Re: g_b Reminder:Bombay Dost-Discussion Workshops:Tackling Homophobia in the Work Place
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g_b Indias blessing in disguise
India's blessing in disguise Category:Soap BoxAuthor:Lyndon BarnettPosted:Tuesday, 26 May 2009 India's blessing in disguise Kerala-raised Binu, 31, believes the extended judicial debate on decriminalising homosexuality is a blessing in disguise for India's gay and lesbian population. "The [Section] 377 legal challenges have sparked considerable discussion on homosexuality," he said. "As the courts continue to stall on changing the law, this allows society the opportunity to change their views and realise gay people are normal. When society broadly accepts homosexuality, this will be the time when the legal challenge will also succeed. "Having society accept gay people is almost more important than having the law changed." Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a British law from 1860, criminalises, "carnal intercourse against the order of nature." In December 2001 the Naz Foundation, an NGO dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness, filed a suit in the Delhi High Court to amend Section 377 to legalise consensual sex between same-sex partners. The Government argued that, because same-sex relations were never prosecuted, there was no violation of freedom and the laws were used to, "punish abuse to children and to complement lacunae in the rape laws." In September 2004, the High Court rejected the suit, stating the validity of laws can't be challenged by people unaffected by them. The Naz Foundation appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled the High Court can consider the petition. After several hearings in the High Court in 2008, the petition is yet to be ruled on. A group of NGOs, under the name Voices Against 377, has thrown its weight behind the Naz Foundation's initiative. These cases created a snowball effect: the longer it continues, the more intense the public campaign has become. Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss supported the petition, putting him at odds with Home Minister Shivraj Patil. This has forced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene. In June last year, New Delhi and Bangalore joined Kolkata in hosting their first Pride parades. Parade spokesman Ranjit Monga said, "No one would've believed 10 years ago a gay parade was possible in Delhi." "Writer Vikram Seth and Bollywood actors are now saying they don't accept 377. Also traditionally the gay character in Bollywood films would be a `funny' person but now the character is more real," Binu said. Manavendra Singh Gohil, from the Rajpipla royal family, publicly announced his sexuality in 2006. Gohil, who now devotes his time to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, said in 2007, "I wanted people to discuss homosexuality, which was always considered a taboo." In a letter demanding 377's repeal, Indian thinker Amartya Sen pointed out that the statute perpetuates the idea that homosexuality is perverse. Binu agrees. "When I grew up, homosexuality was only understood as men having sex with men, because society was focused on the family and traditions. "But now there's more depth of understanding that being gay is also about loving same-sex relationships." Binu lives in Sydney with his partner and has marched with the South Asian group, Salaam Namaste, in Mardi Gras. "I have a sense of achievement when I march. If other South Asians see the group and see how comfortable we are, then hopefully it helps them also."
g_b Venue Changed: GB Sunday Meet on 31 May 2009 to be held at Mulund
The GayBombay Sunday Meet on 31 May 2009 will be held at Mulund! Day & Date: Sunday 31 May 2009 Time: Between 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Venue: Campus Restaurant, Navghar Road, Mulund (East). Cover: Free entry to the meet We shall gather at Campus before proceeding to someone's place not far off for another round of chatar-patar, catching up on each others lives or just bitch about nothing :-) We would be at Campus for approx 30 min from 5.30pm Directions: For those coming by trains: the place is just a 5 minute auto rikshaw ride from the Station or a 10 min walk For those coming by Highway: turn in towards Mulund at MHADA Colony Junction near to the Toll Plaza Note : -Do get your friends along to help them gain access to a group especially if they are not netizens. -You do not have to be "out" to the world to attend. This is a discreet event being held as a clean, safe & social get-together of a non-sexual nature. Hardly any of those attending are "out" as such. -You need to be at least 18 years of age to attend. -There may be many who will prefer being discreet or may be still be coming to terms with themselves hence a request that all be sensitive to this and act and dress accordingly. -To identify the group look out for someone wearing a black cap See you all on Sunday. This event is organised by: http://www.gaybombay.org Right of admission reserved.
g_b My brother is gay: Richard Gere
Legendary actor Richard Gere has spoken out for gay marriage rights in the U.S. in support of his brother, who married during the brief period when gay unions were legal in California. Hollywood hunk Gere is furious over California Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold a gay marriage ban, which came into effect under the Proposition 8 legislation late last year (08) - six months after homosexual unions were declared valid. And he is adamant there is "no reason" why individuals like his younger brother David should be denied the same rights as straight couples. "My brother is gay and he got married in that brief period when gay marriage was allowed in California. He has two great kids and is a wonderful father," the Daily Express quoted him as saying. Love Sunny
g_b Reminder:Bombay Dost-Discussion Workshops:Tackling Homophobia in the Work Place
**Bombay Dost –Discussion Work Shops* *Tackling Homophobia in the work place* * Bombay Dost Sunday High will host a facilitated workshop on *Sunday 31st May 2009* in the Humsafar, CEFE office at Santacruz. The main topic of discussion is “ *Tackling Homophobia in the Workplace*”. This will be a facilitated workshop where participants are asked to share their experiences of Homophobia in their work environments. Participants may also share how they have tackled the issue in their respective work spaces for the benefit of individuals who may be currently facing these problems. We will also be joined by legal counsel to The Humsafar Trust , Ms. Usha Andewar, a lawyer by profession and working in the LGBT space for the last 10 years. Ms. Andewar will discuss on what constitutes homophobia, what are the legal recourses and what is the current standing in courts for any such alleged discrimination. Request all participants to confirm their presence(RSVP) for the workshop by writing to bombaydost2...@gmail.com. The details of the workshop are given below **Venue Address:* **The CEFE office , The Humsafar Trust * The Humsafar Trust/Center for Excellence (CEFE) Riviera CHS, Flat 2, Ground Floor 15th Road, Near RBI Colony Santacruz (W) Mumbai 400 050 *Email:* hst.c...@gmail.com *Phone:* +91 22 32449474 http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=19.077784&lon=72.832006&zoom=18 * * **Date:* 31st May 2009* **Time:** 5.30 pm sharp **Approximate Duration*:* 1 and half hours. *Moderator *Bombay Dost * *
g_b The GB Party at Tequila Lounge on 30th May 09 !!!!
The GB Party at Tequila Lounge on 30th May 09 This week, get set to rock as the GB party shifts to an exciting new venue in Mumbai’s biggest suburb, Andheri. Located amidst the famous multiplexes and studios of Lokhandwala. . Tequila Lounge..this newly opened place is certainly a new hangout for the suburbans..huge area with one of the biggest bars in townthe place is rocking with a good dance floor.. The venue comes with a very happening DJ who has rocked the city's glitterati and is set to do the same for the GB crowd. Wherever you may be, block your calender this Saturday for the GB’s Tequila Lounge party at Andheri. It promises to be a night to remember. Date: Saturday, 30th May 09 Time: 9 pm - 1 am. Cover Charge: Rs 650 before 10pm and Rs 700 after 10pm - per person (Please note – NO CREDIT CARDS) Address: Tequila Lounge, Above NextGen Banquets, Oberoi Complex, Opp Sab TV Lane, Next to Lotus Business Park, Off New Link Rd, Andheri W, Mumbai - 400053. Its one lane before the Fun Republic lane and has the ALL Plus Size Store at the corner of the lane and opposite Citi Mall. Please note that you have to be above the age of 21 to attend Please carry proof of age with you: a driving license, college identity card, etc. The Cover Charge includes: In-house DJ and a dance floor; delicious snacks; Drinks with mixers, Dinner will not be served. Some don'ts: GB, as a support group, has created this comfort/safe space for gays. Many people at the event may be "newbies" (those still coming to terms with their sexuality and/or those who have mustered the courage to come to such an event for the first time). We request you to be Sensitive to the comfort levels of others and to behave and dress accordingly. No dark rooms and no sex on the premises; if found indulging in any "hanky panky" you shall be asked to leave the party. Use of any illegal substance is prohibited and NO Smoking on the premises A special REQUEST: During and after the party please DO NOT gather outside the venue. The management has requested us to ensure that, in the middle of the night, the peace of the neighbourhood is not disturbed. A few dos: Have a smashing time. Carry your Alcoholic Drinks Permit. This event is organized by: http://www.gaybombay.org. Right of admission reserved
