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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

SCREENING OF "365 without 377"


Dear Folks,

Chennai Dost invites you for the movie screening

Date: 30th sep 2012, Sunday

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Venue: CD Office, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.

SCREENING OF "365 without 377"

(movie is followed by a discussion on sec 377)

Directed by Adele Tulli

Synopsis:

Section 377 is a British colonial law from the Indian penal code that criminalizes same sex relations between consenting adults. When Delhi High court struck it down, the LGBTIQ community of India decided to celebrate this in a grand manner with colorful parades, songs and dances.

Adele tulli has not only captured the magnificient scenes of pride celebration, she has also interpreted the personal stories of the struggles of the three protagonists, Beena, Pallav and Abheena and how their lives have changed through entering the queer community as well as through the judgment. These characters , Beena, Pallav, Abheena travel through the city of Bombay heading to the celebrations for the first anniversary of the historic verdict.

“365 without 377” is the story of their journey towards freedom. The film truly makes you understand why it is so important to come out and be proud.

P.S: THE MOVIE SCREENING IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!!!

For directions call:- +91 9551630213

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Counseling in Chennai


Are you feeling lonely and left out?

Do you fear about being discovered?

Do you have doubts and concerns about your feelings and emotions?
Talk to our peer counselor.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Chennai Dost offers FREE Peer Counseling Service for Gay, Bisexual men and women. This service can also be availed by gender queer individuals or individuals whose genders are in questioning. The LGBT Peer Counseling at Chennai Dost offers confidential one-on-one counseling and a safe space to discuss LGBT issues. Dealing with isolation and a lack of social support makes it difficult for some LGBT individuals to get the help and support they need when dealing with issues such as coming out, discrimination, marriage stress, confusion on sexuality or crisis over relationship. LGBT Peer Counseling cuts through this isolation and provides an outlet for LGBT individuals to feel comfortable about discussing their concerns.

The peer counseling service can be availed only on weekends from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on appointment basis.

Please call in advance to book an appointment. @  8056116158 or email us to counseling@chennaidost.com

Monday, September 3, 2012

Chemistry Club - Chennai LGBTQ students forum Movie Screening on 9th Sept






Dear Folks,

Chennai Dost's Youth Wing - Chemistry Club invites you for the movie screening
Date: 9th sep 2012, Sunday
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Venue: CD Office, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
Entry: Free

The Movie that will be Screened is "THE CURIOSITY OF CHANCE"

Directed by - Russell P. Marleau
Produced by - Lisa Schahet , Michael Gleissner
Written by - Russell P. Marleau
Starring - Tad Hilgenbrinck ,Brett Chukerman
Synopsis:
Writer/Director Russell P. Marleau gives the John Hughes-styled high school comedy a queer twist in this touching coming-of-age tale. It's the 1980's, when new wave angst and gender-bending fashion were all the rage. The new kid at school Chance Marquis (Tad Hilgenbrinck of American Pie Presents: Band Camp), however is out, his being gay, somewhat awkward teenager makes him the target of the school bully. To deal with this dilemma, Chance turns to the opposite end of the high school spectrum for help. On one end is the flamboyant drag queen and at the other, the varsity jock, Levi Sparks (Brett Chukerman of Eating Out 2) on whom Chance has a bit of a crush. Chockfull of the comic conventions of the high school genre - the idiot faculty, the good-hearted but delusional parents, the fairy tale reversal of popularity - The Curiosity of Chance is a frothy bit of nostalgic filmmaking. But like with the best of John Hughes, knowing the genre doesn't mean its story won't also touch your heart.

(P.S: The invitation is open and free to all, there is no age bar)

For Directions Call: +91 9551630213
Visit: www.chennaidost.com

Friday, August 24, 2012

CHENNAI DOST FREE PEER COUNSELING SERVICE


Are you feeling lonely and left out?

Do you fear about being discovered?

Do you have doubts and concerns about your feelings and emotions?

Talk to our peer counselor.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Chennai Dost offers FREE Peer Counseling Service for Gay, Bisexual men and women. This service can also be availed by gender queer individuals or individuals whose genders are in questioning. The LGBT Peer Counseling at Chennai Dost offers confidential one-on-one counseling and a safe space to discuss LGBT issues. Dealing with isolation and a lack of social support makes it difficult for some LGBT individuals to get the help and support they need when dealing with issues such as coming out, discrimination or crisis over relationship. LGBT Peer Counseling cuts through this isolation and provides an outlet for LGBT individuals to feel comfortable about discussing their concerns.

The peer counseling service can be availed only on weekends from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on appointment basis.


Please call in advance to book an appointment. @ 8056116158 or email us to weekend.counseling@gmail.com

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Sathiyam TV talkshow on homosexuality


Dear Friends

Watch Sathiyam TV talkshow on homosexuality participated by Mr.Arjun Sampath (Hindu Munnani), Vikranth Prasanna (Chennai Dost) and Dr.Meykandar (Psychiatrist) on Friday

And His Companion

  - written by Ronnjone S                                      

 He was leaning on the railing on the bank of the river side. Hardly 20 kilometers away from the estuary, so is the broadness of the river remarkable. After 15 minutes the whole area will sink into dark. The whole city will be covered with a black sheet. Now the setting sun is applying its orange rays on his face. The image of the sun is breaking by the running waves. Two or three country boats are moving here and there. The young lovers are on the boats. Just now a boat is passing through the middle of the setting sun. Though he was looking the setting sun and its surrounding scenes, but he is no poet, nor painter. He was trying to bring some past moments at present. He was in his past, so could not hear, a boy was calling him behind.

Even after third time, when the boy was not responded, about to leave with an impression that he might be angry, he called the boy back, “Yes, yes, come on, you wanted to say something, I was so engrossed, sorry, tell me ..”

The boy, surprised, became speechless for quite a time. After some time the boy opened his mouth, “Sir, I thought, you would be angry, so …, sir, I painted this ..”

A painting, he saw. It is of him, he is looking at the setting sun leaning on the railing. He smiles.

“Sir, will you please buy it, I drawn your picture, if you purchase, or else nobody will give me proper price …”

He realised, the boy wants money immediately. Otherwise he can easily sell it with higher price, if waits. “How much?” asking, he started looking the boy properly. A fatless, thin boy of 20 to 23 years, irregular unshaved face, comparatively fair. “ur name, what u do?”

“I spent Rs.50.00 altogether, please give me Rs.70.00”
“That’s all ?” He saw after getting the money the boy went straight to the roadside motel, where only daily wage earner used to go and have unhealthy meal in that filthy environment. Otherwise with Rs.20.00 who can offer full plate food.

After purchasing the drawings, he kept his eyes stick on it and did not know when the sun set and the boy left leaving some memory in his mind.

Now he is in his world, an apartment of nearly 300 square feet area. He placed the paintings on the wall in such position, so that while in lying on the bed, his eyes can point the picture. After finishing his dinner, today he went to bed at about 8.00 pm, the unusual time. Why ? Because he can look at the picture? Yes, keeping his head on the pillow and fixing the eyes on the drawings, it is so perfect one can imagine; and started netting the imagination. He started creating his own dream.

Neelu, the artist, painter boy, created him so lively; what is he, where is he, seems poor and talented. Is the boy alone, like him?

Why he is alone. Even he wants, can not wipe out his past; who can detach with its shadow?

He invited his twenty or twenty two years’ back memory. It was a practice match. The preparation for final match is due on the day after tomorrow.  

“Why, who’s there, to call u, where from she is, never seen before” By hearing from the goalkeeper, Tutu, he surprised. Who can be! Is she his sister, brought any sad news… his father is bed ridden. Who can be! After clothing off his worn vest, he was wiping the sweating, sitting in the dressing room. Now he came out wearing his normal shirt-pant. And surprised to see the lady, never seen, how will Tutu see her before. His team mates were smiling.

A college girl, probably, “Wonderful, fantastic, fabulous….” He never was appreciated with these much adjectives earlier. “Since long I used to enjoy your match, the style …”. He was not hearing properly, only responded by “Yes, yes”

“I,m ur fan. Come’n meet my sister-in-law”. Another lady?

“Hello, young boy, you played well, hope this time our state will win the final match, my daughter is ur fan since ..” Father of Bhavya was saying. He is quietly sitting on the sofa in their drawing room, eying curiously on each item of this room, totally different form his house.

Bhavya left him upto the gate and while leaving, lastly she winked at him, he recollects. Her driver left him at the doorstep of his.

That night he could not make his two eyelids in one. Placed two palms on the back side of his head, while sleeping. Will it be justified to request Bhavya’s father to arrange a job for him? One year left he graduated, though not with good marks. But he is good player, can do magic on the ground. The total team depends upon his two legs’ art of handling ball.

But, fortunately, he need not persuaded any body and bagged a clerical job, in Life Insurance Corporation in player’s quota. But it was too late.

His dream, kissing Bhavya, was luxury. He could not call a notable doctor for his ailing father. He had to bear passing comments on his sister, was wanton and not under his control. One day, he remembered, he slapped the constable, used to meet his characterless mother on the excuse of helping household. Ultimately the whole situation could not be controlled.

It is a mystery, how one’s life is planned for future on the basis of past and present. All his calculations proved wrong.

He wanted to wipe out the date from his memory, could not. It was 15th August, birthday of Bhavya. Because of 15th August, he could not forget. Now he understands why he was invited. Had he known earlier. She was not happy with his petty clerical job. But because of job only he could afford a gift for her. It was an electrical show piece, a football size electronic round ball placed on a plate. A bulb was fixed in the ball. After switching on, it rotates automatically spreading black and white light. Bhavya did not open the wrap, ordered one of her domestic helps to keep the gift aside. His eyebrows were shrunken seeing her disinterestedness. She was introducing with her brother, cousins and other relatives “Meet my elder brother, marine engineer, my maternal uncle, IPS, my sister-in-law, secretary, ministry of finance ….Doctor, IPS, IAS, Lecturer…. I already requested dad, there was a vacant post of attendant….. ”

He could not control himself, when he was introduced, “Meet him, my friend Swapnil, Managing director of … see, presented this…”. A diamond ring, cost? He can not imagine, how can, he does not have even a golden watch. But, matter is something else, is he unwanted here ? Is the diamond ring bearing the news of engagement? Why Bhavya called him, just to say, “Leave you fool, can’t you see my status? You may be good player, but do not have any thing to maintain a lady like me. Can’t you see my engagement ring? I praised you, because of your game, and you fool, thought that it is a love and then marriage .. rubbish, nonsense”

He accumulated some courage and requested, “Bhavya, I have to leave now. It is already 10.00 pm; my father is ill and waiting for me. I’ll come some other day and sit with you on dinner table”. Had he not taken the help of lame excuse, she would have searched other excuse to leave him from this party.

Whatever it is, he did not go for home. Searched a wine shop. He started crying fie upon himself, “Fool, wanted to touch a moon being a dwarf? Shit! Only sex can not satisfy a lady, you fool. You wanted to have sex with a princess?” Two drops of salty water fell into the alcohol from two sides of his chicks. Several nights he wetted his undergarment just to mate with Bhavya in dream. Now he realised, Bhavya wanted his macho body and not soul.

Now he laughs remembering that incident on Bhavya’s birthday party.

After consuming liquor he took the way of Bhavya’s house. It was almost mid night. Reaching nearby to the gate from he came back, and chosen the backside of the hall, where still the party was going on. It was on the first floor. All the windows are opened but the curtains tried to curb the sound of the colourful, musical, laughter party. He can see the foggy gestures of the bodies of the participants of the party. All of a sudden Bhavya sensed something wrong and took permission from him, with whom she was enjoying a joke, and straight entered her room. The window of her room was closed. But still she could hear his voice, “Hey baby, what do u think yourself, a daughter of a bitch! A whore, acting ? hua, acted very well.. wait, one day I’ll manage a job. U bitch ….. I’ll fuck ..” Bhavya immediately closed the door from inside, the sound may disturb the party. And she all of a sudden opened the window, the light like deluge suddenly cleave the thick dark squat out side the room. He became completely visible and found his heightened erected male organ in his left fist facing towards the open window and in right hand, a bottle. By looking on it, she astonished with fear and turned her face immediately. She was panting, still made her able to close the window. And ultimately she mingled with every body in the party as if nothing happened, let the dog bark outside.   

Once again he looked at the paintings, marvelous; he could not find any flaw. Where is Neelu, such a beautiful creator, he thought. The boy, is so talented, but no money. Why can’t he bring him here? Neelu may break his loneliness and will be engaged fully in his creative art.

He still became bachelor. He started hating women. In his young stage, he had to bear bad remarks on his sister, who fled away with a loafer. He could not resist. His mother was caught in a compromised position with a police constable, when his father was in death bed. He could do nothing. Bhavya, whom he loved also, betrayed him. The serial incidents made him more woman hatred and he became more manly man. Once he fired a lady, who took privilege to get thing, was not in the queue. Women, you want equality, but can not stand in a queue, wants thing before a man, want advantages of becoming lady, at the same time equal right with man!

Neelu wanted, his paintings will be displayed one day in Academy of Fine Arts. People from all over the world will praise his drawings. Poor boy, he does not have money to take food, but dreams sky-high! He sighs, by thinking the fate of Neelu. But where is he now, how can he meet him in this populous city?

Next day, his office colleague Md. Esar forced him to purchase a cinema ticket. In fact it was a donation; a movie will be screened to collect money for charitable purpose. Every lady of this office knows that he never cooperates with lady staff. So, Divya, the computer operator took the assistance of Md. Esar to approach him. However when the price was paid, he will definitely go to the theatre tomorrow.

This theater hall is famous for screening art movie. Naturally one can find lot of intellectuals roaming here and there nearby the hall, on gossiping in the adjacent park. Some of them are poets, some painters, some actors, writers and what not. He is not interested in any kind of neither art, nor he reaches to … So, he stands beneath a tree, alone, and observing people till the show starts.

A known voice suddenly broke his silence. He found a fat lady with full makeup, trying to avoid a boy from purchasing a painting. The boy is entreating and humbly repeatedly, “Please ma’m, please take it, pay less money, since morning I have not taken …” The disappointed boy, perhaps could not complete his words. This voice was frail, but very much known to him. He immediately rushed to the boy and heard, “Sir, will you purchase this? Pay me less money… only Rs.30.00. Sir, please .. I have to take food …”
“Neelu, me, can’t recognise ?” But Neelu could not. But both of them went towards a restaurant. His first and foremost duty is to feed Neelu.

When he was convincing the grocer, to whom Neelu was employee, to leave Neelu, the shopkeeper was not ready at all. Ultimately, with the help of local people, he brought Neelu to his home, his world, a flat of 300 sq ft. This way he got his companion to share their joy and sorrow. His loneliness is broken now, he looks happier. Now he need not talk with the wall. Neelu, an orchid, orphan too got a shelter. At morning on breakfast table, in night on dinner table, on bed they used to share their daily experiences. They talk, talk and talk. When he is in the office, in tiffin time, he used to think of Neelu. Whenever he gets a little leisure time, sinks with Neelu in imaginary world.

Both of them generally avoid mixing with their neighbours. The curious neighbours have no work but to busy with discussion of their relationship. Our society always sees the friendship with suspicious. They ignore and do not care.

It was a strike day. No public or private vehicles were plying. The road was looked deserted. Children came out from their homes on road to play cricket and football.

He told, “Let’s prepare chicken today. We both are at home at this time.”
-“Ok, nice, I can cook chicken, but I’ll take egg. I don’t like chicken, but I’ll prepare for you..” Neelu does not want him to make unhappy. But surprisingly he said, “Is it? I too don’t like chicken, I’m very much fond of egg. I thought you like chicken .. so I … ”. But the fact is just reverse. He hates to eat egg, but because Neelu loves to eat egg, so …. Thus these two creatures slowly started mingling with their souls. 

The spring can not last forever. It was in mid July. The rainy season. Any time any body can expect rain, and spoil your well set program. Because of incessant rain he came back from office early and expected Neelu too would be present. It was over 11.00pm. Neelu did not return. He became restless, where did the boy go. First he became anxious, then slowly he started angry upon. Let him come once, he will show him ….    He started perambulate restlessly. His mind is full of anger and sorrow, if Neelu does not come at all! He will be alone again! He fears. The door bell ultimately rang… it was 11.30 pm.

By standing in the main door, he began shouting, “Is it your time to come, Neelu?” Neelu did not response, he is totally drenched. He controlled himself, diminished his voice and brought him inside by holding his feeble arm and shut the door. Neelu did not react. “Don’t you think, some body is eagerly waiting for you?” Even after buffeted Neelu did not utter a single word, as if it was expected. Neelu without talking anything, kept his drawing materials in proper place and begun washing his face on the wash basin, and then left his wet cloth, wore a loose night garment and went to bed without food. He was observing Neelu’s activities. He too did not take food and after some time silently went to bed. Both of them are on bed, but none of them could invite the sleepiness. He was turning about restlessly and continuously, though Neelu was lying straight, but eyes were open. After a pause, Neelu broke the ice, “ Sorry! I gave you much trouble these days. My job is like that, no timing, I should have informed you, though I tried…my mobile was also wet…. I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning…” without turning his body or face.

He did not reply, but felt, the pillow of Neelu is wet. He could not control him self, and immediately kissed Neelu’s eyes, and started drinking the tears. But the tears came out from his eyes also met the existing tears of Neelu. “Please Neelu, do not say any thing, you do not know … how much … how I’ll live without .. please …” Hugging tightly he begun kissing Neelu and going on kissing on his eyes, forehead, chicks and finally lips deeply. Thus both the soul became one. The cloud is still emptying its water outside.

He did not know, by hating his lecherous mother, wanton sister and ultimately traitor, covetous lover, when he became gay, a man lover.

Neelu’s fatherless mother was domestic help, and where she used to work, they stayed in the staircase of their owner’s house. Once Neelu’s mother was busy with owner’s house hold work for day and night, because of a grand festival. Neelu had to stay alone, he was then only 14 or 15. Still remembered, the middle aged driver, who always twist his thick moustache to make it curl, found him weeping. Took Neelu to his bed with sympathy. That night the driver made Neelu understood the bodily love between the duos.

So, Neelu is not totally ignorant about gay-love.   

Now both of them removed their night dress and became completely primitives. This biological pleasure made their relationship more strong. This way, silently they promise each other to stay forever and forever and ….

Let the so called civilised society go to hell!

  

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Announcement New Director

30 member Chennai Dost Council elected Venkat Raman as the new Director of our organisation for the period of one year...We wish him all the best...

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sexual rights or Livelihood rights???

Written by: Vikranth Prasanna

Recently there has been an argument about LGBT community should focus on fighting for sexual rights and other livelihood rights like Relationship, Marriage, Adoption and Surrogacy are a long way to go, i disagree with many of them...And here i would stress the importance of working for livelihood rights for LGBT community in general...

I agree that Delhi Highcourt judgement on Section 377 uplifted LGBT movement in India. Since 2009 we are witnessing several Pride marches in India which is visibilizing the LGBT issues to the Public, Government and Media. 

At the same time we are also self evaluating ourself on our fight against discrimination of LGBT. Not every single queer man/woman is an activist neither he/she aware of the World history on LGBT rights. The simple question from the aam aadmi today is “Did the judgement on Section 377 make any impact on my life or Will the Supreme court judgement going to change my life?” Probably not…

When someone asks me this question I find he/she has a point. Neither colonial law 377 nor the high court ruling in 2009 stopped or encouraged people to have same sex. In the history of India there were only 30 cases or so been charged under section 377. I don’t think most of the Policemen in India were aware of existence of such law. Most of the LGBT individuals until 2009 were not aware of it either . Probably this law was helping Police to harass people who were cruising in public places and sex workers. Thanks to all the activists and NGOs now people can do that without fear and harassment.

What is this civil rights we are talking about? Are we going to live in a free country if homosexuality has been legalized in India? No ofcourse not, there are several other such laws and practices exist on livelihood of our people based on caste, religion, family values, dowry system, discrimination against women etc which does not provide fundamental rights to every Indian citizen based on equality.

It is ok to follow the western model, but not all western models can suit to Indian condition and tradition. Unlike west, Marriage provides the social respect and identity in Indian families. Sexual rights has never been considered as part of the Indian society, it is a western ideology. Here most of the men and women lives based on Marriage institution. Infact I am afraid by advocating for sexual rights rather than rights for livelihood, we might directly questioning the very essence of Indian family values which might affect our fight against LGBT discrimination.

Marriage allows a couple that is sexually committed to have a social category that encompasses more than their sexual intimacy. LGBT indivuals are denied this right, and are forced to categorize their de facto spouse as a mere "partner". Marriage is important towards the ultimate goal of equality not merely because it bestows equal rights but because it forces traditional mindsets to reevaluate the nature of homosexual relationships.

When homosexual individuals are denied equal rights of marriage as heterosexual individuals, they are given a choice between their identity and their desires for family and companionship, as well as legal benefits. The moment when a homosexual individual, more often than not a vulnerable and confused teenager, realizes his/her sexuality is a fragile one. They are split between a choice, come to terms with their sexuality, a part of their identity, and follow the 'gay lifestyle.' Or deny it, and continue living a pretense as a heterosexual man/woman. The sad truth is, many people choose the second, to the harm of themselves, their future spouses, their children and all those who care about their happiness.

Knowing you will be denied marriage, you have to choose to sacrifice all you dreamed about for your traditional wedding, for your old-fashioned family life, your children, and settle instead for 'the gay lifestyle' of multiple sex partners, a bachelor's pad, and disease that society wrongfully tells you is the inevitable fate for homosexual. This theory is false, and no one should feel forced to choose between these options.

As many says fight for Same sex marriage rights, adoption and other legal benefits for LGBT people are long way to go…but I hope we wont wait long time to start the fight.

Written by: Vikranth Prasanna

Friday, June 29, 2012

MOTHER & FATHER : " I AM GAY "




















The Pain, the stress, the torture & the guilt,
Shame and stigma which my world built

I’ve struggled since the day, I thought it as a crime,
I came out before, this is not the first time
But now I came out once again,
Feeling free without any strain

It took twenty one years to unmask myself, 
The old mask I worn now out of my shelf
The awful lies and continuous deception,
But the time has come to feel the inception

All along holding my hands showing the light,
Cheering me to face the fight
Words are not enough to feel the freedom,
Thanks to you dear for passing the wisdom

Before you judge me hold on to this thought:
I am still the same person; it is not my fault
I have come to accept who I am today
Please do the same mother, father; I am gay.

written by,
RUPESH REDDY

Friday, June 22, 2012

Dawning of a new age

Written by Vikki

One of my straight friend recently asked me “Why do you guys need a gay pride, when we are not parading on the street announcing about our heterosexuality?”.  I could have replied him we don’t follow the so-called social norms defined by the majority of you people. Instead I took him to one of my favorite beach Besant nagar, there were plenty of heterosexuals doing all sort of romantic things openly, submerged in their erotic activities. Hesitant to disturb their privacy, me and my friend took a place somewhere behind and sat. Now I asked my friend “How many of these people you think are straight people”. He looked at me puzzled, but answered “I think almost most of them are”. I continued “See, they have an open space to showcase their heterosexuality without any disturbance and with social acceptance, not just in the beach, they are doing it through marriage institution or proposing to the opposite sex without any shame or fear. But unfortunately we are not that fortunate people, we don’t have a safe space or social tolerance to announce our sexuality, fearing on social stigma we are remaining in the closet. Pride march is the only time most of us together without any fear can announce our sexuality and celebrate for who we are”.

I am not sure whether my friend agreed to my point, but he came and took part in the last year pride march. Since first Pride in 2009, we have come a long way.  The number of gay and bisexual men participating in the pride march had increased tremendously. We are seeing some lesbian and bisexual women become actively involved or participating in Pride celebrations. Though Trans men are yet to be a part of the march except one or two. As usual our trans sisters are loud and proud, they have been our front runners, leading the way, holding the rainbow flag, posing for cameras, they are not going to give up the fight.

Few weeks before at Pride Press meet, a media person asked me “Why are you doing the pride celebrations in June”. Suddenly all that stories I have read and heard about Stonewall riots rushed into my mind. I was silent for awhile, thankfully Kalki interrupted and answered to that question. Long time back one of the guys who participated in the Stonewall riots said in an interview that “Everyone in the crowd felt that we were never going to go back. It was like the last straw. It was time to reclaim something that had always been taken from us.... All kinds of people, all different reasons, but mostly it was total outrage, anger, sorrow, everything combined, and everything just kind of ran its course. It was the police who were doing most of the destruction. We were really trying to get back in and break free. There was something in the air, freedom a long time overdue, and we're going to fight for it. It took different forms, but the bottom line was, we weren't going to go away. And we didn't”.

In 2009 when I started organizing gay parties along with my friends Srivath, Senthil, Teja and Gabriel under the banner of Chennai Dost, many criticized. And there were plenty of criticism and obstructers within and outside the community which continue to exist until now. They attacked us on several grounds western import, commercialization, cultural evil, party freaks, not being inclusive etc. But we silently organized our events regularly, we have focused on our objectives and strategies, we have avoided answering to them since many of them would have found the answers by now. In September 2009, the first gay party under a group banner was organized which has seen more than 100 turn-outs. Our logic was simple and straight ‘Gay people love to party’. But we have made sure there were interactions in all our parties. These parties connected people without any class, caste, religion, preferences, area or education. Everybody participated. What we have witnessed in the Chennai Queer Film Festival in terms of turn-outs of GB men is one of the out come of the gay parties in the city in the last 3 years.

3 years before It wasn’t easy connecting with other gay and bisexual men and bringing them to our events. They were very hesitant. Most of them feared that they might be exposed or extorted or raped. We had to repeatedly talk to them and build that confidence. Fortunately for me and my 4 friends we had a pretty long friends list, we built a wide network location wise, class wise etc. We organized hang-outs, meet-ups, movie screenings regularly to connect the scattered, invisible GB community. We have utilized all the gay meeting spots both online and offline including Planet Romeo, Yahoo Chat, Emaling lists, Facebook, Cruising spots and some house parties.

People like me who may have worked in a short span are tired now because of the continuous criticism and obstucles, some of us have already stayed away from the community work and focused on their personal life. Even I wanted to go back to my hometown and live quietly with my boyfriend. We wanted young leaders who are confident and vibrant. Hence we are trying to establish our presence at Colleges and Universities. Our strategists are working hard to make things happen. Presence of many youths in our group gave us the energy and confidence on most occasions. They don’t fear unlike us. They wanted their voices to be heard loud and clear. Most of them I meet are confident about their sexuality. We are sending them to other cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Thrissur to take a look at the pride marches and local communities. They are learning, they are going to be the next leaders and activists of this community. Their confidence is building day by day.

 Recently I was fortunate enough to watch a movie called “More than a friend” directed by Debalina. This movie is about a lesbian couple and their life. It was beautifully filmed; almost all of us who were watching the movie in the review panel went into tears. What was so touching is that there was a lesbian girl among our panel, who literally lost her words after watching the movie. It isn’t easy being women in India; they were the most suppressed and degraded by the society. I don’t think life is going to be easier for lesbian women either; in fact it is going to be even more difficult. That’s why we have heard so many suicide stories of lesbian women in India. Queer women movement has a long way to go and they need a strong leader for sure especially in Chennai. I hope they will have all the courage in the world to stand up for their rights and form a community of their own.

We have come a long way, participation in the Pride marches and celebrations from Community groups have been increasing. There were many NGOs actively involved in Pride 2009, now we are witnessing plenty of Community groups and individuals playing active role. And they are not going to stop. They are going to fight till the end.

When we suggested demanding for inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans men in the Welfare board and activating the existing Transgender Welfare Board as Sexual Minorities Welfare Board in one of the Pride Planning meet, many were not convinced. Some of them even asked us that there is no need to include Bisexual issues into the welfare board. Ramki, Shiva and others arranged for a meeting with few Transgender leaders to get their opinion for the inclusion. Finally we have managed to speak to them and included the demand in the Press release draft. I was glad for their understanding and support on LGB issues. Fortunately we have also received updates on Planning Commission and National Youth Policy which will trigger LGBT movement in the upcoming years.

There were few agitations and frustrations on the community; I have read one article where one writer mentioned the reasons for his non-participance in the upcoming pride. Perceptions differ. Though we cannot force anyone to participate in the Pride, but one or two groups and individuals cannot be put as a bad example. There were plenty of open minded friends and groups waiting to receive him. I felt sad that he didn’t think about them when he wrote it, who loved him no matter what happened. But Pride is not just for the community or unity, it is to celebrate one’s sexuality. Announcing the world that we are proud of being Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual or Transgender.

As many other Pride march, I hope this pride will bring many changes. Changes in many people lives. Of course I am going to be there, shouting and dancing around with our boys and girls, just like the way I did in 2009.

Thursday, June 21, 2012


Believe it or not !

Not just one...

Two party kings joining hands together for the first time.

CHENNAI DOST + BOYSZONE

 gives you space to go crazy and party 

"RAINBOW NITE"

 on 24th June, Sunday (8pm onwards)

The biggest party ever...

DJ Lathish spinning the best of music!!

Entry Fee: 300/-

Venue: Speed Lounge, Nungambakkam

Sometimes you you gotta pay for things that are priceless

All are welcome to celebrate PRIDE! 

Bring your ring of friends and have a rainbow time

For directions call : 9381444948, 9551630213

Friday, June 15, 2012

"Colours of Sexuality"- Chennai Queer Film Festival 2012 (Press Release in The Hindu)

Film fest kicks off gay pride month




It may take a few minutes for the name Santhi Soundarajan to ring a bell in many minds. The athlete lost her 2006 Asian Games silver medal after failing a gender test which reported that “she did not have female characteristics.” A film ‘Y can't I run' screened at the Chennai Queer Film Festival traces her frustration and the seclusion she went through after the disclosure. “They consider me a cheat. But I still maintain that I am a woman. A gender test cannot take that away from me,” she says in the short film.
Several such films that highlight the concerns of sexual minorities will be screened as part of the festival that marks the launch of gay pride month in the city. The film festival is being held at the Goethe Institut in the city. Orinam, that provides online and offline space for the LGBT community, and Chennai Dost, are among its organisers.
“The 3-day film festival is called ‘colours of sexuality' because there are varied hues of sexuality that people don't know about. It is not just about gays and lesbians, but many more, for instance bisexuals, transgenders, female-to-male transgenders, and many more,” says Dev, director, Chennai Dost.
The movement is also a reminder of the 1969 Stonewall riots in the United States, widely considered the beginning of the LGBT (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) movement. “The demonstrations are frequently cited as the first instance when people in the homosexual community fought back injustice against sexual minorities. Since then, June has always been a month of pride for us,” says Rupesh, a volunteer with Chennai Dost. As part of the celebrations, an art exhibition at the Max Mueller Bhavan displays nearly 100 photographs depicting moments and expressions most significant to the LGBT community.
Nearly 12 NGOs that work with sexual minorities have come together to hold a series of activities to spread awareness about the LGBT community and sensitise the society to their needs. A panel discussion on Saturday will look into what parents and family of people with different sexual preferences go through and how they can be counselled. The Chennai Rainbow Coalition that has various LGBT groups under one banner will undertake the pride rally, cultural activities and other events this month.
While actual numbers are not known, experts in the field say that there is a considerable number of people with alternate sexual preferences in the city. “Every group has nearly 2,000 members. We want people living in the closet to know that we are there for them,” says Mr. Dev. Chennai, he says, is more tolerant than Bangalore or Mumbai, and is quite accepting of the community. “The children and youth are quite understanding. But we have a long way to go,” he says.

Check the link:-
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3534769.ece

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Colours of Sexuality: Chennai Queer Film Festival 2012 - Online brochure



Check this below link for the online brochure of Colours of Sexuality: Chennai Queer Film Festival on June 15 - 17 at Goethe Institut, Nungabkkam for Program Schedule, List of Movies etc...

http://issuu.com/arunbandhu/docs/colours_of_sexuality


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Chennai Rainbow Pride 2012 - Placard / Poster Making Session




Hi Friends,

We Cordially invite you to join us for poster/placard making session on 9th june at 3pm

venue:Chennai Dost office

For Directions call : +91 9551630213

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Chennai Rainbow Pride 2012


Chennai Rainbow Pride 2012 will be held at Elliott's beach, besant nagar on June

24th with plenty of music and celebration...Yes, it is time to celebrate our 

sexuality...

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Chennai Rainbow Pride 2012

Pride Press Release - Demands from Chennai LGBT Community 2012




- We  call upon the Supreme Court to uphold the historic Naz Foundation verdict of July 2, 2009, that read down IPC Section 377 to exclude  consensual relationships among adults of the same sex. We urgently need the Supreme Court to secure the fundamental rights of india's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens to lives of dignity, equality, and free expression.

- We heartily commend the Planning Commission, Government of India, for recommending inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in its approach to health care, social equity and reach to discriminated groups in the upcoming 12th national five-year plan.  We ask that these plans translate into tangible results  such as inclusion of sexuality and gender issues in medical and other educational curricula, in stringent anti-discrimination laws, and in all relevant social welfare programmes.

- We appreciate the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, for its draft National Youth Policy 2012 that proposes interventions to counter stigma faced by LGBT youth, a timely and much-needed move.

- We request the Tamil Nadu Government to continue and build on the work of the Aravani Welfare Board, which remains a unique initiative for transwomen in the country, and to expand its scope to include sexual minorities who face harassment and discrimination because of their gender identity,  gender expression and/or sexual orientation.

- We mourn the loss of activist Mariya/Anil in Kerala and countless other LGBT people in the country, and call for an immediate end to the epidemic of violence and discrimination perpetrated by individuals and institutions such as the police, judiciary, and families against LGBT persons  and others marginalized on grounds of sexuality. We express grave concern at the escalation of arrests of sexual minorities and sex workers in Chennai over the past year.

- We seek affordable and appropriate healthcare for all, and condemn unscientific and unethical attempts by some in the medical and mental health professions to change sexual orientation through drugs,electro-shock therapy, and other means. We draw attention to the urgent need for professional and peer-led psychosocial support services and safe spaces to help our communities cope with the stress of living in a society that is largely hostile towards alternate sexuality and gender expression

- We ask that our families value our desires as natural and normal,allow us the freedom to choose our expression in terms of attire, romantic and life partners, and not to force us into heterosexual marriages against our wishes.

- We appeal to educational institutions and policy makers to provide non-discriminatory environments for LGBT students, and penalize bullying, ragging, and sexual harassment regardless of the students' sexual orientation, gender or gender-identity.

- We exhort the media to be fair, inclusive and responsible in telling our stories; and not invisibilize or trivialize us and our issues. We urge the film industry in India to stop perpetuating stereotypes and depicting caricatures of our lives.

-  We appeal to businesses in the private and public sector to ensure equality in the workplace in terms of policies, benefits and workplace climate and include sexual orientation and gender identity issues in diversity training for staff

- We thank all those who have been supportive to our struggles - people from other social movements; parents who have been exemplary in their expression of love and acceptance; teachers who have been caring and supportive; health-care professionals who have refused to stigmatize us; celebrities who have expressed their solidarity openly; all the lawyers who aid our work; and journalists who have been sensitive and just;  to mention a few.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Chennai Rainbow Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride 2012





“Can love be shackled?” - Thiruvalluvar

Chennai hosts its fourth annual Rainbow Pride in June 2012, a month celebrating visibility of
alternate sexualities and gender identities.  In India, the first Rainbow Pride March took place
in Kolkata in 1999, and currently Pride is celebrated in nine cities and towns of India:
Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Thrissur.

Several formal and informal collectives have joined hands to organize a month-long series of 
events in Chennai this June. These include a panel discussion on parents and their LGBT 
children; a cultural festival; a three-day film series,  performances in memory of LGBT 
people who have lost their lives, and poster and placard-making sessions. The Chennai 
Rainbow Pride march will be held on June 24th, 2012




CHENNAI: Recently, transgender activist Anil Sadanandan, also known as Mariya, was murdered in Kerala. Fellow activists say it was a hate crime. Two years ago, trans-woman Sowmiya from Chennai committed suicide. Unable to complete her education, she had turned to sex work and begging to eke out a living and was dependent on alcohol. 

Short documentaries on the lives of Sowmiya and Mariya will be screened at Colors of Sexuality: Chennai Queer Film Festival 2012 to be held from June 1 to 17. The festival is part of the Pride Month celebrations to be organised byChennai Rainbow Coalition, a collective of groups that work for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. This is the fourth year Chennai is hosting Pride Month, which is celebrated across the world to commemorate the anniversary of Stonewall riots of 1969, when the LGBT community members in New York fought police harassment. 

"Films help us take our concerns to a wider audience," said Kalki Subramaniam, founder, Sahodari Foundation, which works for the transgender community, at a press meet on Friday. "I had spent time with Sowmiya and Mariya and had video footage of them. So I thought of making films on their lives." 

Around 23 Indian films in Hindi, Tamil, Marathi and Bengali will be screened at the fest, said L Ramakrishnan, a volunteer with Orinam, which is organising it with Chennai Dost and Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan. 'Logging out', made by a teenage boy using a handheld camera, is about the perils and pleasures of online dating. "One of the most moving films is 'More Than A Friend' by Debalina Majumder, who is from an organisation for lesbian and bisexual women and trans-people," said Vikranth Prasanna, founder, Chennai Dost. 

The struggles underline the importance of legal support, said the activists. "We urge the Supreme Court to uphold the historic Naz Foundation verdict of July 2, 2009 that read down section 377 of the IPC," said Ramakrishnan. The Delhi high court ruling, which decriminalised homosexuality, is being challenged in the SC by various organisations. "We need the SC to secure the rights of India's LGBT citizens so they could live with dignity." 

The Chennai Rainbow pride march will be held on June 24. Other events include photo and art exhibitions, panel discussion on family acceptance of LGBT youth and the release of 'Thirunangai', a Tamil magazine.

Courtesy: Times of India