Cinema, Politics And Pride [Our World This Week]

Gay movie Dunno Y…Na Jaane Kyun (why must Hindi movie titles include by-lines like this one? Remember Daag-The Fire?) is set to hit screens across the world, including countries like Germany, Australia, Italy and Switzerland. The movie’s already attracted a great deal of interest and is being referred to as India’s answer to Brokeback Mountain. Dunno Y … is also being touted as the first Indian movie to address the subject to serious, gay relationships (Read-relationships that aren’t based on loneliness a la Fire). The film’s also been selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in London.

In other news, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has announced that he will consider demands from transgender groups demanding pension and medical facilities. The delegation which was led by formed minister Shobha Karandlaje, demanded that the government include their names in voters lists, grant loans for self employment ventures and provide houses to them.

There’s good news in Tokyo too, as Tokya Pride shall be held this year after a three-year absence. The parade had not been held for the past three years owing to a lack of organisers and voluntary staff, a reason attributed to the country’s conservative society. The celebrations shall be held in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo which is home to over 250 gay and lesbian bars. Incidentally, same-sex couples in Japan have been allowed to marry since 2009, but couples  must wed in countries where same-sex marriages are permitted.

India now has seven magazines covering gay issues including Manvendra Singh Gohil’s Fun¸ Nitin Karani’s Bombay Dost, Jiah, The Queer Chronicle & PinkPages India. Fun has been promoted as a lifestyle magazine that caters to everyone, not just the queer community. Each covers a different sphere, depending on what you’re looking for. I’ll have to say though, most aren’t as interesting as Gaysi.

Tags: Culture, Featured, Films, India, Our World This Week, Theatre

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