September 2009 September 2009
TQC
The Queer Chronicle
| Pune
September 2009
QAM 2009 | August 16, 2009 | 2000 Participants | One Voice
Welcome to TQC
TQC
September 2009
Welcome to the Queer Chronicle Prides celebrated in Delhi-Bengaluru-
We are pleased to announce the launch
Kolkata-Chennai. The tumultuous verdict
of The Queer Chronicle, Pune’s own
from Delhi High Court. The euphoric
monthly e-magazine that is that is queer-
victory parties. The launch of pink
centric and queer friendly.
enterprises. The phenomenal ‘Queer
TQC is the first city-focused e-magazine
Azadi March’ in August. The last two
in India that aims to keep you abreast of
months have seen a whirlwind of
the buzz in our own city, Pune. With
progress in the queer movement across
exhibitions,
the country. And we confirm that Pune is
holiday destinations, parties, businesses,
definitely not going to be left behind!
health issues, investment advice (all, of
This City has always been traditional and
course, from an LGBT point of view), TQC
progressive at the same time. Poised
is an information packed capsule and is a
between the past and the future, Pune
‘must-have’ for every queer Puneiite and
holds hope and potential for many,
for queer visitors to Pune.
irrespective of social status or sexual
Happy reading! And Gay Ho!
interviews,
restaurants,
Keith Editor, TQC
preference. This is one more medium of expression and celebration of freedom!
Cover: ‘Coming Together’ Photo credit: Veer
The editor
In this issue
2
Special Focus : Queer Azadi March 2009
4 The Queer Chronicle is a monthly e-magazine published for and by the queer community in Pune.
5
distribution. Views expressed are solely the opinions
6
Page 3 : Pune Queers’ Day Out
A Queer View : Coming together
Lifestyle : Eating Out
5
This e-magazine is a non-commercial publication, is not for sale and is exclusively for private
3
Lifestyle : Shop till you drop
Art & Soul : Philip Shadbolt
of the individual authors and do not necessarily
7
represent the opinions of the editorial team of The Queer Chronicle, nor its affiliates. The content of this e-magazine may not be suitable for all audiences. TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com
9
8
6
Art & Soul : Events in September 2009
Weekend Getaway : Matheran
Health : HIV & Swine Flu
Classi-prides : Queer owned and operated businesses in Pune 1
Special Focus
September 2009
Queer Azadi March 2009 Over a month and a half after the
LGBT leaders were out in full force:
Delhi High Court decriminalized
Ashok Row Kavi, Prince Manvendra,
homosexuality, Mumbai saw the
Vikram Doctor, Dee, Leslie Esteves,
country's biggest freedom march in
Geeta Kumana, Vivek Anand, Nitin
recent times.
Karani, Alok Gupta, Meena Gopal,
On August 16 2009, the stretch of
Anand Grover, Laxmi Tripathi. Some
road from August Kranti Maidan to
famous faces came out as straight
Chowpatty was an absolute riot of
allies:
colors with an (unofficial) estimated
Professor Nandini Sardesai (Rajdeep
turnout of over 2000 participants.
Sardesai's mother), Advertising Guru
Donned in their summer best, some
Alyque Padamsee, Socialite Dolly
even wearing rainbow phetas, queer
Thakore and of course Celina Jaitley.
folk marched arm-in-arm. Drag divas
In contrast to QAM 2008, it was
posed
Hijras
heartening to see many without
bedecked in colorful finery danced
masks and some even brought their
to the beat of drums. QAM was
parents along!
definitely ‘the’ place to be at, on
The parade reached its crescendo at
that sweltering Sunday afternoon.
Chowpatty, with the chanting of
Dressed in vibrant attire with animal
slogans such as ‘Taru maru same che
prints, T-shirts with catchy slogans,
– Prem che, prem che!’, ‘Born gay,
accessorized with multi-hued wigs,
fabulous by choice’ and ‘Hetero
feather boas and colorful masks, the
homo bhai bhai’.
marchers drew a huge amount of
After the march, several participants
attention and made the undeniable
swarmed to a couple of popular bars
presence of the LGBT community
in South Mumbai to grab a few
and its supporters felt.
much-needed mugs … or should we
This
2
for
being
photographs.
the
first
public
Model
Carol
Gracias,
say, pitchers of beer!
celebration after the High Court
Over 600 members of the queer
ruling in Delhi, many people who
community then met up at the
had already marched in June this
Liquid Lounge for the ‘Gay Bombay
year
After Party’ to celebrate the grand
flew
down
from
Delhi,
Bangalore and Kolkata to support
success of QAM 2009.
the movement in Mumbai.
But that’s another story! The Queer Chronicle
Page 3
September 2009
Pune Queers’ Day Out
September2009 2009 September
A Queer View 4
Coming together Till recently, waking up in Pune hasn’t always been a welcome thought. A lot has changed here in the last few months. When I first moved back home, I felt like had come back to closet central. For the thirteen years I had lived here, I didn’t know of a single other queer person except for my now ex-girlfriend. An LGB women’s group (Rainbow Pride Connexion) introduced me to two of the nicest dykes in the city, but that was it. Then there was Bangalore City, where there was a visible Queer Community that worked, partied and existed together. When I went back for the Queer Film Festival held in Bangalore, I voiced my concerns over the non-existent (to me) and the invisible queer scene in Pune. Then I met Sagar, now one of my closest friends. He was an encouragement and a blessing. Another friend of mine, Ponni Arasu, an activist herself, encouraged me to come back home and start a support group and watch things change. “All of us have started out as a support group” she said. Sagar played a major role in making this happen with beautific results. The last few months have seen a major change in queer life as it used to be in our hometown. Our support group ‘Birds of a Feather’ has grown in numbers since April ’09. In the course of time I’ve met people from different walks of life and on varying levels of out-ness. Which explained the reason I’d never encountered queer folk here at home. Like everything else, this too will and must change. I probably could start off by asking everyone to come out, but instead all we ask is ‘Let’s come together’. We create a safe space for our community and welcome each new
September 2009
face irrespective of their levels of outness. The biggest reason why what we do is important is because in order for us to achieve any sort of change we must ourselves initiate it. If we want equal rights as human beings in our society, we must make it known that the current situation is unacceptable and that there is no reason we should be shoved into a dark closet. If we expect change to happen, we work toward it. The reading down shows our society that we are just like them, if not better (kinder, gentler, peaceful, talented… the list goes on) If they don’t hear our stories, they won’t be aware of the fact that it does affect us. The common man will continue to think that Homophobia is okay. Another reason this change is important is so that we find one foundation on which we can have some sort of unity and visibility closer to home. It is helping those unsure of where to go, and letting them know that there is a family they can be a part of. It is not necessary that everyone be out and visible immediately. The few of us who are visible are enough for now. Why should a person have to leave home to be true to who they are? Why should we have to change ourselves in accordance with society? Let’s make society change to be more tolerant and accepting. It is our Constitutional Right. As a part of the verdict declared on the 2nd of July ’09, Justice A P Shah and Justice S Murlidhar on behalf of our Supreme Judiciary stated: “We declare section 377 of IPC in so far as it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private is violative of Articles 21 [Right to Protection of Life and Personal Liberty], 14 [Right to
Apphia K Founder of ‘Birds of a Feather’
Equality before Law] and 15 [Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex or Place of Birth] of the Constitution.” One in every 20 people in Pune is one of the LGBT family, and one out of five people in the city know or know of someone who is queer. If we come out, then they see that our current way of social life is unacceptable. So now, we initiate this change here in our own hometown. It is superb that this is a change that everyone I’ve met so far is welcoming with enthusiasm. And I promise we will be rewarded, we will grow and will develop. Yes, we all love to party but we want something more. We want a community and we are that community. And here we are! Today, my fellow queers, be proud of who you are. Be proud of this family we create amongst ourselves. Nonjudgmental and welcoming, be a part of this social revolution. It’s a story you will all tell your children someday, and with the strength of our unity we will make that a possibility! Let’s show them the power of us! Now is the time for change, Carpe Diem!
The Queer Chronicle
Modeled after Oxford Street in London, 11 East Street Café is a hip theme restaurant that brings a slice of London to Pune. At the entrance of the restaurant, is the ‘unmissable’ red double-decker bus that actually functions as the dessert counter. From the façade of shop windows of famous brands, to the Red Telephone Box and the London ‘Bobby’ that stands sentinel by the stairway leading to the 1st floor, the dining area is choca-bloc with ‘typical’ London icons. The private cabanas on the upper level are a great space to hang out and each can seat up to 8 persons. However do make an advance reservation, else you would have to settle for non-ergonomically and congested seating. The menu is an eclectic fusion of Indian & Continental that includes familiar and some inventive fare. We definitely have to mention that some of the offerings on the menu have some rather queer sounding names! A large selection of cocktails, mocktails and sheeshas are a great accompaniment to the culinary delights that are whipped up from a wide selection of open kitchens. Among the downsides of the restaurant is that there is no air-conditioning and the tables are way too close to have any semblance of a private conversation. Additionally, the washrooms are located a 2 minute walk outside of the restaurant – not the best thing when you are guzzling on towers of chilled beer. TQC rating - Queer friendly: 4/5, Location for a date: 1/5, Food: 3/5, Ambience: 3/5, Service: 3.5/5, Budget per person: Rs 350 to Rs 500. TQC verdict “A great place to hang out with your buddies.” Location: 11 East Street Café, East Street, Camp, Pune - 411001. Reservations: +91-9960617811.
Shop till you drop! A must must-have on your
September 2009
shopping list As a prelude to QAM 2009, ruling, queer entrepreneurs are
TimeOut Mumbai published the much-awaited LGBT issue in August
lining up in a growing string of ‘Pink
2009. Packed with heart-touching
Enterprises’, specifically designed
stories of a wide cross section of
for the LGBT community.
the LGBT community, TimeOut
However, Simran and Sabina were
elucidated what it meant to be
definitely much ahead of the times
queer in Mumbai.
and
Priced at just Rs 30 the August 2009
Since the historic Delhi High Court
were
among
the
first
entrepreneurs in ‘Pre-377-Written-
issue
Down’ India. They established the
definitely a collector’s item.
‘Jailbird’ brand three years ago with
And
a range of T-shirts that were quirky, thought-provoking, vibrant and
appreciation and thanks would
subtle – all at the same time!
that took a real risk in doing
In
February
2009,
these
of of
TimeOut course,
Mumbai letters
is of
really encourage the editorial team something slightly different – not in
enterprising girls went a step further with Azaad Bazaar, India’s
a sensational way
first LGBT Pride online store -
way that provides a fair portrait of the community.
www.azaadbazaar.com
Lifestyle
Eating Out
that
other
publications have done, but in a
However, a word of caution for all you shopaholics out there! Once you have logged in you are definitely spoilt for choice. Should you get the cute rainbow wristband or the hugely popular ‘Jalebi High’ T-shirt or maybe even the pinkfurred hand-cuffs? From pride flags, mugs, T-shirts, feather boas and rainbow hats; to cushions, danglers and key chains, Azaad Bazaar has something for everyone; and for every budget. Azaad Bazaar definitely brings back in fashion the tagline "Neighbors
So please take the time to write a
envy, owners pride."
note of thanks or support to
The
sheer
number
of
people
letters@timeoutmumbai.net
spotted at QAM 2009, wearing apparel & accessories from Azaad Bazaar was a real tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the queer community. Kudos to you, Simran & Sabina! 5
Art and Soul
September 2009 September 2009
A handpicked list of events in Pune, to help you unwind. Meditation Camp - Conducted by Swami Ramteerth Dates: Aug 29, 2009 - Sep 10, 2009 Venue: The Buddha House, FC Road Timings: 6.30 pm onwards, daily
Philip
His works can be found in collections
Shadbolt had a background in fine
around the world. With the use of
art, graphic design, & illustration
rich,
before returning to his Celtic Welsh
inspired subject matter, Philip’s art
roots in 1993. His passion is for
provides a welcome escape from
painting
everyday life, and his images are
Originally
from
large
Australia,
scale
figurative
vibrant
color
and
nature
canvases. Drawing his inspiration
much sought after.
from his native Australia and his time
Never one to follow trends, Philip
spent studying in India, Philip paints
has remained true to his artistic
using
&
ideals, and seeks only to create
techniques that he has mastered
images filled with light. He believes
over the years.
that art should be something that
Most of his works have been created
enriches and transports the viewer
using oils and acrylics, gradually
to a place of peace.
building up the subtle layers of
Perhaps,
pigment to free his vision onto the
ourselves to wander into the world
canvas before him. Some of the
he has created on canvas, we allow
larger works have taken several
our minds to absorb the energy of
months to complete, due to the
each piece, and help heal ourselves
intricate level of detail involved.
in the process.
hand-crafted
skills
by
simply
allowing
Philip is available to undertake commissioned art projects. You can get
in
touch
with
him
at
Weekly Markets in Oil Paintings Dates: Sep 1, 2009 - Sep 30, 2009 Venue: Deep Art Gallery, Madhusagar Gokhale Road Timings: 11.00 am to 7.00 pm, daily Lecture by Dr. Paula (Laxmi) Horan, Author “Heal Yourself With Oxygen" Dates: Sep 4, 2009 & Sep 5, 2009 Venue: The Urban Ashram, Swargate Timings: 7.00 pm & 9.00 pm on the respective dates Film Appreciation Workshop Date: Sep 7, 2009 – Sep 12, 2009 Venue: Open Space, Off Law College Road Timings: 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm Blender's Pride fashion show at SWG Date: Sep 9, 2009 Venue: Stone Water Grill, Koregaon Park Timings: Details awaited Breakfast with the Queers Date: Sep 13, 2009 Venue: German Bakery, Koregaon Park Timings: 10.30 am to 12.00 noon India International Furniture & Decor Fair Dates: Sep 24, 2009 - Sep 28, 2009 Venue: College of Agriculture Ground Timings: 11.00 am onwards
philipshadbolt@ymail.com in case you would like to discuss an idea you had in mind. Signed prints of Phil’s work can also be purchase online from www.philipshadbolt.co.uk 6
Poona Music Society’s 2nd All India Guitar Competition Date: Sep 26, 2009 Venue: Mazda Hall, Camp Timings: 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm
The Queer Chronicle
September 2009
Travel
Weekend Getaway - Matheran
A popular getaway for people from
Matheran offers superb panoramic
Walking and horseback-riding are
Mumbai and Pune, Matheran is a
views from as many as 33 lookout
among the main activities, especially
quiet hill station located on the
points. Some of the favorite points
since vehicles are not allowed here.
Sahyadri range, at an altitude of 800
for holiday makers include Porcupine
Do take a trip to the main market,
meters above sea level.
Point, Echo Point, Panorama Point,
where you could get some great
Matheran has been listed by the
Heart Point, and Monkey Point.
bargains on shoes and leather items,
Union Environment Ministry as an
Breathtaking views of the sunrise
as well as stock up on your favorite
eco-sensitive region. This quaint hill
and sunset as well as of the Sahyadri
choice of ‘chikki’.
station is connected to the closest
range and its valleys make Matheran
But please, do NOT feed the
town of Neral by a narrow gauge
a photographers delight.
monkeys!
railway.
One of the most exciting things
Quick Facts
As no vehicles are allowed into
about Matheran, is the ride on one
Nearest Airport: Mumbai
Matheran, visitors have to drive up
of the last toy trains left in the
Nearest Train Station: Neral
to Dasturi Point, from where the
country.
Main Road Highway: NH4
main bazaar can be reached either
between Neral and Matheran is truly
Best time to visit: October to May
by foot or on pony.
a unique start to your vacation!
For more details, www.matheran.org
September 2009
The
short
train
ride
7
Health
September 2009
"For most people with HIV, the swine flu is pretty much the same as for somebody without HIV." Swine flu is a new strain of flu that
There is probably not much to
has not been in circulation for too
worry about. However, if you are
long. As a result, nobody has any
quite immune suppressed with your
immunity to it. It is an influenza
CD4 well below 200, then there is a
virus, just like other influenza
slightly increased risk, but certainly
viruses, but it is just one that
not the same level as the risk of
human
some
beings
have
not
other
diseases
like
encountered before. As a result, our
tuberculosis or something like that
immune systems do not have any
where the CD4 cells are vitally
memory of it and that makes us a
important.
little more vulnerable.
Take these everyday steps to
HIV-infected people are not in
protect your health:
general at greater risk of influenza
1. Cover your nose and mouth with
or flu than other people. And that's
a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
in part because the cellular immune
Throw the tissue in the trash after
system, the part of the immune
you use it.
system that the CD4 cells comprise,
2. Wash your hands often with soap
is not really responsible for fighting
and water, especially after you
the flu. As a result, HIV does not
cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based
make you more susceptible. For
hand cleaners.
most people with HIV, the swine flu
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or
is pretty much the same as for
mouth as germs could spread.
somebody without HIV.
4. Try to avoid close contact with
The only exception to that is that
sick people.
because people with HIV are at
5. If you do get sick with influenza,
higher risk for pneumonia and
stay home from work and limit
because flu can increase your risk of
contact with others to keep from
pneumonia as a complication of flu,
infecting them.
people with low CD4 cells could be at higher risk of complications. So the bottom line is that if you are HIV positive, but you are on HIV medications and doing well with a reasonably good CD4 count, then 8
Read
the
complete
article
at
www.thebody.com/content/art515 48.html
The Queer Chronicle
Your guide to queer owned and operated businesses
Temple Tree aims at maintaining its
Under the artistic direction of Hrishikesh
Located in the serene neighborhood of
philosophy of working closely with
Pawar, the Centre of Contemporary
NIBM in South Pune, Druv’s Bed &
craftsmen of regions across India. It
Dance offers regular classes every
Breakfast offers single male visitors to
does not hesitate to envelope a
Monday and Wednesday from 5 pm to
Pune, a comfortable and queer-friendly
tradition that bears no boundaries.
6.30 pm for beginners and from 6.30 pm
environment to unwind. The room has a
Temple Tree has been able to bring
to 8 pm for advanced students. For
shower en suite and a balcony that
together
creative
those inclined to set their feet atap on
provides a panoramic view of Pune city.
talent lend their scope to make the
weekends, the class on Saturday from
The apartment is in close proximity to a
store a must on any itinerary! The
11 am to 12.30 pm is just the thing to
wide selection of restaurants that would
designers
kick-start your weekend. The Centre
suit
Paraphernalia Home, Pink India and
also
and
Continental breakfast is included in the
Designwalla's
customized workshops for corporate
daily tariff. Guests may also avail the use
Products include furniture, lacquer
clients.
of the kitchen and its appliances. A basic
ware, garden essentials and linen.
Location: Kala Chaya Campus, Opposite
ground rule though, is NO VISITORS
Location: Ground Floor, Nirvana, North
Vikhe Patil School, Chaturshrungi.
would be allowed into the apartment.
Avenue, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.
For
Email: etalidesign@gmail.com
www.hrishikeshpawar.com
designers
whose
include
to
Pondymania,
mention
a
few.
conducts
more
personalized
details,
please
visit
every
palate.
A
Classi-Prides
September 2009
self-service
For enquires or reservations, please email druv12@yahoo.co.in
This issue of The Queer Chronicle was dispatched on September 1, 2009. The next issue will be dispatched on October 1, 2009
We would love to hear from you! We hope that you enjoyed reading the inaugural issue of The Queer Chronicle. We welcome your feedback and suggestions to make future editions even more exciting! In case you wish to contribute and article or have your businesses featured in TQC, please get in touch with us by e-mail at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com.
9