g_b The heart of a mother

[dunno76]

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will
always find forgiveness. -- Honore de Balzac


  [Photo: The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which
you will always find forgiveness. - Honore de Balzac

http://lovequotes.symphonyoflove.net/category/h/honore-de-balzac] 


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g_b One year on, IIT-Bombay queer group is 140 and counting

[moderator]

One year on, IIT-Bombay queer group is 140 and counting


Yogita Rao
 , TNN
| Aug 27, 2012, 01.50AM IST

Rajat B (name changed), an undergraduate student of Indian Institute of
Technology-Bombay joined the premier institute this year because it is
gay-friendly. He was not hesitant about accepting his sexuality. Even as he
joined the institute, he sent an email to IIT-B's support group, Saathi,
making his intentions clear. 

A year on, probably the first-ever resource group supporting the sexual
minority-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer-on campus has seen
many changes in the attitude of students. 

"Sexual orientation is not spoken in hushed tones. It is open in the out,"
said a senior teacher. "Many changes have happened over a year on campus.
Students are coming forward and discussing their sexuality and also are
trying to get their queries answered from the group's moderator," he added.
Initially, from a handful on the group's mailing list, their number has
crossed to over 140. "Many of them do not even belong to the
 LGBTQ community
but are being supportive of the group," said Nivvedan, Saathi's co-founder. 

Last year, when   Saathi
was formed, many freshmen stayed away. However this year, organizers
received around three to four queries from first-year students on how to
enrol. The group had conducted several events on campus and managed to get
an audience of over 100 students during discussions. "Sexuality is discussed
openly and Saathi's presence has made a difference," said the teacher. 

"The group was formed in August 2011, but gaining acceptability now. There
has been no backlash on campus," he added. Saathi's founders believe they
have managed to reduce hostility towards the LGBTQ community on campus. They
plan to lobby for LGBTQ-friendly policies at the institute. 

 

 

Email:

modera...@gaybombay.in

E Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay

http://groups.google.com/group/Gaybombay

http://groups.google.com/group/GayIndia

Public archives at
http://www.mail-archive.com/gay_bombay%40yahoogroups.com/maillist.html

Rss feed:
http://www.mail-archive.com/gay_bombay@yahoogroups.com/maillist.xml 

GB Internet Radio at http://www.gaybombay.in/gbradio

Web Sites:

www.gaybombay.in

www.gayindia.org

Orkut:

http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Profile?uid=15084918632470824129

Blogs:

http://gaybombay.blogspot.com

http://gaybombay.wordpress.com

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/gaybombay

http://twitter.com/gayindia

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/gaybombay

http://www.facebook.com/gayindia

 

g_b Re: The GayBombay Drawing Room Games Meet at THANE on Sunday 26 August 2012

[whoruany...@ymail.com]

Hi 
Attended the GayBombay Drawing Room Games Meet at THANE. this was first ever. I 
was very apprehensive to join first, later i had chance to meet my friend and 
courage to join the group in the Doc's house. We had round of introduction 
after that we started with games, had snacks and bingo later. Liked the way 
they tried to make newbie's comfortable. This has given me some courage and 
will be looking forward to attending more such stuffs. Thank u guys.

Regards
M

--- In gay_bombay@yahoogroups.com, "GayBombay Events"  wrote:
>
> The GayBombay Drawing Room Games Meet at THANE on Sunday 26 August 2012
> 
>  
> 
> With monsoon on, discussing things over samosa and tea is the best way to 
> spend a Sunday evening with friends. A more better way is having laughter. 
> This Sunday GB aims to break from the tradition of sit down discussions by 
> playing indoor board / drawing room games.
> 
> Lets play cards, Uno, chess, snakes and ladders, Housie or any other indoor 
> games that u can suggest...
> 
> Wont it be delightful to play famous Badam Satti with 4 or 6 sets of 
> cards...Bluffetc etc...
> 
> 
> Watching someone going through the game of chess...or UNO...and Finally 
> HOUSIE
> 
> SO come, join, bring in your friends and have a fun filled Sunday evening...
> 
> The Café Coffee Day at Korrum Mall, Thane, remains the place we gather before 
> proceeding to someone's place not far off to play the games and win prizes. 
> The Café Coffee Day outlet is on the right hand side of the main stairs 
> leading to the mall building. We would be at the Cafe Coffee day for approx 
> 30 min from 5.30pm
>  
> Day & Date:
> Sunday, 26 August 2012
> 
> Time: 
> At Gathering Point : 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM.
> Meet at Different Venue: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
>  
> Venue: 
> Gathering Point Between 5:30 and 6:00 PM:
> Café Coffee Day, 
> Entrance of Korrum Mall,
> Near Cadburys,
> Eastern Express Highway,
> Thane (West).
>  
> Cover:
> Free entry to the meet
> 
> Directions:
> For those coming by trains: the place is just a 10 minute auto rikshaw ride 
> from the Station and you can ask for Korrum Mall, on Eastern Express Highway 
> near Cadbury,
> 
> For those coming by road: On eastern Express Highway, Korrum Mall is a major 
> landmark near Cadbury that you cannot miss.
> 
> Note :
> 1. Do get your friends along to help them gain access to a group especially 
> if they are not netizens.
> 
> 2. 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. 
> 
> 3. You need to be at least 18 years of age to attend.
>  
> 4. 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.
> 
> 5. 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 Absence sharpens love

[dunno76]

Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it. -- Thomas Fuller


  [Photo: Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it. - Thomas Fuller

http://lovequotes.symphonyoflove.net/category/t/thomas-fuller] 


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g_b Love is like a pump

[dunno76]

Love is not like the echo, which returneth only what is given; but,
rather, like the pump, which returneth by the pail what it received by
the pint. -- Ivan Panin


  [Photo: Love is not like the echo, which returneth only what is given;
but, rather, like the pump, which returneth by the pail what it received
by the pint. - Ivan Panin

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g_b In Maryland, Gay Marriage Seeks a 'Yes' at the

[asfan]

In Maryland, Gay Marriage Seeks a 'Yes' at the
Polls

Opponents of same-sex marriage have gathered more than
100,000 signatures to put a referendum on the November
ballot, setting the stage for a renewed debate on the issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/us/in-maryland-gay-marriage-seeks-a-yes-at-the-polls.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23_20120826

g_b GB's 14th Anniversary Nite Party -

[Dee]

GB's 14th Anniversary Nite Party - It's a Saturday Nite Party at Dio’s at 
Tardeo on 1st Sept 2012.

Dio's in Tardeo is a large theme lounge, done up in gold, lime, chocolate, lime 
and fusia pink, with French windows that overlook Bombay's beautiful skyline.

Besides a great dance floor, the venue also includes lots of space and an open 
air terrace for those who would like to take in the breeze.


And if you’re hungry for more, Dio’s will be cooking up some mood food at a 
special Pasta counter. So come on and drive your tractors to what promises to a 
unique and very memorable event 

Date: Saturday, 1st September 2012.
Time: 9 pm – 1 am only.
Cover Charge: Rs 600 only (to defray the expenses of the party) (Please note – 
NO CREDIT CARDS)

Venue: Dio's, Tardeo
Address: Dio’s is situated at
Konarkshram, 5th.floor, 
Behind Everest Building, 
Next to Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo, 
Mumbai 34. (Mumbai Central is the closest station).

The Cover Charge includes: 

2 Drink Coupons
Live Pasta Counter 

Extra drinks will be sold at Rs 100/- per coupon. 
Please note that you have to be above the age of 21 to attend GayBombay 
parties. 
Please carry proof of age with you: a driving license, college identity card, 
etc.

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 strictly prohibited.

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.

Smoking will be allowed only on the right hand side of the terrace as soon as 
you enter the premises.

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.

A JOINT INVITE BY ALL LGBT PARTY ORGANIZERS IN MUMBAI

Let’s Party.. 

Week after Week ….. GB, Salvation Star, Gossip & Birdcage strive to bring you 
the Biggest & Best parties for the LGBT community in Mumbai and are the biggest 
platforms for people from the community to meet, interact and make new friends.

The recent raids in different parties have been a concern amongst few guests in 
the community. The party organizers jointly would like to bring to you notice 
that this is a part of the continuous action taken by various legal departments 
across the city of Mumbai and not specifically targeting specifically LGBT 
events. The legal departments are bound by the law to check and initiate action 
in case of anything illegal things found. 

All we party organizers follow the rules and hence till date none of our guests 
have been harassed in any way. 

As a part of making our parties more welcoming we have jotted down a few do’s 
and don’ts for you to party harder and safer :

Do’s :
- Carry a drinking permit as soon as you leave from your residence, which is 
easily available in any wine shop or bar. In case, you have not carried one, do 
pick one from the entrance before entering the party.
- Keep an eye on mischief mongers and inform the party organizer immediately.
- Do not believe in rumors of parties being cancelled. Call the party 
organizers and cross check. As well, help us in trying to locate as to where 
these rumors generate from (Your identity will be safe-guarded).
- In case there is a check from the legal departments, do behave and also 
request the person next to you to behave and co-operate with the authorities.

Don't :
- Never use/carry drugs or banned substance to/at the party. In case, you see 
anyone using it inform the organizer immediately about the same. None of the 
party organizers promote using of drugs or banned substances at their parties. 
Even if a single person is caught inside the party using any kind of banned 
substance can land all of us in trouble, hence your co-operation is of utmost 
importance.
- Never smoke inside the premises. Use the outside area or smoking zones. In 
case you see anyone doing it tell him to stop that inside or inform the 
organizer.
- The parties are a place to dance, drink & have a good time. Do not make-out 
in the premises. 
- Do not get violent or abusive with friends, fellow guests, staff, etc. In 
case of any trouble, the party organizer is well equipped to handle the 
situation.

Note :
- As a joint initiative to make parties safer and more fun,…. The party 
organizers have decided that they will “BANNED PERMANENTLY” from all the 
parties in Mumbai, any person using drugs/banned substance, smoking at 
non-smoking zones, tr

g_b I promise you love

[dunno76]

I cannot promise very much. I give you the images I know. Lie still with
me and watch. We laugh and we touch. I promise you love. Time will not
take that away. -- Anne Sexton


  [Photo: I cannot promise very much. I give you the images I know. Lie
still with me and watch. We laugh and we touch. I promise you love. Time
will not take that away. - Anne Sexton

http://lovequotes.symphonyoflove.net/category/a/anne-sexton] 


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Today at Symphony of Love

Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn
around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work
around it. - Michael Jordan

  [Photo: Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't
turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or
work around it. - Michael Jordan] 


If someone wants to be part of your life, they'll make an effort to
be in it. Don't bother reserving a space in your heart for someone who
doesn't make an effort to stay. - Author Unknown


  [Photo: If someone wants to be part of your life, they'll make an
effort to be in it. Don't bother reserving a space in your heart for
someone who doesn't make an effort to stay. - Author Unknown

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g_b Most young Thai MSM define as heterosexual, even if they mainly have sex with men (HIV risk based on identity)

[Aditya Bondyopadhyay]

Dear all,
for the life of me I do not recall if I have already shared this study
(apologies if I did), but IT IS FASCINATING
This is probably one of the first time that empirical data supports
something that we have always believed, namely HOW ONE IDENTIFIES ONESELF
IS ALSO A FACTOR THAT INCREASES HIS HIV RISK.
The captive setting of the Thai conscripts, where both diversity of
background and behaviors are assured (plus the lottery that leads to
conscription ensures an preliminary degree of randomization amongs a
certain age group in the whole nations) actually makes this on of the best
quality data that can possibly have been obtained.

DO read on...
- Aditya B


http://www.fridae.asia/newsfeatures/2012/08/17/11869.most-young-thai-msm-define-as-heterosexual-even-if-they-mainly-have-sex-with-men


NEWS & FEATURES 

HEALTH 
17 Aug 2012
Most young Thai MSM define as heterosexual, even if they mainly have sex
with men
by Gus Cairns, 
Aidsmap.com

A large, randomised sample of 21-year-old Thai men has found that by far
the largest risk factor for HIV infection is gay identity. Scientists found
that compared with exclusive ‘tops’, versatile gay men were 6.8 times more
likely to have HIV and exclusive ‘bottoms’ 8.6 times more likely.

==

A large, randomised sample of 21-year-old Thai men, presented at the 19th
International AIDS Conference in Washington recently, has found that by far
the largest risk factor for HIV infection is gay identity. *Contrary to the
oft-quoted saying “it’s not who you are, but what you do,” actual male/male
sexual behaviour, while still an important risk factor, was not as strongly
associated with being HIV positive as gay identity.*
Adamslove.org , a social media campaign
organised by the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre to increase the
awareness of HIV/AIDS among the MSM community in Thailand and encourage
Safe Sex and HIV Testing.

The survey was conducted among over 35,000 army conscripts from all parts
of Thailand. All 21-year old Thai men enter a lottery at the age of 21 for
conscription into the Thai army and of these half a million young men,
60,00 to 100,000, in any year, are conscripted, twice a year in May and
October.

This survey thus constituted a truly randomised, cross-sectional survey of
the 21-year-old men who were inducted into the Thai army in May 2011. It
was conducted no more than two weeks after induction and therefore serving
in the army had no influence on the results. Men from all provinces in
Thailand were included and from both urban and rural areas.

The survey found that 7% of respondents had had sex with another man (MSM)
but that only 1.1% only had sex with men.

In all MSM, 83% identified as heterosexual, i.e. desiring women only. Even
in exclusive MSM, only 21% said they desired men exclusively and 31% both
men and women, meaning that nearly half (48%) of men who’d in fact only
ever had male partners said they actually preferred women.

Only 0.5% of all respondents had HIV, and only 2.6% of the MSM. However HIV
prevalence increased to 9.4% in men who exclusively had sex with men, and
to 16% in men who said they preferred sex with men, i.e. who identified as
gay or transgender. Gay identity was in fact quite uncommon, at 180
individuals out of 35,359, or 0.5% of respondents.

*Having sex with both men and women was associated with a 4.5-fold higher
risk of having HIV, and solely having sex with men with a 35-fold raised
risk; but defining oneself as wanting sex with men and women was associated
with a 26-fold raised risk, and as wanting sex only with men with an over
60-fold raised risk.*

*One of the explanations for desire being a greater risk factor than
behaviour was that sex role was highly predictive of HIV infection:
compared with exclusive ‘tops’, versatile gay men were 6.8 times more
likely to have HIV and exclusive ‘bottoms’ 8.6 times more likely. If
non-gay-identified MSM are more likely to be insertive, this would explain
why activity was less predictive of HIV than identity.*

Another might be that the culturally-accepted way of being an MSM in
Thailand, at least outside urban centres with gay scenes, has tended to be
to become a Katoey (ladyboy/transgender). 'Out' Kaoteys would tend to be
exempted from military service, until 2011 because they had a 'mental
disorder', now changed to 'gender identity disorder'. So this survey would
tend to under-represent certain self-identified MSM.

Other traditional HIV risk factors were more common than MSM sex. While
only 3.2% of all respondents had ever injected drugs, 33% had had sex with
a female sex worker, 10% had been in prison and no less than 52% had ever
used non-injectable methamphetamine which, as Yaa Baa (‘mad pills’), is the
most common recreational drug