever had to do. The discussion on marriage hadn’t come up for almost a month so I assumed that she had finally given up. Then one day, the discussion started again; this time with an ultimatum - “I’m giving you three days to let me know”. In my mind I had resolved to tell her if she ever asked me again. Day three passed

“Mom, I’m gay.”

and my ultimatum ran out. At dinner, she finally asked me again. I thought to

Ranjeet, a finance professional from

be alone and then she demanded to

myself, ‘it’s now or never”. I blurted out,

Pune and a co-founder of the queer

know my ‘real’ reason for not wanting to

“Mom I’m gay”. She obviously was

support

Masala

get married. Was I not attracted to girls?

shocked.

recently ‘came out’ to his family. TQC

The situation took me totally by surprise. I

And then I had to battle with answers to

caught up with him for an exclusive

wasn’t able to say a word, as I had never

the flood of questions that followed.

interview on his experience.

seen my mother so aggressive, ever!

“How do I know? Have I done it with a

TQC: First of all, bravo! Very few of us

TQC: So whom did you come out to and

girl? Have it done it with a guy? Is it

would have the courage to come out

what was the initial reaction?

genetic? Who else is gay? Are all your

to our families. I am sure it must have

RK: My brother was visiting India from

friends gay? Are you just saying this

been a tough decision. Could you share

the US. I always assumed that my brother

because you don’t want to get married? I

with

knew or at least suspected so I decided to

think you are very shy and you just

prompted you to ‘come out’?

confide in him before telling my mother. I

haven’t had the courage to approach a

RK: I am 29 years old, have completed

told him that Mom was really pressurizing

girl and ask her out? Maybe we should

my CA and have settled into a career in

me to get married and that I didn’t want

see a sexologist or a psychiatrist or a

finance. And that is where the issue

to. He was like “Why not” and I said “You

counselor? Do you sleep with all your

starts. Convention implies that I am at

know, right?” and he said “No!”

friends? Do you have a partner?” It WAS

the ‘ripe’ age to be married and settle

I kept thinking, “What’s wrong with him?

the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

down. ‘Rishtas’ had started coming in

Why doesn’t he say, I know that you are

TQC: What was running through your

and I kept buying time with the typical

gay.” He just sat there looking at me and

mind at that point in time?

excuses – I need to have more money,

finally I just said it. “Because I am gay.”

RK: My mind was a blank. It is weird

I am not mentally ready yet, etc. etc.

And his mouth fell open. I was actually

talking about the most intimate details of

You know the routine. I guess the

shocked that he hadn’t figured it out

your life with your mother.

pressure had started to mount. One

already.

TQC: Has there been any change in

day, out of the blue, my Mom started

Then I explained to him what it meant to

attitude of your family towards you since

this monologue on how a life partner

be gay, about our lifestyle and why it was

you came out?

was a blessing, who one should never

not abnormal. He said that he knew all of

us

group

the

October 2009

Bombay

circumstances

that

- Continued on Page 4 3


Readers’ Corner

“Mom, I’m gay” – continued from Page 3 RK: Things were pretty strained for about a week after. Mom spoke with a few people and I feel she has really understood what I have shared with her. Things have slowly got back to (almost) normal but there are a few occasions where there is this ‘heaviness’ in the air and I feel my Mom wants to ask me something, but she doesn’t… Other than that, our conversations remain extremely normal.

And

the

questions

about

marriage have stopped. Although we haven’t discussed my being gay again, I am sure it is always at the back of both our minds. I am going to bring it up again someday. I want to discuss the rest of my life with her. I have a boyfriend and we celebrated our 3rd anniversary together this year and I want him to officially be a part of my family. No more lies, no more excuses. I don’t want to force her into accepting my lifestyle, but I DO want to talk about it. After all she’s one of my closest friends and I have shared almost everything with her. TQC: Has your life changed in any way after this? RK: I guess so. I feel that I have become more serious about my relationship with my boyfriend. It’s a given now and I am assuming that this is going to last forever.

Dear Editor, An exceptional debut! When one thinks about the word writer or author, they are entering a complex but miraculous realm of ideas and imagination. But what one must remember is that writing cannot be obtained by the greedy or the shallowminded, but can be cherished for those whom have a passion for it. Writing is not always a straight road, for there are many curves and forks. The same applies for creating awareness in the minds of people. But there is a way to get awareness and encouragement, and that I personally believe is through the ‘The Queer Chronicle’. A few weeks ago, as I was casually browsing through my notifications on Facebook, I happened to run across a certain event alert of a particular magazine. It was TQC. A few moments later, I found myself becoming a fan of the magazine, downloading a copy of the e-book version and chatting to one the most intuitive and practical individuals I could have interacted with. TQC is definitely a good way to connect yourself with people, products, and ideas that allow you to live more simply. TQC is a distinct as well as an innovative way for the queer community to know and express freedom. Kudos to Keith and Gay Ho! - Parikshith, Aurangabad

The response to the inaugural issue of TQC was overwhelming! We September 2009 thank you for your feedback and encouragement. We shall endeavor to incorporate your suggestions in subsequent issues of TQC. Here is what we heard from you: “Awesome!!!

Pune

needed

something like this. It's really slick. Read all 11 pages and it took me 10 minutes. Downloads reasonably fast as well.” – Sachin, Mumbai. “Very appealing layout. I wish we could see a glossy. Something to flip through in a café on a Sunday morning. Best of luck with this.” - Ryan, Mumbai “This is so kewl. Very interesting stuff and great reading material. My best wishes to the team at TQC.”– Nakul, Mumbai “Brilliant effort and a fantastic outcome indeed! Way to go!” – Priya, Mumbai “TQC looks gr8 and looks like a lot of hard work and caring has gone into making it a reality.” – Peshdad, Mumbai “The 1st issue has come up really well.

Content,

design,

flow

I want to make him part of my family.

everything is just perfect. I enjoyed

Now I need to work on conversion of ‘my

reading it.” – Kavita, Pune

boyfriend’ to ‘my partner’ soon. ☺ TQC: In hindsight, do you believe your decision to ‘come out’ was worth it? RK: Absolutely! I think I can now have an even better understanding of myself and my relationship with my family and everybody around me. There are still a lot of unresolved issues but as I said, this is the first step towards the rest of my life and I am glad that I have taken it. 4

“I had gone through TQC, it’s just brilliant!

Well

written

and

contained!” – Matthew, Pune The September 2009 issue of TQC reached readers in India, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Turkey, Russia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Mozambique, Maldives, China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and many more.


Photo courtesy www.zebaworld.com, www.krsnamehta.com

Shop till you drop! Fun cushions in bright colors and

Mehta, ZEBA’s designers often blend

adorned with surface embellishments.

ideas and cultures, to reinterpret

Contemporary hand tufted rugs in

Indian design in distinctive and bold,

earthen tones. Rich embroidered silk

yet refreshing ways.

patchwork bedspreads. From the

Krsna says, “Indian contemporary chic

moment you step into a ZEBA store,

is the source of my design inspiration.”

you are transported into an exotic and

Customization

magical world.

strengths. From conceptualization to

Derived

from

the

Persian

word

is

one

of

ZEBA's

production, Team ZEBA translates the

‘Zebaish', which means beautiful,

customer's

ZEBA started as a manufacturer and

décor, creating a dream home or an

exporter of floor coverings. The

ideal office according to their needs.

Company soon evolved into a ‘one-

ZEBA

stop-shop’ that offers holistic and

complements the best architects and

individual dressing solutions for home

designers from around the world.

spaces.

ZEBA

Exquisitely crafted from cottons, silks,

merchandise in different qualities,

jutes, sheers, denims and prints, ZEBA

across wide price points. The product

creations range from the classic to the

range includes bed covers, cushion

avant-garde and are a constantly

covers, pillow covers, quilts, table

changing palette of color, style, weave

covers, tablemats, napkins, curtains,

and texture.

bean bags,

ZEBA products are inspired from deep

screens, handcrafted carpets, rugs,

within the artistic treasures of India

dhurries and many more.

and then combined with the artistry of its design-inspired team. Under

the

guidance

of

world-

renowned surface designer Krsna

October 2009

personality

works

offers

closely

a

wine

into

with

wide

bags,

range

their

and

of

designer

ZEBA products are available in Pune at ‘The Bombay Store’, MG Road, Pune 411001.

September 2009

Shiny red and white settees. A CD juke box that occupies a place of prominence. Servers in baseball shirts. Yep! This is Zamu’s Place in its refurbished ‘avtar’ as an Americano-Parsee diner. Although the restaurant has undergone a pretty amazing makeover, Zamu’s maintains its trademark of bonhomie and hospitality. After you are escorted to your table located inside the diner or in the pleasant confines of a walled courtyard, you are presented with an easy-to-read four page menu. What immediately strikes you is that Zamu’s has definitely taken the adage, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” very seriously, and has introduced an ample assortment of wholesome breakfast goodies like ‘giant banana fritters with cream’ and ‘waffles with honey’. The lunch and dinner selection is a fusion of American inspired fast-foods, substantial sizzlers and signature Parsee fare that includes dhansak and sali chicken, among others. Zamu’s has also introduced the ‘3step meal’ which is a pretty neat way of letting diners ‘assemble’ their sizzlers from a choice of meats, sides and sauces. And as always, the garlic mushrooms are to die for! The typical waiting time for your order to be brought, steaming and sizzling to your table, is about 15 minutes. However, you do wish it took a bit longer, to enable you to browse through and giggle at the witty cartoons that are hand-painted on panels that line the wall of the courtyard. The food is delectable, the portions are ample and at prices that will not burn a hole in your pocket. TQC rating: Queer friendly: 5/5, Location for a date: 3/5, Food: 4.5/5, Ambience: 4/5, Service: 5/5, Budget per person: Rs 150 to Rs 350. TQC verdict: “A true example of a good place, transformed into a great place.” Location: Zamu’s Place, Dhole Patil Road, Pune - 411001. Reservations: +91.20.26123610

Lifestyle

Eating out

5


Lifestyle

trendPATROL PATROL It is October, that month of the year

the exaggerated shoulder jacket (Idol

when the hottest thing besides the

finale) but trendPATROL irks that, to

weather is – fashion weeks, Diwali,

be disgustingly flamboyant.

more celebration and excuses to

4.

shop. The queer wardrobe would

clouds in the sky doesn’t mean you let

‘cheap

an inexpensive rain check go by. Grab

n

chic’

Essentials.

#6 OCTOBER ESSENTIALS

September 2009

Just because there are a few

seem crude without TQC’s October

Twist Around Stud

the

the Day Tripper T-shirt by Wrangler,

following must haves that add a

splashed with almost a tie-n-die sort

splash to your closet.

of print. Style it well with folding those

1.

sleeves up a little bit to show that

Day Tripper T-shirt,

holiday tan or some muscle (definitely

Wrangler, Rs.485/-

recommends

trendPATROL

The top dog was the Twist

Around Stud Wristband, available

a turn on!)

online at www.azaadbazaar.com.

5.

Johnny Depp dons several wrist

Wristband, Rs. 250/www.azaadbazaar.com

The I Jeanswear neutrally dark

bands, until trendPATROL spotted

navy blue denims go perfectly well

him wearing a similar one. Besides,

with any tee or shirt. These denims

Adam Lambert Tote

the studs give the wristband a rock

with its versatile look can be worn on

Bag, Rs. 815/-

star edge!

a night out with brogues or fold them

www.cafepress.com

2.

almost knee-length on a hot summer’s Aviators are out this season!

Swankiest

are

the

Ray-Ban

Wayfarers, available at Ray-Ban

day with vibrant plimsoles!

6.

Shopping at ASOS.com is like

stores in Pune, worn by everyone

prancing through at a garage sale in

from

London buying Marc Jacobs stuff, for

Tom

Cruise

to

Beyoncé hip

cost next to nothing! And the stuff

tastemakers. Wayfarers were first

arrives in not more than 10 days

manufactured in 1952 and made

(although they claim the delivery to

prominent by Audrey Hepburn. We

take

now would like to celebrate the old

recommends the trendiest and chicest

times with a bit of swagger! Perfect

plimsoles to own this time of the

for the 50's 60's swing rockabilly

month. Fuse them with the Tab Detail

mod look.

Stripe Shirt and some more wristbands

3.

from the ASOS clearance section. Shop

including

many

Bollywood

Adam Lambert Tote Bag,

available

6

BY ANDY BARVE

at

a

month).

Fashion denim jeans, I Jeanswear, Shopper’s Stop. Rs. 1099/-

trendPATROL Ray- Ban Wayfarers

till you drop off clearance! They have

www.cafepress.co,

more than you can ever imagine!

where one can enjoy a thrifty

Without doubt, a seamless plie to an

Tab Detail Stripe Shirt,

shopping spree for official American

affordable and stylish closet. For those

Rs.765/-, Boatadrille

Idol goodies and many others. Sport

who love their high street brands

Plimsoles, Rs. 535/-,

this bag this season to cheer the

ridiculously low-priced, we have Just

Plimadrille Shoes,

American queer’s singing success.

Casuals at Koregaon Park and Kamla

Adam Lambert created quite a stir

Nehru Park selling stuff including GAP

with his bold style statements like

shirts! Shop Away!

Rs. 450/-, Leather Buckle Cuff, Rs. 300/-, Multi Pyramid Bangle, Rs. 267/- - All ASOS (www.asos.com)

The Queer Chronicle


Weekend Getaway – Fort JadhavGHAD

Travel

September 2009

Photo courtesy www.fortjadhavgadh.com

Fort JadhavGADH was built in the

fort. To date, four of these enigmatic

pamper the body and soothe the

year 1710 as a place of residence, as

dungeons have been traced and are

spirit. For those who cannot tear

well as a safe haven for Maratha

being restored. It is believed that one

themselves away from their work (or

warriors on the move.

of the dungeons may be a secret

‘Farmville’

Although not as magnanimous as

pathway that Pilaji Jadhavrao and his

business centre is equipped with

other

men used in times of crisis.

computer terminals and high speed

Sinhgadh and Raigad, Jadhavgadh

Fort Jadhavgadh, Maharashtra’s first

internet.

has

architectural

fort hotel, is a theme destination

Fort Jadhavgadh creatively combines

similarities and is a fine example of

that promises intriguing and exciting

breathtaking

Maratha craftsmanship.

holiday experiences for all age

environs, a slice of history and

Built atop a hill, all that is externally

groups.

culture and the best of modern day

visible of the Fort are the gigantic

Period architecture and walls that

amenities, with personalized care

walls built of brown-black stones. As

are steeped with history are coupled

and genuine hospitality.

a warrior’s den, the fortress was built

with luxurious interiors, replete with

for practical purposes, devoid of any

local arts and crafts. The Fort

intricate designs, delicate carvings or

Jadhavgadh experience also offers

decorative art on the ceilings and

an extensive selection of local food

walls. However, the wood work, the

delicacies, folk dances and musical

main spike-armored durwaaza, the

performances.

rock stairways and the residential

The Fort boasts an array of amenities

quarters are on a grand scale.

among which are a swimming pool

Within the walls, the Fort is divided

with ample space to soak up the sun

into an outer walled area and an

and a generous garden. A spa facility

inner

offers a traditionally inspired menu

Maratha quite

a

structure.

era few

A

forts

number

like

of

dungeons were also built within the

on

Facebook),

venues,

the

luxurious

of beauty and relaxation rituals to nurture the

October 2009

7


Art and Soul

October 2009

September 2009

A handpicked list of events in Pune, to help you unwind. Workshop - Indian Miniature Paintings Dates: Sep 10, 2009 to Oct 31, 2009 Venue: Art2Day, Tilak Road Timings: 2 pm to 4 pm, daily The Landmark Sale Dates: Sep 11, 2009 - Oct 11, 2009 Venue: Landmark, Moledina Road Timings: 10 am onwards, daily

Image courtesy www.nikhil-chaganlal.com

Impelled by an inner urge, Nikhil

It presumes nothing and leaves it

Chaganlal embarked on his artisic

open to interpretation.

excursion as a consummate colorist.

The perspectives are skewed. You

With layer upon layer of vibrant color

could take any point in a Chaganlal

he emblazoned his work with a style

painting as a reference point. Is a

that

table more eye-catching in a still life

is

as

enticing

as

it

is

individualistic.

than a vase of flowers? Is the sea in a

Nikhil has developed a unique style of

seascape more alluring than the

a fusion of the contemporary with the

balcony in the foreground? Should

timeless,

you focus more on the staircase in an

creating

‘mystical

expressions’ in acrylic and mixed

interior than the decorated table?

media on board.

There is a definitive ‘wholeness’ in

His art, produced in series, is varied

each of his works, irrespective of the

and diverse. Nikhil’s works are tactile,

perspective.

with splashes of color that humanize

authoritative. They are the brush

deities, replicate love and personalize

strokes of an artist who knows what

a living room. His works blaze with

he wants to paint.

reds, blues, yellows and greens. His

Recognized as an important emerging

pieces defy any typical categorization

artist, Nikhil has been painting for

and could be impressionist, symbolic,

more than thirty years. His work is rich

figurative or reductionist. Like the

in scope, variety and its spiritual

artist, Nikhil’s art is very personal.

depth. He has had several solo shows

The

lines

are

and his works are held in private and corporate

collections

across

the

world. Working from his studio in the picturesque seaside town of Alibaug, Nikhil says, “Contemporary Indian art is in its infancy. I feel it’s my mission to bring Indian art to the world.” 8

Power Yoga Dates: Sep 17, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009 Venue: The Urban Ashram, Swargate Timings: 6 am to 9 pm, daily Exhibition - Pastels on Tinted Paper Dates: Oct 1, 2009 - Oct 31, 2009 Venue: Deep Art Gallery, Gokhale Road Timings: 11 am to 9 pm, daily How not to end on the wrong side of tracks when you are 50: Workshop on Managing Your Career Date: Oct 10, 2009 Venue: Gordon House, E-Square Timing: 10 am onwards Talented Duo - Charles Worth, Pianist and Deirdre Lobo, Soprano Date: Oct 13, 2009 Venue: Mazda Hall, Pune Camp Timing: 7 pm to 9 pm Level1 Rappelling Date: Oct 25, 2009 All Day Venue: Duke’s Nose, Lonavala Event organized by Holiday Adventures, B31, East Street Galleria, East Street, Pune. And of course there would be events organized by Birds of a Feather and Bombay Masala. Do sign up with them to receive event alerts.

The Queer Chronicle


How much do you want to accomplish before your heart attack? Do you chronically stay back late at

So what is the starting point for

work? Do you ever walk into your

achieving balance?

home whilst on your mobile finishing a

Here are a few simple strategies that

business call? Do you often work from

can help to change course without

home after office hours to finish a

abandoning the destination and help

work related project? Do you continue

you restore your work life balance:

to receive work calls after hours or on

1. Don't panic: Even if you feel you are

weekends?

at your wits end, you can choose

There is no question about it. Multi-

modest, recoverable steps to address

tasking is the fastest route to success

the situation.

whether in the workplace or at home.

2. Take a body inventory: Are you

You only have so many hours in your

sleeping well? How are you eating?

day that can be comfortably allotted

What's your energy level? If these are

to production of an end result. Work is

not up to par, get a professional

stressful and most of us try to think of

evaluation and take steps that will

ways to reduce stress. Stress is not

restore your well-being.

just uncomfortable, it can be a killer.

3. Create or refine systems: Look at

Literally millions of us face the issue of

where things feel most out of sorts

balance. We want to find a way to put

and resolve to create or improve a

food on the table while feeding our

system to get things on track.

deepest drives for personal growth

4. Set healthy, flexible boundaries:

and development. There are few

Yes, personal life and work life are

thoughts going through our minds

intimately connected, but that doesn't

during waking hours when we don't

mean that you need to give up your

think about a personal life that could

privacy.

exist outside of the things we must do

All of us have at least a couple of work

to survive.

related habits that can easily spill into

As the stresses of the marketplace

your home thereby contributing to a

drive managers to demand more from

work life imbalance. However, balance

every individual, work hours grow

begins when it begins, and there's no

longer and balance becomes a nearly

better time to stop the madness than

impossible task. It comes as a surprise

right now....TODAY!

Health

September 2009

that levels of physical and mental

October 2009

health are on the decline while use of

This article is dedicated to the memory

nicotine and other substances is on

of a friend and event management

the increase. Escape is the easiest

professional, who passed away a few

option when reality becomes too

months ago. He was in his mid-30s.

uncomfortable for our constant focus.

Kafeel, dear friend, we miss you. 9


Leisure

All that you need to know about

September 2009

dating a Gay Libra Insights into the Gay Libran

religion and philosophy in an offbeat

The ‘therapist’ of the Zodiac, Librans are

and provocative way. Science, books,

widely prized for their “Prozac” effect

and of course, astrology are also great

on more highly-strung types, particularly

to bring up if the dialogue is getting

Fire elementals.

stale. Librans generally abhor silence,

Librans are gifted with a talent for two-

and think aloud even when alone; so do

way

your best to break those pregnant

communication

critical

to

promoting balance and perspectives.

pauses.

Presided over by Venus, Goddess of

What to expect on a Libra date

Love, Librans have a unique knack for

Librans don’t date; they interview. By

empathy

the end of the evening, you’ll be able to

as

well

as

romantic

connections.

complete each other’s stories. Don’t

A natural though often reluctant leader,

interrogate him, though, or you’re

Libras

of

prone to run across his pet peeve. He’ll

communication. Diplomatic, charming

answer an intelligent question or two,

and devoted to peace, he also tends to

but expects you to intuit the truth or be

be a bit of a sucker and incurable flirt.

content to live without it, if he deigns to

Libras mate for life…the question is, with

keep details to himself.

how many different partners? Despite

Librans go Dutch, as a rule. If you do

craving

for

decide to live together (lucky you!), he’ll

stability’s sake, Librans often get off the

be expecting to merge finances, life

seesaw just to see it fly up.

goals and wardrobes with his partner,

How to attract Gay Libra

moving through life as one unified body.

reign

in

lasting

the

arts

relationships

Libra can generally be found at the

10

center of a small crowd, most often in

And for all of you born between

bohemian coffee or book shops. He will

September 23 and October 24, here is

stand out as a patient listener.

your compatibility chart:

Librans feel obligated to give every

Perfect partners: Gemini, Aquarius

member of the human race at least a

Nearly perfect partners: Leo, Sagittarius

few moments of attention. However, he

Like-minded souls: Libra

will

Opposites you are attracted to: Taurus,

curtly

cut

you

off

if

your

communication does not meet his

Pisces

exacting standards.

Learn from your differences: Virgo,

Nothing appeals to Libra quite so much

Scorpio

as a dynamic meeting of the minds.

Not in your destiny: Cancer, Capricorn

Librans enjoy discussing politics,

Astrological hell: Aries

The Queer Chronicle


Pune Helpline

operated businesses

Birds of a Feather (BOAF) is a support

September 2009

group that aims to bring people together and establishing a foundation Located in the serene neighborhood of

for the queer community in Pune. BOAF

NIBM in South Pune, Druv’s Bed &

is a non-commercial enterprise.

Breakfast offers single male visitors to

facebook.com/group.php?gid=9016510

Pune, a comfortable and queer-friendly

6564

environment to unwind. The room has a

Bombay Masala is a support group that

shower en suite and a balcony that

creates a safe and friendly space for the

provides a panoramic view of Pune city.

queer

The apartment is in close proximity to a

Mumbai.

wide selection of restaurants that would

commercial enterprise that facilitates

suit

every

palate.

A

self-service

communities

in

Pune

and

Bombay Masala is a non-

bonding

between

like-minded

individuals. Continental breakfast is included in the daily tariff. A basic ground rule though,

facebook.com/group.php?gid=7227019 4982

is NO VISITORS would be allowed into the

apartment.

For

A franchise of Juice from Mumbai, Juice

reservations,

Salon and Spa opened for business in

druv12@yahoo.co.in

enquires

please

or

email

Samapathik Trust is dedicated to promoting awareness on men’s sexual health

among

Gays,

Transgenders,

Transsexuals and Intersexes. The Trust

Pune in May 2008. Under the creative

runs a support group, a helpline and a

directorship of Shackya Nanda, an

counseling center that also addresses

accomplished styling professional with

pre-test & post-test counseling for

an experience of over 6 years, this contemporary unisex salon offers an elaborate range of Hair, Beauty and Nail

HIV/AIDS/STIs. Address: 1004, Budhwar Peth, T 9, Third Floor, Rameshwar Market, Near Vijay Maruti Chowk, Pune. 411002. samapathik@hotmail.com

care and Body Spa treatments. Details on

treatments

are

available

at

www.juicesalon.in. Location: 216-218,

The Queer Chronicle (TQC). We now have our very own ‘Page’ on Facebook! facebook.com/tqc.india

Vitoria 2, Fortaleza, Opposite Gold Adlabs, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411014. For

If you are a doctor, lawyer, investment

appointments, please contact Shackya

consultant or any other professional,

at +91.20.32417717 / +91.9923235783 or email shackya@gmail.com

and would like to volunteer your time and

professional

expertise

to

the

community, please write to us.

This issue of The Queer Chronicle was dispatched on October 1, 2009. The next issue will be dispatched on November 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 11

future editions even more exciting! E-mail us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com.

Classi-Prides

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