This post was written a long time ago, but I must make this amendment to mention what I’m sure all of you already know. Perry v. Schwarzenegger (Prop 8 ) has been decided, and its good news! It is expected that the matter will reach the Supreme Court à la Naaz. So yaayyyy!!! And the rest is below.
Interesting things have been happening of late Gaysis. After some time in the pipeline, the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) April announcement of manufacturing condoms for gay men, will probably see the light of day soon. Earlier this year the ICMR has announced a special variety of condoms for MSMs with more lubrication, reducing discomfort for users. One of India’s largest condom manufacturers shall apparently launch the product-called Spice Up in the open market soon. The company along with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is conducting a year-long study to analyse the problems faced by the high-risk MSM group in Mumbai and Pune.
In other news, the Khap Panchayats in Haryana have called for a ban on homosexuality. Along with this, they also demanded Lok Adalat status, an amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act banning same ‘gotra’ marriage and surrogate motherhood.
All the way across in Germany, the city of Cologne prepares to host its 8th quadrennial athletic event for gay and lesbian athletes. The city is home to Europe’s biggest gay and lesbian sport club, SC Janus. Over 10,000 participants from 70 countries are expected to take part in the games which include a mix of mainstream sports like soccer along with some unconventional ones like transgender ballroom dancing and cheerleading. The event shall also have cultural programmes, a film festival and art exhibitions. Started by openly gay decathlete Tom Waddell, the Gay Games take place every four years and includes participants from the U.S and Germany and even from countries with Anti-gay stands including Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe & the United Arab Emirates. Due to the nationality of the participants, many register under aliases.
Let the Gaymes begin!