Gaysi: The Gay Desi - Yes, we're legal!

If only our local Support Groups were financially funded by the Big Guys. Anyhoo, there’s good news for the Queer folks living across 7 seas;

“The South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association of New York City announces the launch of its LGBTIQ support hotline. This is the first such hotline for LGBTIQ South Asians in the USA. While the hotline is for everyone, we particularly hope to reach those LGBTIQ folk who are unable to take advantage of our other support events and resources. The hotline is supported by a grant from the Stonewall Foundation, by The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS and by generous contributions from the South Asian LGBT community. Please note details below and spread the word!” [SALGA-NYC]

SALGA Hotline

Thursdays from 5-7pm.

1-866-274-2429

They also organize monthly group meets, so do keep a look out on their website.

I believe people should think twice before associating the colour Blue with anything that they consider of value. I mean look at what happened to the very expensive Bollywood film starring the NoChaatiHairAkshay & CardboardSouthAfricanSharks, Baluuuuuuu. And at the very recently held Blue Apple Festival, Kolkata’s first LGBT literary festival organized by a local NGO named Saathii.

A middle-aged man introducing himself as a homosexual and then talking about his life, his partner and the joy of coming out. “Today, my wife or husband even cooks dinner for my father and my family,” beamed the man, much to the chagrin of LGBT activists around. “Heteronormative,” they shouted. “Why do you need to give a label to your relationship?” asked an enraged lady.

High estrogenial aunty didn’t just stop there…

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In 2008 I remember cribbing about the lack of social-lezzing in Mumbai city. Or most metro cities for that matter. Gay men were out and about but for desi-lesbians it was a sad story. But there is God (yes yes you Atheist folks can shrug your shoulders, I don’t care!) and thankfully a lot has changed since then, especially with the decimalization of IPC 377.

And it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Apphia Kumar, one of the founders of Pune’s happening Queer support group, Birds of a Feather.

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And it looks to be a Gay one this year.

“We toyed with the idea (of queer-friendly cards) for two or three years but unfortunately the law criminalising gays and lesbians stopped us,’’ said Youhan Aria, head of corporate communications, Archies Ltd. “With the high court order as well as the rising social acceptance of the lesbian and gay community in the country, we felt that the time was just right to launch the cards.’’ The response has been positive, says Aria, with franchisees eager to stock the cards in their stores. [TOI]

Not that I am much of a V Day fan…ah well its more like the Jackal and Grapes story…with no guess who the Jack is here. But yeah, its great to see visible positive outcomes  from the recent IPC 377 ruling.

So here’s wishing all a very Happy Valentines from the Gaysi clan. And to those non-believers, just remember, there’s always another year.

[Picture Source : Hindustan Times]

Amusing, no doubt. But a harsh reality of the times we live in. Now if only love could be a little more appealing. 

Twenty five years ago, Thingring fell in love with Roinachi who was serving as a domestic help in a family which allegedly tortured her. They soon married in a temple with Hindu rites. A shocked Fakiraguri village which had not even heard of gay relationships immediately ostracised them. They moved home and settled down in nearby Simlaguri village.

“Had we feared we couldn’t have got married,” said Thingring, husband.

They say it’s a marriage made in heaven.

“We have never had any marital discord. We are very happy together,” said Roinachi, wife. [NDTV]

Awesomeness. Though I can’t help but wonder; who did put the “husband” & “wife” label? The women themselves decided to enact the gender game or the Media assigned them these roles simply based on their relationship modus operandi – husband, the one who brings in the money & the one cooking is the wife. So very freaking apt.