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
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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
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.
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