g_b Google is looking for interns
Posting about internships at Google on a Gaygler friend's behalf: Behind Google’s simple search window is one of the most complex technology infrastructures in the world. And it’s run by an equally diverse group of people. At Google, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, our business and our community. Google invites you to come join us for a unique summer experience, including an 8-12 week paid internship, which offers a valuable learning experience and aid in your professional development through exposure to projects, trainings, leadership interaction and on-going mentorship during the internship period at Google. What’s in it for you? - Impact: Work on projects core to Google’s business during an 8-12 week summer internship. - Exposure: An insider look at a business career at a technology company. - Professional development: Google business seminars, skill-building workshops and executive speakers. - Mentorship: Guidance from Googlers from across the company to help you navigate your summer experience. - Fun: Forge relationships with your peers through social activities, community building and networking. Eligibility Criterion: - Be currently enrolled in a Bachelors program, in any major, at a University. - Have completed their penultimate year of study by end of April 2013 and graduating in 2014. - Plan to return to campus to complete a minimum of one additional term following their internship and prior to graduation; graduating students are not eligible. - Be able to complete 8-12 weeks at Google between the first week April and last week June. Interested? Fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14fnJXASlrKkSoZNdw4Oy5qDy7oYEe0ltsGphMve_6z8/viewform Question? Reach out to Yash Godbole at ya...@google.com over email
g_b Take a queer coffee break!
-- Forwarded message -- From: Sridhar Rangayan sridhar.ranga...@gmail.com Date: 6 May 2011 09:24 Take a queer coffee break! http://indieflix.com/festivalsonline/kashish KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011 brings the festival to your laptop with India’s first online queer short film competition. Take a KASHISH COFFEE BREAK and watch 10 exciting shorts films from this year’s Kashish film festival right on your laptop or tablet. Viewers across the globe can watch, comment and vote on these short films. KASHISH Coffee Break Online competition runs from May 1st to May 20th. It is free and fun. Log onto http://indieflix.com/festivalsonline/kashish to vote for your favorite, and leave comments for filmmakers and viewers. The winner - decided on the basis of online votes - will receive an award at Kashish’s closing ceremony as well as a distribution deal with Indieflix.com --- KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival http://mumbaiqueerfest.com
g_b Re: Events BD Sunday High Film screening 'Howl', 27 March, 6pm
A reminder about this Sunday's screening... On 21 March 2011 21:47, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to a screening of * * 'Howl'* From the makers of 'The Times of Harvey Milk', a film that pays tribute to one of the greatest works of the Beat generation and the American poet who wrote it, Allen Ginsberg. *Sunday, 27 March 2011* -- *Synopsis: *The poem Howl contains many references to drugs and sex, both heterosexual and homosexual. On the basis of one line in particular, US customs officials seized 520 copies of the poem on March 25, 1957, being imported from the printer in London. A subsequent obscenity trial was brought against the poem's US publisher. Nine literary experts testified on the poem's behalf. Supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, Ferlinghetti won the case with the judge deciding that the poem was of redeeming social importance. The case was widely publicized (articles appeared in both Time and Life magazines). The film depicts the events of the trial. As Allen Ginsberg (James Franco) talks about his life and art, his most famous poem is illustrated in animation while the obscenity trial of the work is dramatized. Pivotal to the story are the mental illness of Ginsberg's mother and her early death, the poet's friendship with Neal Cassady, struggles with homosexuality before embracing it, falling in love with Peter Orlovsky, and Ginsberg's take on the poem's theme - freedom of expression. (from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1049402/ ) *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue: *Humsafar Trust, Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, 'Riviera', 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai. (see map:www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR
g_b Events BD Sunday High Film screening 'Howl', 27 March, 6pm
*cordially invites you to a screening of * * 'Howl'* From the makers of 'The Times of Harvey Milk', a film that pays tribute to one of the greatest works of the Beat generation and the American poet who wrote it, Allen Ginsberg. *Sunday, 27 March 2011* -- *Synopsis: *The poem Howl contains many references to drugs and sex, both heterosexual and homosexual. On the basis of one line in particular, US customs officials seized 520 copies of the poem on March 25, 1957, being imported from the printer in London. A subsequent obscenity trial was brought against the poem's US publisher. Nine literary experts testified on the poem's behalf. Supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, Ferlinghetti won the case with the judge deciding that the poem was of redeeming social importance. The case was widely publicized (articles appeared in both Time and Life magazines). The film depicts the events of the trial. As Allen Ginsberg (James Franco) talks about his life and art, his most famous poem is illustrated in animation while the obscenity trial of the work is dramatized. Pivotal to the story are the mental illness of Ginsberg's mother and her early death, the poet's friendship with Neal Cassady, struggles with homosexuality before embracing it, falling in love with Peter Orlovsky, and Ginsberg's take on the poem's theme - freedom of expression. (from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1049402/ ) *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue: *Humsafar Trust, Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, 'Riviera', 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai. (see map:www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR
g_b Events Sunday High 13 March - Film screening: 'The Kids Are All Right'
*cordially invites you to a screening of * * The Kids Are All Right* *The most-acclaimed queer-themed film from Hollywood in 2010 with 4 Oscar nominations * *Sunday, 13 March 2011* -- *Synopsis:* Nic and Jules are in a long term, committed, loving but by no means perfect relationship. Nic, a physician, needs to wield what she believes is control, whereas Jules, under that control, is less self-assured. During their relationship, Jules has floundered in her nine to five life, sometimes trying to start a business - always unsuccessfully - or being the stay at home mom. She is currently trying to start a landscape design business. They have two teen-aged children, Joni and Laser, Nic who is Joni's biological mother, and Jules who is Laser's biological mother. Although not exact replicas, each offspring does more closely resemble his/her biological mother in temperament. Joni and Laser are also half-siblings, having the same unknown sperm donor father. Shortly after Joni's eighteenth birthday and shortly before she plans to leave the house and head off to college, Laser, only fifteen and underage to do so, pleads with her to try and contact their sperm donor father. Somewhat reluctantly, she does. He is late thirty-something Paul, a co-op farmer and restaurateur. Despite his seemingly successful businesses, Paul has always shirked responsibility, most specifically in his personal life. After Joni and Laser meet with Paul, Nic and Jules learn what their children have done, and although they don't want Paul infiltrating their lives, they want to meet him especially as Joni and Laser seem to want to maintain some sort of relationship with him. As Paul's relationship with the entire family grows, which also includes him hiring Jules to design and construct his back yard, they have an effect on what he wants in life, and he in turn affects the family dynamic as well as each person's relationships outside of the family. (from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/) *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue: *Humsafar Trust, Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, 'Riviera', 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai. (see map:www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Sunday High 13 March - Film screening: 'The Kids Are All Right'
A reminder about tomorrow's screening... On 11 March 2011 01:22, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to a screening of * * The Kids Are All Right* *The most-acclaimed queer-themed film from Hollywood in 2010 with 4 Oscar nominations * *Sunday, 13 March 2011* -- *Synopsis:* Nic and Jules are in a long term, committed, loving but by no means perfect relationship. Nic, a physician, needs to wield what she believes is control, whereas Jules, under that control, is less self-assured. During their relationship, Jules has floundered in her nine to five life, sometimes trying to start a business - always unsuccessfully - or being the stay at home mom. She is currently trying to start a landscape design business. They have two teen-aged children, Joni and Laser, Nic who is Joni's biological mother, and Jules who is Laser's biological mother. Although not exact replicas, each offspring does more closely resemble his/her biological mother in temperament. Joni and Laser are also half-siblings, having the same unknown sperm donor father. Shortly after Joni's eighteenth birthday and shortly before she plans to leave the house and head off to college, Laser, only fifteen and underage to do so, pleads with her to try and contact their sperm donor father. Somewhat reluctantly, she does. He is late thirty-something Paul, a co-op farmer and restaurateur. Despite his seemingly successful businesses, Paul has always shirked responsibility, most specifically in his personal life. After Joni and Laser meet with Paul, Nic and Jules learn what their children have done, and although they don't want Paul infiltrating their lives, they want to meet him especially as Joni and Laser seem to want to maintain some sort of relationship with him. As Paul's relationship with the entire family grows, which also includes him hiring Jules to design and construct his back yard, they have an effect on what he wants in life, and he in turn affects the family dynamic as well as each person's relationships outside of the family. (from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/) *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue: *Humsafar Trust, Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, 'Riviera', 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai. (see map:www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Launch of Screenplay - 'My Brother... Nikhil' - Friday, 18 Feb '11, 7pm
Fans of Juhi Chawla, Sandy Suri, Purab Kohli, Onir and my brother .Nikhil, it's your chance to get autographed copies of the screenplay. On 15-Feb-2011 3:00 AM, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to the launch of * * My Brother... Nikhil - the screenplay* * Friday, 18 February 2011* * * * * Bombay Dost invites you to the launch of the screenplay of Onir's debut feature film 'My Brother Nikhil' (Publisher: Yoda Press). The lead actors of the film, Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Suri, and Onir will be present for the launch. *About the film/screenplay:* Set between 1987 and 1994, the film traces the life of Nikhil Kapoor: the state all-round swimming champion. A committed sportsman, Nikhil’s life changes radically when he finds out that he is HIV-positive. Even as he faces harassment from authorities and heartbreaking rejection from his parents, the only two people who stand by him in his fight for justice, life, love and dignity are his sister Anamika and his boyfriend Nigel. Published for the first time, the screenplay of this powerful yet poignant film, brings Nikhil’s story back for its fans with the same intensity as the motion picture. The text of the film is supported by stills from the film, as well as short pieces by the director Onir and actor Sanjay Suri about how this path-breaking film, the first mainstream Hindi film about a homosexual individual, was made and how it changed their lives for ever. *About Onir:* Onir has written the story and screenplay, besides of course directing 'My Brother Nikhil'. His other films as director include 'Bas Ek Pal' and 'Sorry Bhai'. Onir has also been a film editor and producer. He was born (on on 1 May 1969) as Onirban Dhar in a small town in Bhutan. In 1986, he moved to Kolkata where he studied comparative literature. He graduated from Jadavpur University in 1989. He can speak Bengali, Russian, German and Tamil. Onir is an Indian film director, editor, writer and producer. Onir's latest film is 'I Am' which consists of four short films exploring such themes as child abuse and same-sex relationships. -- *Time:* 7pm to 8.30pm. *Venue:* Crossword, Kanaiya Shopping Centre, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai (see map). * * *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dost http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Valentine's Day Special movie: 'Were the World Mine'
A reminder On 5 February 2011 12:35, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to the * * Sunday High Film Screening* * 13 February 2011* *Valentine's Day Special: 'Were the World Mine'* * * *Were the World Mine http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476991/maindetails* (2008; 95min; English) If you had a love-potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you? Timothy, prone to escaping his dismal high school reality through dazzling musical daydreams, gets to answer that question in a very real way. After his eccentric teacher casts him as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, he stumbles upon a recipe hidden within the script to create the play's magical, purple love-pansy. Armed with the pansy, Timothy's fading spirit soars as he puckishly imposes a new reality by turning much of his narrow-minded town gay, beginning with the rugby-jock of his dreams. Ensnaring family, friends and enemies in this chaos, Timothy forces them to walk a mile in his musical shoes. The course of true love never did run smooth; it's a bumpy ride. Along the way, there are lots of shirtless hot rugby players, and amazing singing. The film seems to move effortlessly between realistic scenes and those that are surreal and fantastic---in all senses of that word. The cast is terrific---and the music is transcendent. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust-Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, Rivera Building, 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai - 400 054. (see map: www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Valentine's Day Special movie: 'Were the World Mine'
Just a reminder about this Sunday... On 05-Feb-2011 12:35 PM, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to the * * Sunday High Film Screening* * 13 February 2011* *Valentine's Day Special: 'Were the World Mine'* * * *Were the World Mine http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476991/maindetails* (2008; 95min; English) If you had a love-potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you? Timothy, prone to escaping his dismal high school reality through dazzling musical daydreams, gets to answer that question in a very real way. After his eccentric teacher casts him as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, he stumbles upon a recipe hidden within the script to create the play's magical, purple love-pansy. Armed with the pansy, Timothy's fading spirit soars as he puckishly imposes a new reality by turning much of his narrow-minded town gay, beginning with the rugby-jock of his dreams. Ensnaring family, friends and enemies in this chaos, Timothy forces them to walk a mile in his musical shoes. The course of true love never did run smooth; it's a bumpy ride. Along the way, there are lots of shirtless hot rugby players, and amazing singing. The film seems to move effortlessly between realistic scenes and those that are surreal and fantastic---in all senses of that word. The cast is terrific---and the music is transcendent. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust-Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, Rivera Building, 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai - 400 054. (see map: www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dost http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Valentine's Day Special movie: 'Were the World Mine'
*cordially invites you to the * * Sunday High Film Screening* * 13 February 2011* *Valentine's Day Special: 'Were the World Mine'* * * *Were the World Mine http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476991/maindetails* (2008; 95min; English) If you had a love-potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you? Timothy, prone to escaping his dismal high school reality through dazzling musical daydreams, gets to answer that question in a very real way. After his eccentric teacher casts him as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, he stumbles upon a recipe hidden within the script to create the play's magical, purple love-pansy. Armed with the pansy, Timothy's fading spirit soars as he puckishly imposes a new reality by turning much of his narrow-minded town gay, beginning with the rugby-jock of his dreams. Ensnaring family, friends and enemies in this chaos, Timothy forces them to walk a mile in his musical shoes. The course of true love never did run smooth; it's a bumpy ride. Along the way, there are lots of shirtless hot rugby players, and amazing singing. The film seems to move effortlessly between realistic scenes and those that are surreal and fantastic---in all senses of that word. The cast is terrific---and the music is transcendent. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust-Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, Rivera Building, 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai - 400 054. (see map: www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 16 Jan 2011 - Film screening - 'My Brother... Nikhil'
*cordially invites you to the * * Sunday High Film Screening* * 16 January 2011* *My Brother Nikhil* *One of the rare mainstream Indian films with a gay protagonist* * * *My Brother... Nikhil http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419992/* (2005; 120min; Hindi) *From the film's website http://www.mybrothernikhil.com/index_html.html* This film is set in Goa... between 1989 and 1994. Nikhil Kapoor is the state all-round swimming champion. His father Navin has raised his son to be a sports man... a dream that he never achieved for himself. His elder sister Anamika teaches in a primary school and loves him dearly. His mother Anita adores him and from her he inherited the artistic side to his personality. One day he is arrested. The reason being…. that he is HIV positive. He is kept in forced isolation by law. The Goa Public Health Act allowed the government to isolate HIV positive people. His parents desert him and his friends move away. The only two people who stand by him are his sister Anamika and boyfriend Nigel. *From the film's director Onir (excerpt from a reviewhttp://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/movies/2005/8/mybrother.html )* This film tells the story of a man who suddenly falls from grace and is socially ostracized. His parents, friends and colleagues all turn their backs on him as his whole world collapses. It is also about how relationships redefine themselves in times of crisis; about parents who are unable to face social humiliation and abandon their son; about a son’s remorse at being rejected by his parents and of his longing for their love; about his quest to achieve something in life, and to be loved; about a sister who defies her parents and stands by her brother, caring for him and protecting him with unconditional love; about a gay relationship that withstood social disapproval. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust-Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, Rivera Building, 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai - 400 054. (see map: www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 2 Jan 2011 - Film screening - 'XXY'
Guys, please note this event in your diaries for tom (Sunday) and also note that all Sunday High events over the next couple of months will be held at the Santacruz West address (see address, directions and map below) and NOT the Vakola address. Happy New Year! On 27 December 2010 23:41, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *cordially invites you to the * * Sunday High Film Screening* * 2 January 2011 * * * *XXY http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0995829/* (2007; 86min; Spanish, subtitled in English) This is a dramatic story of a 15-year-old intersex. With witty dialogues and panache, the film proclaims the right to be different and find one's own sexual niche. But it's far from being dogmatic or didactic. It also understands the position of parents who want to save their child from confrontation with society. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust-Centre for Excellence, Ground floor, Rivera Building, 15th Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai - 400 054. (see map: www.tinyurl.com/cefemap). *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust http://www.facebook.com/HumsafarTrust *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Official book launch of R Raj Rao's 'Hostel Room 131' by Onir, Friday, 27 August, 7pm, Crossword, Linking Rd
A reminder about the book launch on Friday. On 21 August 2010 14:25, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *Penguin Books India, Bombay Dost and Crossword cordially invite you to the * *Official book launch of R Raj Rao's 'Hostel Room 131' by Onir * * * * * *on Friday 27 August 2010 at 7.00 p.m. **at Crossword Bookstore, G-1, Plot No. 250-B, Kanaiya Building, Linking Road **Bandra (W), Mumbai.* Seven years ago, we proudly organised the launch of Raj's first novel 'The Boyfriend' in Mumbai. We are now pleased to be associated with the launch of Raj's latest, 'Hostel Room 131' by noted filmmaker Onir. If you'd like to share the event invitation, please feel free to forward this email or share this link: *http://tinyurl.com/HR131* *About the author:* R. Raj Rao was born in Bombay and now lives in Pune where he is professor in the Department of English, University of Pune. Two of his books, BomGay and The Boyfriend (the latter published by Penguin India, and translated into French and Italian) are regarded as cult classics. His other books include One Day I Locked My Flat in Soul City (short stories), Slide Show (poems), The Wisest Fool on Earth and Other Plays, Nissim Ezekiel: The Authorized Biography, Ten Indian Writers in Interview (edited), Image of India in the Indian Novel in English (co-edited), Whistling in The Dark: Twenty one Queer Interviews (co-edited). Rao in a pioneering Indian academic who runs a course on queer literature in his department. *Synopsis of the book:* In the winter of 1978, Siddharth, 23, meets Sudhir, 20 in a friend's room in Pune's Engineering College Hostel. He falls instantly in love. A man of unconventional views--he believes, for instance, that the two heroes in Sholay have the hots for each other rather than for the heroines--Siddharth becomes a full time lover over the next seven years and stubbornly pursues the object of his lust and affection, despite his job as a college lecturer in Bombay. There are many obstacles along the way, including Sudhir's family, against whom Sidharth files a police complaint, and Sudhir's classmates from Belgaum, led by the homophobic Ravi Humbe, who start an anti-Siddharth association. But Siddharth gets support from Gaurav and Vivek, a militant gay pair keen to ambush the enemy. Deadpan humour and farce come together in this entertaining love story, giving us a glimpse of what really goes on in a boys' hostel. -- *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Official book launch of R Raj Rao's 'Hostel Room 131' by Onir, Friday, 27 August, 7pm, Crossword, Linking Rd
*Penguin Books India, Bombay Dost and Crossword cordially invite you to the * *Official book launch of R Raj Rao's 'Hostel Room 131' by Onir * * * * * *on Friday 27 August 2010 at 7.00 p.m. **at Crossword Bookstore, G-1, Plot No. 250-B, Kanaiya Building, Linking Road **Bandra (W), Mumbai.* Seven years ago, we proudly organised the launch of Raj's first novel 'The Boyfriend' in Mumbai. We are now pleased to be associated with the launch of Raj's latest, 'Hostel Room 131' by noted filmmaker Onir. If you'd like to share the event invitation, please feel free to forward this email or share this link: *http://tinyurl.com/HR131* *About the author:* R. Raj Rao was born in Bombay and now lives in Pune where he is professor in the Department of English, University of Pune. Two of his books, BomGay and The Boyfriend (the latter published by Penguin India, and translated into French and Italian) are regarded as cult classics. His other books include One Day I Locked My Flat in Soul City (short stories), Slide Show (poems), The Wisest Fool on Earth and Other Plays, Nissim Ezekiel: The Authorized Biography, Ten Indian Writers in Interview (edited), Image of India in the Indian Novel in English (co-edited), Whistling in The Dark: Twenty one Queer Interviews (co-edited). Rao in a pioneering Indian academic who runs a course on queer literature in his department. *Synopsis of the book:* In the winter of 1978, Siddharth, 23, meets Sudhir, 20 in a friend's room in Pune's Engineering College Hostel. He falls instantly in love. A man of unconventional views--he believes, for instance, that the two heroes in Sholay have the hots for each other rather than for the heroines--Siddharth becomes a full time lover over the next seven years and stubbornly pursues the object of his lust and affection, despite his job as a college lecturer in Bombay. There are many obstacles along the way, including Sudhir's family, against whom Sidharth files a police complaint, and Sudhir's classmates from Belgaum, led by the homophobic Ravi Humbe, who start an anti-Siddharth association. But Siddharth gets support from Gaurav and Vivek, a militant gay pair keen to ambush the enemy. Deadpan humour and farce come together in this entertaining love story, giving us a glimpse of what really goes on in a boys' hostel. -- *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 25 July 2010 - Discussion
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 25 July 2010* *Discussion: Growing Old Queer - insecurities and coping mechanisms * * * One of the biggest insecurities that LGBT populations face is the thought of growing old. This Sunday we'll discuss whether it's really more difficult if you are LGBT, what our methods can be to cope with old age, the support mechanisms that should exist and how these ideas can be implemented. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. * * *Venue directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. * * *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. * * *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events AIDS2010 Humsafar's calender of activities at AIDS 2010, Vienna
FYI, those of you at the Vienna conference -- Forwarded message -- From: Sridhar Rangayan sridhar.ranga...@gmail.com Date: 13 July 2010 13:40 Subject: Re: Humsafar's calender of activities at AIDS 2010, Vienna * AIDS 2010, VIENNA* Following is the schedule of activities that representatives of *The Humsafar Trust* are involved in, at the Vienna AIDS 2010 conference: 1. *Sridhar Rangaihn - Founder Trustee Board Member * sridhar.ranga...@gmail.com 2. *Sandeep Mane – Researcher *mane.san...@gmail.com** The calendar of activities of *Humsafar Team* is as below: *1. POSTER PRESENTATION:* *Title:* *Posters on Safer-Sex among MSM/TG* *Date:* *July 17, 2010* *Time:** **9.00-20.00* *Venue:* *MSM Pre-Conference / Global MSM Forum* *Author:* *Sridhar Rangaihn* ** *2. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY:* *Title:* Opening Ceremony - Wish Tree *Date:* *July 19, 2010* *Time:** 11.00* *Venue:* *Global Village* *Participants:* *Sridhar Rangaihn (Focal Person of LGBT group)* ** *3. ORAL PRESENTATION:* *Title:* Mainstreaming Queer Visibility Through Films - a presentation about *KASHISH - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010* *Date:* *July 19, 2010* *Time:** **15.30 - 16.00* *Venue:* *LGBT Networking Zone (organized by ILGA and RFSL)* *Author:* *Sridhar Rangaihn* * * ** *4. POSTER PRESENTATION:* *Title:* Frequency and predictors of suicidality, depression anxiety among MSM in Mumbai, India: Implications for HIV prevention and treatment services *Date:* *July 20, 2010* *Time:** **12.30 - 14.30* *Venue:* *Hall B* *Author:* *Murugesan Sivasubramanian* *Represented by:** Sandeep Mane (Humsafar) and Mathew Mimiaga* ** *5. FILM SCREENING:* *Title:* Screening of film *‘Yours Emotionally!’* *Date:* *July 20, 2010* *Time:** **16.30 - 18.30* *Venue:* *Global Village (organized by ILGA and RFSL)* *Author:* *Sridhar Rangaihn* *6. CULTURAL PRESENTATION - FILM SCREENING:* *Title:* Screening of documentary film '*Bridges Of Hope*' about MSM and Transgender issues and state of HIV/AIDS programmes in India. *Program Number:* *5682* *Date:* *July 21, 2010* *Time:* *12.30 - 13.00* *Venue:* *Video Lounge* *Author:* *Sridhar Rangaihn* *Co-Author*:* **Vivek Anand* ** *7. ORAL PRESENTATION:* *Session Title:* *Managing Multiple Identities: Bridging Populations* *Session Date:* *Wednesday, 21 July 2010* *Session Time:* *16:30-18:00* *Session Room:* *Session Room 5* *Author: **Sandeep Mane* ** *8. CULTURAL PRESENTATION - FILM SCREENING:* *Title:* Screening of award winning film *´68 Pages´* about a HIV/ AIDS Counselor and five of her counselees from marginalized communities *Program Number:* *5676* *Date:* *July 22, 2010* *Time:* *13.30 - 15.15* *Venue:* *Video Lounge* *Author:* *Sridhar Rangaihn* *Co-Author*:* Vivek Anand* *RELATED WEBSITES:* www.humsafar.org www.mumbaiqueerfest.com www.68pages.blogspot.com www.humsafar.org/boh.htm www.yoursemotionally.com http://www.solarispictures.com/SR.htm
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 11 July 2010 - Film screenings - 'Amen' + 'Speak Up'
A reminder. Please note this event is tomorrow (Sunday) at 6.30pm On 7 July 2010 21:10, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 11 July 2010* *Film screenings * * * Bombay Dost presents this time two short films, one fiction and one documentary. The factor common to these is blogger/activist, Harish Iyer -- 'Amen', gay short fiction, is inspired by his life, and 'Speak Up - It's Not Your Fault', is a documentary where Harish and the docu's director, Deepika Lal, confront the realities of the sexual abuse they faced as children. *1) Amen* (24 mins) *Actors:* Karan Mehra and Jitin Gulati *Directors:* Ranadeep Bhattacharyya and Judhajit Bagchi *Synopsis:* The worldwide web brings the two protagonists, Andy and Harry, together on a nonchalant afternoon. Andy, the suave and rich urban banker stands in a place where he shouldn’t ideally be while his counterpart, the soft-spoken, overtly humble Harry, stands tall and firm and is completely rooted where he is today. Both have different hopes from the destined meeting. Their interaction brings out questions that need to be answered, truths that need to be accepted and a life that stands to be reckoned. “Amen” makes two characters meet, experience hope amidst confusion, explore truths about sexuality and the self and delves into the profound meaning of life in the continuum of its trifles. * * *Promo:* http://bit.ly/amenteaser *Website:* www.facebook.com/amen2010 *2) **Speak Up - It's Not Your Fault* (26mins) *Director: *Deepika Lal A media students' documentary film dealing with the trauma of child sexual abuse through stories of two survivors who have chosen to Speak Up! about it. The documentary voices the concerns for safeguarding children from such incidents. *There will also be a QA session about the two films.* -- *Time:* 6.30pm to 8pm. * * *Venue: *The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. * **Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. * * *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 11 July 2010 - Film screenings - 'Amen' + 'Speak Up'
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 11 July 2010* *Film screenings * * * Bombay Dost presents this time two short films, one fiction and one documentary. The factor common to these is blogger/activist, Harish Iyer -- 'Amen', gay short fiction, is inspired by his life, and 'Speak Up - It's Not Your Fault', is a documentary where Harish and the docu's director, Deepika Lal, confront the realities of the sexual abuse they faced as children. *1) Amen* (24 mins) *Actors:* Karan Mehra and Jitin Gulati *Directors:* Ranadeep Bhattacharyya and Judhajit Bagchi *Synopsis:* The worldwide web brings the two protagonists, Andy and Harry, together on a nonchalant afternoon. Andy, the suave and rich urban banker stands in a place where he shouldn’t ideally be while his counterpart, the soft-spoken, overtly humble Harry, stands tall and firm and is completely rooted where he is today. Both have different hopes from the destined meeting. Their interaction brings out questions that need to be answered, truths that need to be accepted and a life that stands to be reckoned. “Amen” makes two characters meet, experience hope amidst confusion, explore truths about sexuality and the self and delves into the profound meaning of life in the continuum of its trifles. * * *Promo:* http://bit.ly/amenteaser *Website:* www.facebook.com/amen2010 *2) **Speak Up - It's Not Your Fault* (26mins) *Director: *Deepika Lal A media students' documentary film dealing with the trauma of child sexual abuse through stories of two survivors who have chosen to Speak Up! about it. The documentary voices the concerns for safeguarding children from such incidents. *There will also be a QA session about the two films.* -- *Time:* 6.30pm to 8pm. * * *Venue: *The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. * **Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. * * *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR e-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR find us on Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 20 June 2010 - Kashish feedback session
Have you marked this in your calendars yet? On 16 June 2010 19:37, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 20 June 2010* *Give us your Kashish feedback * * * Bombay Dost calls for a post-Kashish 2010 discussion on the films you liked and the ones you hated, the ones that made you cry and the ones that were so LOL. Tell the forum why and what you generally thought about India's first international queer film festival held this April. * * -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. *View location* athttp://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 6 June 2010 - Film screening - 'Taking Woodstock'
Please note this event in your calendar. On 2 June 2010 10:40, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 6 June 2010* *Taking Woodstock* * * * (This event was originally scheduled for 30 May but had to be postponed).* *Taking Woodstock *(2009) 120 min *Directed by Ang Lee* Taking Woodstock is a hilarious film, beautifully photographed and filled with performances that capture the idealism of the '60s. Ang Lee does a masterful job capturing the madness and chaos associated with trying to stage the iconic music festival in a rural community. Demetri Martin plays Elliot Tiber (Teichberg), young gay, Jewish man, and does a fine job as the son torn between independence and duty to his aging parents, Imelda Staunton and Henry Goodman (five-star performances by both). Eugene Levy plays the shrewd Max Yasgur with a twinkle in his eye, and Liev Schrieber is unforgettable as the ex-Marine and transvestite who provides security for the Teichberg family's motel. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 6 June 2010 - Film screening - 'Taking Woodstock'
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 6 June 2010* *Taking Woodstock* * * * (This event was originally scheduled for 30 May but had to be postponed).* *Taking Woodstock *(2009) 120 min *Directed by Ang Lee* Taking Woodstock is a hilarious film, beautifully photographed and filled with performances that capture the idealism of the '60s. Ang Lee does a masterful job capturing the madness and chaos associated with trying to stage the iconic music festival in a rural community. Demetri Martin plays Elliot Tiber (Teichberg), young gay, Jewish man, and does a fine job as the son torn between independence and duty to his aging parents, Imelda Staunton and Henry Goodman (five-star performances by both). Eugene Levy plays the shrewd Max Yasgur with a twinkle in his eye, and Liev Schrieber is unforgettable as the ex-Marine and transvestite who provides security for the Teichberg family's motel. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events CANCELLED: Bombay Dost Sunday High - 30 May 2010 - Film screening - 'Taking Woodstock'
Due to some unfortunate reason, we have to cancel tomorrow's Sunday High. Regret the inconvenience. Please watch out for our next Sunday High announcement in a few days. On 28 May 2010 10:01, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 30 May 2010* *Taking Woodstock* * * * * *Taking Woodstock *(2009) 120 min *Directed by Ang Lee* Taking Woodstock is a hilarious film, beautifully photographed and filled with performances that capture the idealism of the '60s. Ang Lee does a masterful job capturing the madness and chaos associated with trying to stage the iconic music festival in a rural community. Demetri Martin plays Elliot Tiber (Teichberg), young gay, Jewish man, and does a fine job as the son torn between independence and duty to his aging parents, Imelda Staunton and Henry Goodman (five-star performances by both). Eugene Levy plays the shrewd Max Yasgur with a twinkle in his eye, and Liev Schrieber is unforgettable as the ex-Marine and transvestite who provides security for the Teichberg family's motel. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High - 30 May 2010 - Film screening - 'Taking Woodstock'
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 30 May 2010* *Taking Woodstock* * * * * *Taking Woodstock *(2009) 120 min *Directed by Ang Lee* Taking Woodstock is a hilarious film, beautifully photographed and filled with performances that capture the idealism of the '60s. Ang Lee does a masterful job capturing the madness and chaos associated with trying to stage the iconic music festival in a rural community. Demetri Martin plays Elliot Tiber (Teichberg), young gay, Jewish man, and does a fine job as the son torn between independence and duty to his aging parents, Imelda Staunton and Henry Goodman (five-star performances by both). Eugene Levy plays the shrewd Max Yasgur with a twinkle in his eye, and Liev Schrieber is unforgettable as the ex-Marine and transvestite who provides security for the Teichberg family's motel. -- *Time:* 6pm to 8pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High, 9 May: Film screening: 'Outrage' - Do Ask. Do Tell.
Just a reminder about the sunday screening. Unmissable. On 5/5/10, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 9 May 2010* *Outrage - Do Ask. Do Tell.* ** * * * * Bombay Dost proudly presents one of the most powerful documentaries made recently. *Outrage *(2009) 90 min Directed by Kirby Dick Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of American closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. OUTRAGE boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of USA's most powerful policymakers, details the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets. Some of the mainstream media's reactions to the film underline one of the messages of the film: how the media is biased in reporting on gay issues and closeted gay personalities. Film critics responded to Outrage with positive reviews, praising it for its boldness and its solid journalism. *The San Francisco Chronicle*'s Jonathan Curiel described it as “essential viewing”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrage_(2009_film) *From the Chicago Tribunehttp://chicago.metromix.com/movies/movie_review/outrage-review/1150664/content :* Scathingly and salaciously entertaining. No politician who's ever been poked by a gay rumor is spared, and oh baby, Dick sure is good at poking. The filmmaker is relentless in indicting a virtual congress of rumored closet cases, including Florida Governor Charlie Crist, former New York mayor Ed Koch, California Congressman David Dreier, and, of course, Idaho Senator Larry Craig, who reportedly bullied a former hook-up into silence by telling him, I can buy and sell your ass a thousand times. Dick tracks down alleged ex-lovers, ex-wives, ex-everyone, who drop bomb after bomb, including one source that claims former Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery used a college fraternity to recruit sexual partners. Binding it all together are acute interviews with an elite punditry—Larry Kramer, Hilary Rosen, Congressman Barney Frank, former governor Jim McGreevey—who comment on a kind of legislative gay bashing that permeates today's political culture, and how that reflects on the self-loathing politicians who get off on it. *Here's the trailer of the film* from YouTube (or go to http://www.outragethemovie.com/ to watch it) -- *Time:* 5.30 pm to 8 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com -- Sent from my mobile device Email: modera...@gaybombay.in Web Sites: www.gaybombay.in www.gaybombay.info www.gayindia.org E Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay http://groups.google.com/group/Gaybombay GB Radio www.gaybombay.in/gbradio Gaybombay breaking news and annoucements http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/Gaybombay Emergency Helpline number 9820565885 Orkut: http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community.aspx?cmm=22091955 Blogs: http://gaybombay.blogspot.com http://gaybombay.wordpress.com Twitter http://twitter.com/gaybombay Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: gay_bombay-dig...@yahoogroups.com gay_bombay-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: gay_bombay-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High, 9 May: Film screening: 'Outrage' - Do Ask. Do Tell.
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 9 May 2010* *Outrage - Do Ask. Do Tell.* ** * * * * Bombay Dost proudly presents one of the most powerful documentaries made recently. *Outrage *(2009) 90 min Directed by Kirby Dick Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of American closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. OUTRAGE boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of USA's most powerful policymakers, details the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets. Some of the mainstream media's reactions to the film underline one of the messages of the film: how the media is biased in reporting on gay issues and closeted gay personalities. Film critics responded to Outrage with positive reviews, praising it for its boldness and its solid journalism. *The San Francisco Chronicle*'s Jonathan Curiel described it as “essential viewing”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrage_(2009_film) *From the Chicago Tribunehttp://chicago.metromix.com/movies/movie_review/outrage-review/1150664/content :* Scathingly and salaciously entertaining. No politician who's ever been poked by a gay rumor is spared, and oh baby, Dick sure is good at poking. The filmmaker is relentless in indicting a virtual congress of rumored closet cases, including Florida Governor Charlie Crist, former New York mayor Ed Koch, California Congressman David Dreier, and, of course, Idaho Senator Larry Craig, who reportedly bullied a former hook-up into silence by telling him, I can buy and sell your ass a thousand times. Dick tracks down alleged ex-lovers, ex-wives, ex-everyone, who drop bomb after bomb, including one source that claims former Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery used a college fraternity to recruit sexual partners. Binding it all together are acute interviews with an elite punditry—Larry Kramer, Hilary Rosen, Congressman Barney Frank, former governor Jim McGreevey—who comment on a kind of legislative gay bashing that permeates today's political culture, and how that reflects on the self-loathing politicians who get off on it. *Here's the trailer of the film* from YouTube (or go to http://www.outragethemovie.com/ to watch it) -- *Time:* 5.30 pm to 8 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Report of final day of Kashish -- Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010
*Zeenat Aman at Kashish* `Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko' - the audience could well have sung to her as Zeenat Aman traipsed down the red carpet at PVR Juhu on Sunday. The occasion was the closing of Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010, just before the screening of the festival closing film 'Donno Y... Na Jaane Kyu. In the '70s, I was at the forefront of the hippie moment with 'Hare Ram Hare Krishna'; 'Donno Y...' will similarly lead the new wave of queer films in the country, said Zeenat Aman, who led the cast and crew of the yet to be released film, including Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal and debutants Yuvraaj Parashar and Kapil Sharma. When Kapil came to me with the story of 'Donno Y…' I thought it was different, multi-layered with many shades, said Zeenat while speaking about the movie. Bollywood has for years had dress designers, make-up artistes and hair dressers who were open about their sexuality and were accepted, she said, but in answer to an audience question she said, I personally don't know of any gay actors who are in the closet. Zeenat said that though Bollywood has fleetingly touched upon queer issues in films like 'Dostana', there was a change afoot to deal with the issue sensitively. Asked about the secret of her beauty, she replied modestly with a smile, Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Sanjay Sharma, the director of 'Donno Y', said that he was proud that it was the festival's closing film. The film's writer and actor Kapil Sharma said: Our film is on a sensitive issue. We hope it entertains you and leaves you with a smile. ‘Dunno Y…’ is a film about an Anglo-Indian family living in Goa that goes through many crises – from a father who deserts the family to a son who comes to terms with his sexuality after his marriage. The film is a contemporary take on what it means to be gay in India where social taboos and family pressures do not allow a person to fulfil his need for love. *Lost and Found' wins Best Indian Short at Kashish* Delhi-based filmmaker Shrenik Jain's `Lost and Found' won the Best Indian Short Film Award at the Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010. ‘Lost and Found’ is an 11-minute film about a comedy of errors that follows when two strangers meet in a crowded bus. The awards were handed out at a ceremony at PVR Juhu on Sunday evening. The Best Short Documentary award went to Bharathy Manjula's Malayalam film 'XXWHY' about Kerala's first out female-to-male (F2M) transgender. 'Prodigal Sons' directed by Kimberly Reed, and 'Steam' directed by Eldar Rapaport, both from the USA, won Best Feature Documentary and Best International Short Film awards, respectively, at the festival. Special jury cash awards were also handed out to 'Flying Inside My Body' (Short Documentary), 'Holding Hands' (Feature Documentary) and 'Dirty Magazines' (International Short Film), and a special jury award to a media student's film - 'Speak Up! It is not your fault'. The jury was effusive in their praise for the films screened at the festival. I enjoyed my four-day journey with Kashish, said Dolly Thakore, a theatre personality. I wish these films could reach out and be shown to a wider audience, she said. Reaching out to a larger audience should be the aim was also the view of another jury member and a film critic, Meenakshi Shedde. The quality of the Indian films shown at Kashish was jaw dropping. They dealt with a spectrum of issues and were multi-layered. Even at international film festivals like Cannes and Venice, out of the many films screened, there are four of five that remain with you. At Kashish too, there are four to five films that I will take home and remember, said Meenakshi. Jury member and nation-award winning actor Rajit Kapur credited Kashish with broadening his horizons and widening his perspective. I do consider myself educated, liberal and modern. I am leaving Kashish after four days as a richer human being, said Kapur, adding, These films should be a part of any mainstream film festival. This is a part of you, me, us. Another jury member and again a National Award winning actor, Suhasini Mulay, also heaped praise on the films. The calibre and craftsmanship of the filmmakers just got me..., she said. The Indian entries were sensitive and well-made. They may have been made without much money, but conveyed what they wanted to say. That is the core of a good film. Over the last four days, over 500 people came to watch the over 110 films that were screened simultaneously at two venues - PVR Juhu in suburban Mumbai and Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines in South Mumbai. We never expected the film festival to get such a huge response, said Sridhar Rangayan, festival director. The audience too was all praise for the film festival. Jehangir Jani, an artist known for alternative themes in his sculptures and paintings, commented on the platform that Kashish provided for the community. When I came out in the '80s I never knew anything about
g_b Day 2 (Friday) of Kashish - Mumbai Intnl Queer Film Fest -- a report
It was a day for the girls. At PVR Juhu, there were two special film packages for women in love with women and a retrospective of lesbian filmmaker Pratibha Parmar. Films in the `Love stories for girls' and `Girls Talk' packages were all about the first kiss from the girlfriend, blind dates and caring but bitchy lovers. The intention was to make it a sort of community outing so that a whole group of girl friends could come to the theatre together to meet, watch the films and talk, said festival director Sridhar Rangayan. The highlights of the day were `The Other War' - a tale from Israel about three women caught in the middle of a war, 'U-Haul: The Music Video' and 'Jodie: An icon'. The T in LGBT was represented through two poignant movies, 'The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquella' and 'Unraveling Michelle', a journey through the male to female transition of a filmmaker. In the afternoon, Onir, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Mahesh Dattani, Meenakshi Shedde and Ashok Row Kavi came together for a discussion on role of the media and celebrity in advocacy, moderated by Parmesh Shahani. The discussion began with a brief flashback into queer representation in Indian cinema in recent years. Mahesh said that being at Kashish has brought home the fact that 12 years after writing the play 'A Muggy Night in Mumbai' on a gay theme, it's good to know that one is not alone on the subject of gay love, that there are other writers using this theme. Meenakshi Shedde, who was asked about 'Dostana' said that the movie was intelligent in the way the many layers of queer issues were represented in a movie that reached the mass market, hence the film is precious in its own way. However, she praised 'Sancharam' for being a bold film that gave such dignity to same-sex love, in contrast to 'Dostana'. She also said that the upcoming 'Just Another Love Story' is also very sophisticated and brings out a nuanced discussion on alternate sexuality. Ashok Row Kavi said that the last 15 years of the LGBT movement have been marked by fear and anxiety connected to Section 377. Carrying over from the panel discussion on cinema and censorship the previous day at the Alliance Francaise venue of Kashish, he said that why should only Karan Johar be allowed to make money on a Dostana -- why are film festivals like Kashish barred by the government from charging their delegates? We must have sustainable models for festivals in India. Manav revealed that while being an out gay man and belonging to a royal family at the same time has brought him much love and respect abroad, he feels a great sense of responsibility from both these identities and he has had to keep a balance between the two. Manav said that he can't help it if he was born into a royal family but he would prefer being known as an activist. He tells other gay royals who are unwilling to come out to at least support the LGBT community in other ways. Onir revealed how 'My Brother Nikhil' was his first film so it was important to position it. He had to 'cheat' the mainstream audience into watching his HIV-themed film by not highlighting the fact that a gay couple was at the centre of the film. After the theatrical release, the film went to gay festivals and events everywhere. Five years after that film, he finds himself more confident as a filmmaker and has a film 'I AM' with the 'I AM OMAR' story highlighting police harassment of and social discrimination against gay men. Incidentally, the trailer of 'I AM' was premiered at the Kashish opening ceremony on Thursday. Parmesh raised various questions related to celeb culture and the commoditization of culture including identities like 'queer'. Why are there not enough celebrities supporting the queer cause? Why are there very few queer celebrities? Ashok Row Kavi said that four of Bollywood's biggest directors are gay but closeted. They better be ashamed. At least I have Onir on my side. He added that we must not completely depend on celebrities; what's needed is a mass movement that walks on the feet of activists. Onir said it is important to have the right kind of celebrities endorsing queer issues, people who really believe in what they are saying. For example, we should not have an actor doing a pretend-gay role. Meenaskshi said there was no way of avoiding celeb culture but one way of taking advantage of it is to sensitize the intelligent celebrities about queer issues. Another way is for the queer community to take a stand on the other large issues that concern society which will open up our connections with it. The discussion was punctuated with a lot of humor thanks to Ashok Row Kavi and Manav. Kashish started distributing among its delegates complimentary copies of a booklet of extracts from a new shorty story collection called 'Quarantine' by debutant Rahul Mehta, thanks to publisher Random House. For all the news on Kashish, please check out http://www.facebook.com/BombayDost or search for the #mqff10 hashtag on
g_b Day 3 (Saturday) of Kashish - Mumbai Intnl Queer Film Fest -- a report
A year and a half after director and playwright Chetan Datar's death, his pathbreaking play `Ek Madhavbaug' was translated into Hindi. A play reading by Mona Ambegaonkar brought the roof down at PVR Juhu. An emotional Vivek Anand, CEO of Humsafar Trust and a close friend of Datar, who translated the play into Hindi, said it was a huge moment for him personally. EK Madhavbaug was staged in Marathi and English and there were plans to always do a Hindi version, which never happened during Datar's lifetime, said Vivek. A tale about an unconventional mom's discovery of her son's sexuality and her efforts to deal with it, got a standing ovation from the audience for Mona. Society may not be there to always support you and agree with your choices, but you have to go ahead with your journey irrespective, said Mona. Asked about how should parents deal with a lesbian or gay child, she replied, It should be a hands-off approach, but be there to support them. Mona's performance not only got a standing ovation but brought tears into many eyes. Saturday also saw the houseful sign going up for four consecutive sessions at the 112-seater PVR Juhu. The other highlights of the day were ‘Suddenly, Last Winter’ - about how a couple deals with a wave of homophobia sweeping through Italy; Prodigal Sons and Amnesia: The James Brighton Enigma. There were many transgender-themed films at the Alliance Francaise today and the highlight there was a panel discussion called 'Trans Gaze -- the world of transgenders through the lens'. The panellists were the makers of a film called 'Our Family', Anjali Monteiro and Jayashankar, who belong to Tata Institute of Social Sciences; Prasanth Kanatur, whose film 'The Missing Colours' is being shown at the festival, and Urmi, head of the 'Care and Support' unit of Humsafar Trust. The discussion was moderated by Dalip Daswani. Author R. Raj Rao attended some of the sessions at the Alliance Francaise along with friends from Pune. For all the news on Kashish, please check out http://www.facebook.com/BombayDost or search for the #mqff10 hashtag on twitter -- Kashish Newsdesk
g_b Kashish 2010 - Day 1: What you missed (and we wish you hadn't)
*Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival had a star-studded opening on Thursday with some of the cast of 'I Am' inaugurating the four-day fest. * Director Onir led his cast members, Manisha Koirala, Rahul Bose, Sanjay Suri and Purab Kohli in lighting the traditional lamp at PVR Juhu to declare the film festival open. This is the first queer film festival in India of international stature. It is also probably the first in India to be held at a mainstream venue. I am really proud that Mumbai is hosting an international queer film festival of this stature, said actor Manisha Koirala. Sanjay Suri, who is also producing I Am, echoed this sentiment. I wish this film festival had happened five years ago so that we could have premiered 'My Brother Nikhil' here, said Sanjay, who thanked the UNDP and Humsafar Trust for their support for 'I Am'. Onir said he was proud to be part of the opening of Kashish. Actor Rahul Bose dwelled on the fact that everyone is a victim of discrimination and stereotyping at some point of time. Onir’s latest film is based on true incidents and is truly a community-owned film, with funds raised through social networking sites and over 400 contributors worldwide coming together in common cause. Four stories of marginalized individuals who are forced to struggle against society, shot in four cities, dealing with four issues never dealt with by so-called mainstream cinema: I AM AFIA, I AM OMAR, I AM ABHIMANYU, I AM MEGHA. Earlier during the opening ceremony, anchor Neha called upon festival directors Sridhar Rangayan and Vivek Anand and Ashok Row Kavi, Technical Officer Sexual Minorities Desk at UNAIDS India and the founder of Humsafar Trust to take the stage and set things in motion. We always wanted to get a queer film festival of international standards to Mumbai, said Sridhar. This year the screenings are at Audi 5; I have a dream that at next year's edition of Kashish all five screens at PVR would screen the film festival, said Vivek. Ashok said that UNDP and UNAIDS would continue their support of Kashish. Sridhar introduced the jury members: theatreperson Dolly Thakore; actor Suhasini Mulay; playwright Mahesh Dattani; actor Rajit Kapur; and film critic Meenakshi Shedde. Dolly Thakore expressed her unflinching support for the cause. Mahesh commended the Kashish team for visibilising the invisibles.' Suhasini Mulay and Rajit Kapur said they were amazed at the talent reflected in the films, including the Indian entries, many of which were first-time efforts. The screenings began at 10 am simultaneously at PVR Juhu and Alliance Francaise, Manine Lines, to packed audiences. The highlights of Day 1 were 'Flying Inside My Body' - a documentary on photographer Sunil Gupta; two documentaries by Sophia College students `Engayging Lives' and 'Speak Up, It's Not your fault'; and a panel discussion on cinema and censorship with panelists censor board member Nandini Sardesai, anti-censorship activist Gargi Sen, filmmaker Vinta Nanda and Ashok Row Kavi, moderated by Paromita Vohra. Nandini and Gargi took diametrically opposite stands on the issue while others questioned the need for censoring films in the age of mobile MMS/online videos. Ashok Row Kavi held the audience enthralled with his unique take on queer representation in cinema. *Photos:* To view pictures of the* opening ceremony*, please click on this link to get into an online folder containing the images (no sign-in required): https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4aUlkRoQ5jgOWY2NGU2NmMtY2NkZi00M2QzLTllN2QtMDIwMWY4NzY1MDYyhl=en_GB To view pictures of the *opening gala* held at Vie Lounge Juhu on the eve of the festival (ie 21 April), please click on this link that will take you to the online folder (again, no sign-in required) https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4aUlkRoQ5jgNzE3NTczNDQtNTU3Ni00NTBiLThkMWEtZjI4ZGJlZGIxNDAxhl=en_GB -- By the Kashish 2010 News Desk
g_b Candlelight memorial for Dr Siras in Mumbai tomorrow
Dear All, A candlelight ceremony is being held in memory of Srinivas Ramchandra Sira, tomorrow (Friday), between 6pm and 7pm at Humsafar Trust, Municipal Market Building, Nehru Road, Vakola, Santacruz (East). This event is open to everyone, whether LGBT or a supporter of equal rights for all, and appalled and angered by the events leading to the death of Dr Siras. Please spread the word and come. Bombay Dost and Humsafar Trust www.bombaydost.co.in http://humsafar.org/ E-mail: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High - 4 April 2010 - Queering the movies -- a pre-Kashish special
Just a reminder... On 28 March 2010 15:06, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 4 April 2010* *Queering the movies - a pre-Kashish http://mqff2010.blogspot.com/ special* Bombay Dost proudly presents one of the most incredible movie experiences for queer audiences ever. *FABULOUS: The Story of Queer Cinema *(2006) 1 hr 21 min Directed by Lisa Ades Lesli Klainberg A chronological look at films by, for, or about (or by, for, and about) gays and lesbians in the United States, from 1947 to 2005, Kenneth Anger's Fireworks to Brokeback Mountain. *The Celluloid Closet *(1995) 1 hr 42 min Directed by Rob Epstein Jeffrey Friedman Based on Vito Russo's groundbreaking 1981 work of film history, The Celluloid Closet gathers clips from dozens of mainstream Hollywood films to illustrate how the movies have dealt explicitly -- and more importantly, implicitly -- with gay and lesbian themes. Layered between the clips are interviews with filmmakers whose works have touched on that subject. Among the films discussed are Philadelphia, The Children's Hour, Making Love, Rope, and Spartacus. Gore Vidal, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, and director John Schlesinger are among the film's strongest interview subjects. ✑Tom Wiener, ALL MOVIE GUIDE Both the features above will be accompanied by snippets from *HOMO PROMO*, a compilation of the original theatrical movie trailers for gay-themed films. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 8.30 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 4 April 2010 - Queering the movies -- a pre-Kashish special
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 4 April 2010* *Queering the movies - a pre-Kashish http://mqff2010.blogspot.com/special * Bombay Dost proudly presents one of the most incredible movie experiences for queer audiences ever. *FABULOUS: The Story of Queer Cinema *(2006) 1 hr 21 min Directed by Lisa Ades Lesli Klainberg A chronological look at films by, for, or about (or by, for, and about) gays and lesbians in the United States, from 1947 to 2005, Kenneth Anger's Fireworks to Brokeback Mountain. *The Celluloid Closet *(1995) 1 hr 42 min Directed by Rob Epstein Jeffrey Friedman Based on Vito Russo's groundbreaking 1981 work of film history, The Celluloid Closet gathers clips from dozens of mainstream Hollywood films to illustrate how the movies have dealt explicitly -- and more importantly, implicitly -- with gay and lesbian themes. Layered between the clips are interviews with filmmakers whose works have touched on that subject. Among the films discussed are Philadelphia, The Children's Hour, Making Love, Rope, and Spartacus. Gore Vidal, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, and director John Schlesinger are among the film's strongest interview subjects. ✑Tom Wiener, ALL MOVIE GUIDE Both the features above will be accompanied by snippets from *HOMO PROMO*, a compilation of the original theatrical movie trailers for gay-themed films. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 8.30 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Re: Events Sunday High The Ultimate Gay Short Film Festival - 7 March 2010
Just a reminder... On 2 March 2010 11:22, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 7 March 2010* *The Ultimate Gay Short Film Festival* Bombay Dost proudly presents THE ULTIMATE GAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. After our successful festival of lesbian shorts, Sunday High now features the ultimate gay short film festival, curated from a worldwide selection of critically acclaimed short films that have also been audience favourites in lgbt festivals around the world. Subtitles are present where required... *O Beautiful* (29 min) Being gay bashed and left in a corn field in rural America takes an unusual turn when one of the bashers returns with remorse and a secret. *Kali Maa* (15 min) When an Indian mother finds out her son is the victim of a vicious homophobic bully, she delivers her own brand of vigilante justice. *Weekend in the Countryside* (16 min) Pierre is invited to go on a weekend trip to an old country house overrun by dogs. When Pierre rebuffs Marc’s sexual advances, the canines turn nasty. *Gay Zombie* (20 min) A sexually confused zombie meets a boy and eats another in this hilarious yet touching tale about how much more the heart bleeds when undead love is not reciprocated. *VGL Hung* (20 min) Bored and ignored, a magical website gives short and unattractive Terry the powers to transform himself into any hunk he desires. *Dirty Baby Does Fire Island* (8 min) A very odd short film about a stop-animated baby doll encountering various gay things on Fire Island. *L.T.R.* (16 min) A young, newly-in-love gay couple allow a documentary filmmaker to film their burgeoning long term relationship. *3 Films against Homophobia:* *Basket et Maths* (6 min) *En Colo* (8 min) *Les Incroyables Aventures De Fusion Man* (8min) *Bugcrush* (35 min) A small-town loner's fascination with the new kid in town leads him into something much more sinister than he could ever have imagined. *Lucky Blue* (28 min) This is the story of a boy who, in spite of his insecurities and fears, finally finds the courage to express his love in his own special way. *Thirteen or So Minutes* (13 min) Lawrence and Hugh have just met. They both have girlfriends...they're both straight. Thirteen or so minutes later, however, something's happened and things have changed. *Just Un Peu De Recomfort* (40 min) Arnaud and Guillaume think about cigarettes, alcohol and sex. But boys or girls? Future looks so blurry when you're a teenager! -- *Time:* 4 pm to 8 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances.
g_b Events Sunday High The Ultimate Gay Short Film Festival - 7 March 2010
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 7 March 2010* *The Ultimate Gay Short Film Festival* Bombay Dost proudly presents THE ULTIMATE GAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. After our successful festival of lesbian shorts, Sunday High now features the ultimate gay short film festival, curated from a worldwide selection of critically acclaimed short films that have also been audience favourites in lgbt festivals around the world. Subtitles are present where required... *O Beautiful* (29 min) Being gay bashed and left in a corn field in rural America takes an unusual turn when one of the bashers returns with remorse and a secret. *Kali Maa* (15 min) When an Indian mother finds out her son is the victim of a vicious homophobic bully, she delivers her own brand of vigilante justice. *Weekend in the Countryside* (16 min) Pierre is invited to go on a weekend trip to an old country house overrun by dogs. When Pierre rebuffs Marc’s sexual advances, the canines turn nasty. *Gay Zombie* (20 min) A sexually confused zombie meets a boy and eats another in this hilarious yet touching tale about how much more the heart bleeds when undead love is not reciprocated. *VGL Hung* (20 min) Bored and ignored, a magical website gives short and unattractive Terry the powers to transform himself into any hunk he desires. *Dirty Baby Does Fire Island* (8 min) A very odd short film about a stop-animated baby doll encountering various gay things on Fire Island. *L.T.R.* (16 min) A young, newly-in-love gay couple allow a documentary filmmaker to film their burgeoning long term relationship. *3 Films against Homophobia:* *Basket et Maths* (6 min) *En Colo* (8 min) *Les Incroyables Aventures De Fusion Man* (8min) *Bugcrush* (35 min) A small-town loner's fascination with the new kid in town leads him into something much more sinister than he could ever have imagined. *Lucky Blue* (28 min) This is the story of a boy who, in spite of his insecurities and fears, finally finds the courage to express his love in his own special way. *Thirteen or So Minutes* (13 min) Lawrence and Hugh have just met. They both have girlfriends...they're both straight. Thirteen or so minutes later, however, something's happened and things have changed. *Just Un Peu De Recomfort* (40 min) Arnaud and Guillaume think about cigarettes, alcohol and sex. But boys or girls? Future looks so blurry when you're a teenager! -- *Time:* 4 pm to 8 pm. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Sunday, 28 Feb: Discussion: Is LGBT activism in touch with the interests of the larger LGBT population?
A reminder: On 2/22/10, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 28 February 2010* *Is LGBT activism in touch with the interests of the larger LGBT population? * A discussion to understand if LGBT activists are in touch with the larger LGBT populations and their aspirations. How connected is the LGBT community to their spokespeople? How can a dialogue be initiated and what processes can be used for assimilation of community goals to activist ideologies -- *Time:* 6 pm to 7.30 pm. *Venue** directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. *View location at* http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009 -- Sent from my mobile device
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Sunday, 28 Feb: Discussion: Is LGBT activism in touch with the interests of the larger LGBT population?
*You are cordially invited to* *Sunday High, 28 February 2010* *Is LGBT activism in touch with the interests of the larger LGBT population? * A discussion to understand if LGBT activists are in touch with the larger LGBT populations and their aspirations. How connected is the LGBT community to their spokespeople? How can a dialogue be initiated and what processes can be used for assimilation of community goals to activist ideologies -- *Time:* 6 pm to 7.30 pm. *Venue** directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. *View location at* http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.comhttps://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cmfs=1tf=1to=bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com OR Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/bombaydost2009
g_b Re: Event Film screening Bombay Dost Sunday High: 24 Jan 2010: 'The Ultimate Lesbian Short Film Festival' + **Bonus movie**
*One final reminder. Also, to say that the new issue of Bombay Dost is out and will be available for sale at tom's Sunday High (already available since y'day at Azaad Bazaar)* http://www.facebook.com/BombayDost 2010/1/21 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com A reminder, folks! 2010/1/19 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com *You are cordially invited to* * * *Sunday High, 24 January 2010* Bombay Dost proudly presents THE ULTIMATE LESBIAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (2005) Featuring 10 short films full of intrigue, fantasy, suspense, and of course, sex! Including In HALF LAUGHING a butch lesbian returns home for a family funeral to be greeted by her homophobic, appearance driven mother who wants her to be someone she is not; i.e., straight and feminine and a mirror image. TRANSIT depicts how during a late night train ride, a woman locks eyes with a captivating fellow passenger. Will she change her route? Follow her attraction? A WOMAN REPORTED is a terrifying thriller about the moments that occur just before a heinous lesbian related hate crime. SHE LIKES GIRLS (2006) -- From today's top lesbian filmmakers, sexy and romantic short films! Including In THE PIPER true love arrives in the form of a female pied piper in this magical modern lesbian fairy tale. THE UNINVITED features Shelley and Mattie as neighbors in this wonderfully quirky girl-stalks-girl L.A. story. SARONG SONG is set in 1972. A lesbian Black Power activist tries to hold her relationship together in this powerful and beautifully crafted period drama. In THIS BOY tomboy Kit and her best friend Mike pay a visit to their classmate Holly, Kits crush. A poignant snapshot of adolescent angst. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 9 pm, with a 15-minute intermission after the first film. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: Event Film screening Bombay Dost Sunday High: 24 Jan 2010: 'The Ultimate Lesbian Short Film Festival' + **Bonus movie**
A reminder, folks! 2010/1/19 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com *You are cordially invited to* * * *Sunday High, 24 January 2010* Bombay Dost proudly presents THE ULTIMATE LESBIAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (2005) Featuring 10 short films full of intrigue, fantasy, suspense, and of course, sex! Including In HALF LAUGHING a butch lesbian returns home for a family funeral to be greeted by her homophobic, appearance driven mother who wants her to be someone she is not; i.e., straight and feminine and a mirror image. TRANSIT depicts how during a late night train ride, a woman locks eyes with a captivating fellow passenger. Will she change her route? Follow her attraction? A WOMAN REPORTED is a terrifying thriller about the moments that occur just before a heinous lesbian related hate crime. SHE LIKES GIRLS (2006) -- From today's top lesbian filmmakers, sexy and romantic short films! Including In THE PIPER true love arrives in the form of a female pied piper in this magical modern lesbian fairy tale. THE UNINVITED features Shelley and Mattie as neighbors in this wonderfully quirky girl-stalks-girl L.A. story. SARONG SONG is set in 1972. A lesbian Black Power activist tries to hold her relationship together in this powerful and beautifully crafted period drama. In THIS BOY tomboy Kit and her best friend Mike pay a visit to their classmate Holly, Kits crush. A poignant snapshot of adolescent angst. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 9 pm, with a 15-minute intermission after the first film. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Event Film screening Bombay Dost Sunday High: 24 Jan 2010: 'The Ultimate Lesbian Short Film Festival' + **Bonus movie**
*You are cordially invited to* *THE ULTIMATE LESBIAN SHORT FILM COLLECTION* * * *Sunday High, 24 January 2010* Bombay Dost proudly presents THE ULTIMATE LESBIAN SHORT FILM COLLECTION featuring 10 short films full of intrigue, fantasy, suspense, and of course, sex! In HALF LAUGHING a butch lesbian returns home for a family funeral to be greeted by her homophobic, appearance driven mother who wants her to be someone she is not; i.e., straight and feminine and a mirror image. TRANSIT depicts how during a late night train ride, a woman locks eyes with a captivating fellow passenger. Will she change her route? Follow her attraction? A WOMAN REPORTED is a terrifying thriller about the moments that occur just before a heinous lesbian related hate crime. Short films include: Dani Alice, A Woman Reported, Frozen Smile, Everything Good, Saint Henry, Blow, Transit, Half Laughing, Tina Paulina: Living on Hope Street and The Black Plum. *THERE SHALL ALSO BE A SPECIAL BONUS SCREENING.* -- *Time:* 5 pm to 9 pm, with a 15-minute intermission after the first film. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: Event Film screening Bombay Dost Sunday High: 10 Jan 2010: 'The Color Purple' + 'Paragraph 175'
Here's a reminder... On 1/7/10, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: *You are cordially invited to* * * *Sunday High, 10 January 2010 -* Film screenings *The Color Purple* (based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer prize winning story) 154 min, English *Director:* Steven Spielberg *Cast:* Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey *Synopsis:* *The Color Purple* follows the life of Celie Johnson as she struggles through life in the early 1900s. The film begins with Celie about 17 years old, giving birth to her second child, sired by her father. Her father takes the second child away from her and tells her never to tell anyone about it. Time passes and a local farmer, Mister, comes by to marry Celie's younger, prettier sister, Nettie. Her father refuses to let Nettie marry and gives the man Celie instead. Mister neglects and abuses Celie until Nettie comes by asking to stay with them, because the father can't keep his hands off her. When Mister is unable to lure Nettie, he sends her away, leaving Celie more distraught than ever. Nettie promises to write unless death keeps her from it, but Celie never receives a letter. Meanwhile, Mister's lover, Shug Avery, comes to visit and befriends Celie, helping her to understand that she is more than Mister's servant. The movie culminates in Celie leaving Mister with the threat that everything he touches will fall apart until he does right by her. Mister finds compassion and goes to the INS to help Celie's sister Nettie prove that she is a US citizen and return from Africa where she has been living with Celie's two children who had been given to a missionary and his wife. Celie is reunited with Nettie and her two children in a heartfelt ending to an extraordinary film. *Paragraph 175 - *gay survivors of the Nazi persecution because of the German Penal Code of 1871 speak out for the first time 81min, English *Directors:* Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman *Narrator:* Rupert Everett *Synopsis: *By the 1920s, Berlin had become known as a homosexual eden, where gay men and lesbians lived relatively open lives amidst an exciting subculture of artists and intellectuals. With the coming to power of the Nazis, all this changed. Between 1933 and 1945, 100,000 men were arrested for homosexuality under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps. Of the latter, only about 4,000 survived. Fewer than ten of these men were known to be living at the time of this film. Five of them came forward to tell their stories for the first time in this powerful new film, among them: the half-Jewish gay resistance fighter who spent the war helping refugees in Berlin; the German Christian photographer who was arrested and imprisoned for homosexuality, then joined the army on his release because he wanted to be with men; the French Alsatian teenager who watched as his lover was tortured and murdered in the camps. Their moving testimonies, rendered with evocative images of their lives and times, tell a haunting, compelling story of human resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 9 pm, with a 15-minute intermission after the first film. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com -- Sent from my mobile device
g_b Event Film screening Bombay Dost Sunday High: 10 Jan 2010: 'The Color Purple' + 'Paragraph 175'
*You are cordially invited to* * * *Sunday High, 10 January 2010 -* Film screenings *The Color Purple* (based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer prize winning story) 154 min, English *Director:* Steven Spielberg *Cast:* Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey *Synopsis:* *The Color Purple* follows the life of Celie Johnson as she struggles through life in the early 1900s. The film begins with Celie about 17 years old, giving birth to her second child, sired by her father. Her father takes the second child away from her and tells her never to tell anyone about it. Time passes and a local farmer, Mister, comes by to marry Celie's younger, prettier sister, Nettie. Her father refuses to let Nettie marry and gives the man Celie instead. Mister neglects and abuses Celie until Nettie comes by asking to stay with them, because the father can't keep his hands off her. When Mister is unable to lure Nettie, he sends her away, leaving Celie more distraught than ever. Nettie promises to write unless death keeps her from it, but Celie never receives a letter. Meanwhile, Mister's lover, Shug Avery, comes to visit and befriends Celie, helping her to understand that she is more than Mister's servant. The movie culminates in Celie leaving Mister with the threat that everything he touches will fall apart until he does right by her. Mister finds compassion and goes to the INS to help Celie's sister Nettie prove that she is a US citizen and return from Africa where she has been living with Celie's two children who had been given to a missionary and his wife. Celie is reunited with Nettie and her two children in a heartfelt ending to an extraordinary film. *Paragraph 175 - *gay survivors of the Nazi persecution because of the German Penal Code of 1871 speak out for the first time 81min, English *Directors:* Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman *Narrator:* Rupert Everett *Synopsis: *By the 1920s, Berlin had become known as a homosexual eden, where gay men and lesbians lived relatively open lives amidst an exciting subculture of artists and intellectuals. With the coming to power of the Nazis, all this changed. Between 1933 and 1945, 100,000 men were arrested for homosexuality under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps. Of the latter, only about 4,000 survived. Fewer than ten of these men were known to be living at the time of this film. Five of them came forward to tell their stories for the first time in this powerful new film, among them: the half-Jewish gay resistance fighter who spent the war helping refugees in Berlin; the German Christian photographer who was arrested and imprisoned for homosexuality, then joined the army on his release because he wanted to be with men; the French Alsatian teenager who watched as his lover was tortured and murdered in the camps. Their moving testimonies, rendered with evocative images of their lives and times, tell a haunting, compelling story of human resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty. -- *Time:* 5 pm to 9 pm, with a 15-minute intermission after the first film. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com OR Google Wave: bombaydost2...@googlewave.com
g_b Fwd: !*Bombay-Dost*! FilmsMark your 2010 calender with four days of Queer Close-up
[Note to moderators: If this has been posted on this group already, please reject the mail. Thanks.] -- Forwarded message -- From: Solaris solaris.pictures.in...@gmail.com Date: 2009/12/24 Subject: !*Bombay-Dost*! FilmsMark your 2010 calender with four days of Queer Close-up To: bombay-d...@yahoogroups.com Mark your 2010 calendar right away with one of the most exciting events coming up: Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival being held between April 22-25 at two venues in Mumbai. Four days of Film screenings, Panel Discussions, Exhibitions, Meet-the-Director/Actor interfaces and parties! Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival is organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost with support from Movies That Matter and The Humsafar Trust. Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival has already received gay/lesbian/transgender docus, shorts and features from India, US, UK, Canada, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Egypt. If you have a film that you want to screen at the festival, you can send it before January 10, 2010. Please visit www.mqff2010.blogspot.comfor entry form and requirements. If you would like to support the festival in any way or have any queries, please mail kashishm...@gmail.com kashishmqff%40gmail.com Get set for a Queer Close-up in 2010. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From `Kashish MQFF' team [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
g_b Culture Exhibitions Inside/Out photo exhibition in Mumbai till 31 Dec. '09
Inside/Out examines not only the existing gender spaces but also emerging challenges of transgressions, interventions and tensions created in the existing fabric of social norms. The photo exhibition features the work of four emerging photographers -- Sanjiv Valsan, Aparna Jayakumar, Meghanad and Poulomi Basu -- and is curated by our very own Georgina Maddox. Her note about the exhibition is appended below. Please go visit if you can. The details are: Dates: 21st to 31st December, 2009, 11 am to 8 pm Venue: The Strand Art Room, Ama House, Near Strand Cinema, Colaba, Mumbai - 400 005 tel: (022) 3299 1008 --- Inside/Out - Curator's note From street corners to public transport; from the barber’s shop to the beauty salon; from the shop-window to the street-side kiosk selling trinkets, there is a written or assumed cipher of gender and class operating its twin dichotomies. Is it coincidental that the city bears the secret codes of gender? In all likelihood, the entrenched practice of gender segregation dictates which zone is frequented by which gender. Curiously these codes operate even within the seemingly liberated space of a cosmopolitan city. As urban planning professor from Barcelona, Daphne Spain, writes, “Looking at urbanism and gender is a necessity. Urban gendered spaces emerge when anomic social and demographic conditions create opportunities for new institutions to emerge.” Inside/Out features the work of four emerging photographers: Sanjiv Valsan, Aparna Jayakumar, Meghanad and Poulomi Basu. The photo-exhibition examines not only the existing gender spaces but also emerging challenges of transgressions, interventions and tensions created in the existing fabric of social norms. For instance, the train compartment in the Mumbai local is a heavily codified gendered space. It is a safe haven that provides a moment of repose for the woman commuter. Yet there is a breach of gender norms when a eunuch boards the ladies compartment; or when the diaphanous coil of a ladies scarf finds its way on the floor of a general—read men’s—compartment. The red-light area of Kamathipura yields fascinating subtexts when men solicit the company of eunuchs, or when a woman dressed in work fatigues peeps out of a butcher shop in Greece, belying the faint-hearted stereotype often attributed to her gender. There are other pockets of identity where asserting gender is an act of empowerment, like the beauty parlour as an all girls club or the barber's shop that excludes female visitors. There are yet others where the melancholy of isolation in the home-space plays out in shades of grey: Where the flickering television screen is the only window to elsewhere or the balcony the only portal to outside. While individuals may engage in flouting gender norms, urban signage, film posters and handbills pasted on the peeling paint and betel-stained visage of public walls reinforces the polemics of gender and class aspirations. These images convey the age-old urban myth that is made of muscle-bound hulks and sultry sirens, of fair- and-lovelies and size-zero beauties. These desires form the heady mix of dreams that run the city. It is no coincidence that mannequins displaying fitting garments sport malnourished bodies, lush hair- pieces, false eye-lashes and flawless skin. These are the beauty myths of the ramped-up globalised world. The tone is no longer disguised and the Sexual Sell (apologies to Betty Friedman) is direct and unapologetic. We as individuals are constantly parrying back and lunging forward on the double- edged sword of the personal and public space. Here codes of gender and class play concierge to our access to and from the gendered building. These norms cross continents and cities; they defy time and challenge notions of permissiveness. As a footnote: The theme for this exhibition emerged whilst engaging with the work of our four photographers. While gender was at the forefront of the curator’s mind, the resulting initiative is not the premeditated theme. After repeated viewings of their works it became increasingly clear that even though their approach and style is extremely diverse, they do share a subconscious predilection and sociological appetite that leads them to capture aspects of the city, wherein lurk the codes of gender and class. Significantly, it is a learning process that the gender of the photographer behind the camera may bend the gender curve marginally, but the clichés have been challenged by a perceptive eye that goes beyond just looking at the surface of images. Georgina Maddox
g_b Utsav 2009, Saturday, 19 Dec. '09 -- 16 years of Humsafar Trust (Invitation) [1 Attachment]
Humsafar Trust (www.humsafar.org) celebrates 16 years of existence in service of the queer community on Saturday, 19 December 2009: Please join the celebration! On groups where the invitation (pic) doesn't come through (because it's an attachment), please view it here: http://bit.ly/6pOwgr -- Forwarded message -- From: Vivek Anand aviv...@gmail.com Date: 2009/12/15 Subject: Utsav 2009 To: Vivek avive...@gmail.com Dear Friends This saturday on 19th December, the gay / msm and Tg community in bombay comes together to celebrate 16 years of HumsafarPlease do join us for the evening best Vivek -- Chief Executive Officer HST - Centre for Excellence 3rd Floor, Transit Building Old Vakola BMC Market Nehru Road Santacruz East Mumbai 400055
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Sunday, 13 December: Book Reading + QA - Minal Hajratwala, author of Leaving India
One final reminder about Sunday's event. 2009/12/8 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 13 December 2009* Book reading and QA with Minal Hajratwala, author of *'Leaving India'* ** *Event brief:* *Bombay Dost* magazine hosts Minal Hajratwala, the author of *Leaving India: My Family’s Journey From Five Villages to Five Continents*. Minal will read from the *queer sections* from her book, which leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another. She will also read from her *earlier writing*, and this will followed by a *discussion* with Minal. *Copies of the book will be available at a discount.* *About Leaving India:* The book has been called “incomparable” by Alice Walker and “searingly honest” by the Washington Post. Minal spent seven years researching and writing the book, traveling the world to interview more than 75 members of her extended family. *As the daughter of immigrants and the granddaughter of weavers, Minal Hajratwala grew up accustomed to crossing lines. In this groundbreaking work, she weaves together history, memoir, and reportage to explore questions facing not only her own family but that of every migrant: Where did we come from? Why did we leave? What did we lose and gain? Traveling the world, she learns how her family, originally from India, came to be spread across five continents and nine countries over more than a century of migration — a movement that parallels the phenomenal growth of India’s diaspora. Through the lives of her kin in Fiji, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, and through the story of Minal’s own parents’ accidental immigration to the United States, Leaving India delves into the relationship between personal choice and the sweeping historical forces that have led Indians to migrate, often again and again. This page-turning and lyrical book of narrative nonfiction leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another — both for those who do the leaving, and for their descendants.* *About Minal Hajratwala:* Besides being a writer, Minal is also a poet, performer, and queer activist based in San Francisco, where she was born before being whisked off to be raised in New Zealand and suburban Michigan. Her creative work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies, and theater spaces, and has received recognition and support from the Sundance Institute, the Jon Sims Center for the Arts, the SerpentSource Foundation, and the Hedgebrook writing retreat for women, where she currently serves on the Alumnae Leadership Council. Her one-woman show, “Avatars: Gods for a New Millennium,” was commissioned by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco for World AIDS Day in 1999. As a journalist, she worked at the San Jose Mercury News for eight years, was a board member of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association, and was a National Arts Journalism Program fellow at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2000-01. She is a graduate of Stanford University. -- *Time:* 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. *Venue directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Sunday, 13 December: Book Reading + QA - Minal Hajratwala, author of Leaving India
Just a reminder about the book reading this Sunday... 2009/12/8 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 13 December 2009* Book reading and QA with Minal Hajratwala, author of *'Leaving India'* ** *Event brief:* *Bombay Dost* magazine hosts Minal Hajratwala, the author of *Leaving India: My Family’s Journey From Five Villages to Five Continents*. Minal will read from the *queer sections* from her book, which leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another. She will also read from her *earlier writing*, and this will followed by a *discussion* with Minal. *Copies of the book will be available at a discount.* *About Leaving India:* The book has been called “incomparable” by Alice Walker and “searingly honest” by the Washington Post. Minal spent seven years researching and writing the book, traveling the world to interview more than 75 members of her extended family. *As the daughter of immigrants and the granddaughter of weavers, Minal Hajratwala grew up accustomed to crossing lines. In this groundbreaking work, she weaves together history, memoir, and reportage to explore questions facing not only her own family but that of every migrant: Where did we come from? Why did we leave? What did we lose and gain? Traveling the world, she learns how her family, originally from India, came to be spread across five continents and nine countries over more than a century of migration — a movement that parallels the phenomenal growth of India’s diaspora. Through the lives of her kin in Fiji, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, and through the story of Minal’s own parents’ accidental immigration to the United States, Leaving India delves into the relationship between personal choice and the sweeping historical forces that have led Indians to migrate, often again and again. This page-turning and lyrical book of narrative nonfiction leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another — both for those who do the leaving, and for their descendants.* *About Minal Hajratwala:* Besides being a writer, Minal is also a poet, performer, and queer activist based in San Francisco, where she was born before being whisked off to be raised in New Zealand and suburban Michigan. Her creative work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies, and theater spaces, and has received recognition and support from the Sundance Institute, the Jon Sims Center for the Arts, the SerpentSource Foundation, and the Hedgebrook writing retreat for women, where she currently serves on the Alumnae Leadership Council. Her one-woman show, “Avatars: Gods for a New Millennium,” was commissioned by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco for World AIDS Day in 1999. As a journalist, she worked at the San Jose Mercury News for eight years, was a board member of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association, and was a National Arts Journalism Program fellow at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2000-01. She is a graduate of Stanford University. -- *Time:* 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. *Venue directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High Sunday, 13 December: Book Reading + QA - Minal Hajratwala, author of Leaving India
You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 13 December 2009* Book reading and QA with Minal Hajratwala, author of *'Leaving India'* ** *Event brief:* *Bombay Dost* magazine hosts Minal Hajratwala, the author of *Leaving India: My Family’s Journey From Five Villages to Five Continents*. Minal will read from the *queer sections* from her book, which leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another. She will also read from her *earlier writing*, and this will followed by a *discussion* with Minal. *Copies of the book will be available at a discount.* *About Leaving India:* The book has been called “incomparable” by Alice Walker and “searingly honest” by the Washington Post. Minal spent seven years researching and writing the book, traveling the world to interview more than 75 members of her extended family. *As the daughter of immigrants and the granddaughter of weavers, Minal Hajratwala grew up accustomed to crossing lines. In this groundbreaking work, she weaves together history, memoir, and reportage to explore questions facing not only her own family but that of every migrant: Where did we come from? Why did we leave? What did we lose and gain? Traveling the world, she learns how her family, originally from India, came to be spread across five continents and nine countries over more than a century of migration — a movement that parallels the phenomenal growth of India’s diaspora. Through the lives of her kin in Fiji, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, and through the story of Minal’s own parents’ accidental immigration to the United States, Leaving India delves into the relationship between personal choice and the sweeping historical forces that have led Indians to migrate, often again and again. This page-turning and lyrical book of narrative nonfiction leads us to reflect on the universally resonant story of what it means to leave one home and choose another — both for those who do the leaving, and for their descendants.* *About Minal Hajratwala:* Besides being a writer, Minal is also a poet, performer, and queer activist based in San Francisco, where she was born before being whisked off to be raised in New Zealand and suburban Michigan. Her creative work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies, and theater spaces, and has received recognition and support from the Sundance Institute, the Jon Sims Center for the Arts, the SerpentSource Foundation, and the Hedgebrook writing retreat for women, where she currently serves on the Alumnae Leadership Council. Her one-woman show, “Avatars: Gods for a New Millennium,” was commissioned by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco for World AIDS Day in 1999. As a journalist, she worked at the San Jose Mercury News for eight years, was a board member of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association, and was a National Arts Journalism Program fellow at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2000-01. She is a graduate of Stanford University. -- *Time:* 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. *Venue directions:* Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Ground floor, 15th Road, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b IGLRC action alert: Iran: Stop Executions for Sodomy Charges Take action now
http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/1028.html Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), Iranian Queers Organization (IRQO) and COC Netherlands in calling on Iranian authorities to stop the numerous executions of minors and adults accused of sodomy. Also join us in calling on Western countries with significant diplomatic and economic ties to Iran, including Germany, France, Canada, as well as the European Union, to pursue diplomatic efforts to cease these executions. Use our electronic system below [go to the link above] to send a letter in English to the foreign officials and another letter in Persian to Iranian officials.
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High, 29-Nov, 5pm: Film screenings: 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto'
A final reminder about tomorrow (Sunday) 2009/11/25 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 29 November 2009* 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto' *Two recent films on finding love, fulfilment.* *Shortbus (2006)* 101mins, English *Synopsis:* Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob and Sophia are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie and James, a gay couple who have been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an ulterior motive. Ceth may be the perfect addition to their family, but Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that. Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal. *A review:* ...The superb cast of characters of John Cameron Mitchell's [of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame] Shortbus powerfully draws the viewer in to each of the characters' lives and problems Yes, the on-screen sex is real. And there's lots of it. But rather than displaying sexually explicit scenes for the sake of cheap titillation, Shortbus is provocative with an actual purpose Shortbus deals with all manners of human relations. Not stressing one form over another, it shows how sex, friendship and love continually intermingle. Because one's comfort level with their sexuality mirrors how one relates in all other relationships, showing the raw and carnal aspect of each character so explicitly works beautifully to accurately convey their motivations and struggles. ...Whether dealing with sexual oppression, struggling with sexual desires deemed socially deviant, seeking redemption for having already been there and done that, or feeling generally unaccepted for being who you are, the redemption value in this film is tenderly perceptible. Shortbus lets us know that gay, straight, bi, transgender, whatever – we all just want to feel accepted. . *Breakfast on Pluto (2005)* 128 mins, English Synopsis: A foundling lad, Patrick Kitten Braden, comes of age in the 1970s. He leaves his Irish town, in part to look for his mother and in part because his transgender nature is beyond the town's understanding. He's taken in by a rock band, falls for the lead singer, has brushes with the IRA, is arrested by the London police, works in a peep show, and poses as a survey researcher for the phone company. Throughout, his nationality and his nature put him at great risk. In his search for his mother, he makes surprising discoveries of friendship and family. But, will he survive? *Reviews:* This film is fabulous -- and has nothing to do with the solar system. Cillian Murphy is AMAZING in his complicated role as a trans-sexual man growing up in Ireland in the 1970's and his quest to find what he wants in his life Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brandon Gleeson are far more than excellent in supporting roles. This film is dependent on its star (Mr. Murphy) and he shines. The themes in this film are universal. Even while the story is sad and the situation the main character - Kitten - finds herself in are very sad, it somehow always becomes funny. The interaction between Kitten and the people around her is fascinating, funny and true-to-life Don't want to spoil anything about the plot but if anyone has read the book DO NOT expect the same situations or ending If you strip away the complicated details of this trans-sexual Irish male and his travels during the 70's you can find the root, universal story of a young person looking for love. --- What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil Jordan Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick Kitten with growing dignity as he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a meaning in life. The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against Paddy is appalling, reminiscent of In the Name of the Father. It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware! Costumes and music of the late 60's / early 70's are both equally impressive. There is an excellent soundtrack. *(All info sourced from IMDB.com)* -- *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High, 29-Nov, 5pm: Film screenings: 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto'
Just a reminder about this Sunday. On 11/25/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 29 November 2009* 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto' *Two recent films on finding love, fulfilment.* *Shortbus (2006)* 101mins, English *Synopsis:* Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob and Sophia are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie and James, a gay couple who have been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an ulterior motive. Ceth may be the perfect addition to their family, but Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that. Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal. *A review:* ...The superb cast of characters of John Cameron Mitchell's [of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame] Shortbus powerfully draws the viewer in to each of the characters' lives and problems Yes, the on-screen sex is real. And there's lots of it. But rather than displaying sexually explicit scenes for the sake of cheap titillation, Shortbus is provocative with an actual purpose Shortbus deals with all manners of human relations. Not stressing one form over another, it shows how sex, friendship and love continually intermingle. Because one's comfort level with their sexuality mirrors how one relates in all other relationships, showing the raw and carnal aspect of each character so explicitly works beautifully to accurately convey their motivations and struggles. ...Whether dealing with sexual oppression, struggling with sexual desires deemed socially deviant, seeking redemption for having already been there and done that, or feeling generally unaccepted for being who you are, the redemption value in this film is tenderly perceptible. Shortbus lets us know that gay, straight, bi, transgender, whatever – we all just want to feel accepted. . *Breakfast on Pluto (2005)* 128 mins, English Synopsis: A foundling lad, Patrick Kitten Braden, comes of age in the 1970s. He leaves his Irish town, in part to look for his mother and in part because his transgender nature is beyond the town's understanding. He's taken in by a rock band, falls for the lead singer, has brushes with the IRA, is arrested by the London police, works in a peep show, and poses as a survey researcher for the phone company. Throughout, his nationality and his nature put him at great risk. In his search for his mother, he makes surprising discoveries of friendship and family. But, will he survive? *Reviews:* This film is fabulous -- and has nothing to do with the solar system. Cillian Murphy is AMAZING in his complicated role as a trans-sexual man growing up in Ireland in the 1970's and his quest to find what he wants in his life Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brandon Gleeson are far more than excellent in supporting roles. This film is dependent on its star (Mr. Murphy) and he shines. The themes in this film are universal. Even while the story is sad and the situation the main character - Kitten - finds herself in are very sad, it somehow always becomes funny. The interaction between Kitten and the people around her is fascinating, funny and true-to-life Don't want to spoil anything about the plot but if anyone has read the book DO NOT expect the same situations or ending If you strip away the complicated details of this trans-sexual Irish male and his travels during the 70's you can find the root, universal story of a young person looking for love. --- What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil Jordan Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick Kitten with growing dignity as he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a meaning in life. The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against Paddy is appalling, reminiscent of In the Name of the Father. It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware! Costumes and music of the late 60's / early 70's are both equally impressive. There is an excellent soundtrack. *(All info sourced from IMDB.com)* -- *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High, 29-Nov, 5pm: Film screenings: 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto'
You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 29 November 2009* 'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto' *Two recent films on finding love, fulfilment.* *Shortbus (2006)* 101mins, English *Synopsis:* Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob and Sophia are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie and James, a gay couple who have been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an ulterior motive. Ceth may be the perfect addition to their family, but Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that. Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal. *A review:* ...The superb cast of characters of John Cameron Mitchell's [of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame] Shortbus powerfully draws the viewer in to each of the characters' lives and problems Yes, the on-screen sex is real. And there's lots of it. But rather than displaying sexually explicit scenes for the sake of cheap titillation, Shortbus is provocative with an actual purpose Shortbus deals with all manners of human relations. Not stressing one form over another, it shows how sex, friendship and love continually intermingle. Because one's comfort level with their sexuality mirrors how one relates in all other relationships, showing the raw and carnal aspect of each character so explicitly works beautifully to accurately convey their motivations and struggles. ...Whether dealing with sexual oppression, struggling with sexual desires deemed socially deviant, seeking redemption for having already been there and done that, or feeling generally unaccepted for being who you are, the redemption value in this film is tenderly perceptible. Shortbus lets us know that gay, straight, bi, transgender, whatever – we all just want to feel accepted. . *Breakfast on Pluto (2005)* 128 mins, English Synopsis: A foundling lad, Patrick Kitten Braden, comes of age in the 1970s. He leaves his Irish town, in part to look for his mother and in part because his transgender nature is beyond the town's understanding. He's taken in by a rock band, falls for the lead singer, has brushes with the IRA, is arrested by the London police, works in a peep show, and poses as a survey researcher for the phone company. Throughout, his nationality and his nature put him at great risk. In his search for his mother, he makes surprising discoveries of friendship and family. But, will he survive? *Reviews:* This film is fabulous -- and has nothing to do with the solar system. Cillian Murphy is AMAZING in his complicated role as a trans-sexual man growing up in Ireland in the 1970's and his quest to find what he wants in his life Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brandon Gleeson are far more than excellent in supporting roles. This film is dependent on its star (Mr. Murphy) and he shines. The themes in this film are universal. Even while the story is sad and the situation the main character - Kitten - finds herself in are very sad, it somehow always becomes funny. The interaction between Kitten and the people around her is fascinating, funny and true-to-life Don't want to spoil anything about the plot but if anyone has read the book DO NOT expect the same situations or ending If you strip away the complicated details of this trans-sexual Irish male and his travels during the 70's you can find the root, universal story of a young person looking for love. --- What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil Jordan Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick Kitten with growing dignity as he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a meaning in life. The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against Paddy is appalling, reminiscent of In the Name of the Father. It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware! Costumes and music of the late 60's / early 70's are both equally impressive. There is an excellent soundtrack. *(All info sourced from IMDB.com)* -- *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare
g_b Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010
-- Forwarded message -- From: Pallav pallavongro...@gmail.com Date: 2009/11/19 Subject: ∮QAM∮ Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010 To: queerazadimum...@googlegroups.com *Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010* CALL FOR ENTRIES It is time for Mumbai to celebrate with its own queer film festival : Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival to be held April 22nd – 25th, 2010. The festival, organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost, intends to showcase and support films with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer themes, relevant to Indian and Indian Diaspora. It aims to provide filmmakers, artists, activists, media persons and audiences with a space to communicate, share diverse experiences and explore the multiple ways in which 'queer' is interpreted and expressed. The festival will also include curated packages of international queer films as well as workshops, discussions and a photo exhibition. We call upon artists and filmmakers, both in India and across the world, to submit shorts, features and documentaries that highlight / focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters, communities and expressions. We welcome films / videos of any length and in any language made after 2007. All films must be subtitled in English. Selection will be made by an eminent jury of both film professionals and Indian queer community leaders. There are competitive sections with awards for *Best Feature, Best Short and Best Documentary.* Distribution deals for short films through Glimz, Sweden and Amazon, North America are also on offer, subject to conditions. *THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE.* Requirements- * Submissions should be on gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer or transgender themes. * Submissions should be provided in *DVD* in either PAL or NTSC format. We preview film entries only on DVD. Please do not send your master tape. Preview DVDs cannot be returned and will form part of festival archives. * Preview submissions must be labeled with film title, running time, director’s name and full contact information (email address, cell number, postal address) * Submissions in languages other than English must be subtitled. * Please include supporting material, such as a brief synopsis and reviews, wherever possible. Closing date for entries is *January 10, 2010*. Selected list of films will be announced by *Feb 2010.* Entry forms would soon be available on the festival’s official website. In the meanwhile you may write tokashishm...@gmail.com with a synopsis of our film and duration. -- *Sridhar Rangayan Vivek Anand - Festival Directors* --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ To know more about Queer Azadi, click the link below http://queerazaadi.wordpress.com -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High - 15 November 2009 - 'The Line of Beauty'
Just a reminder... On 11/10/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 15 November 2009* 'The Line of Beauty' *A story of love, class, sex and money in the Thatcherite 1980s.* *Three episodes (of about an hour each), May 2006* We bring you this BBC mini-series based on Allan Hollinghurst's eponymous Booker winning novel after 'Angels in America' with which parallels may be drawn. The main themes of this story are class division and envy, reverse snobbery, interracial relations, drug abuse, the HIV scourge and of course homophobia. However, it's a fairly straightforward drama with some gripping moments despite a sagging middle. Synopsis: Nick Guest comes to London to live with his college friend's family, the Feddens. A short stay becomes permanent, and Nick positions himself in the family's plentiful lives of parties and politics during the Thatcher years. Over the course of three episodes spanning four years in the mid-eighties, we follow Nick's two homosexual love affairs in a time of promiscuity and carelessness, until the AIDS crisis and a bout of scandal threaten life as he has come to know it. -- *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 15 November 2009 - 'The Line of Beauty'
You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 15 November 2009* 'The Line of Beauty' *A story of love, class, sex and money in the Thatcherite 1980s.* *Three episodes (of about an hour each), May 2006* We bring you this BBC mini-series based on Allan Hollinghurst's eponymous Booker winning novel after 'Angels in America' with which parallels may be drawn. The main themes of this story are class division and envy, reverse snobbery, interracial relations, drug abuse, the HIV scourge and of course homophobia. However, it's a fairly straightforward drama with some gripping moments despite a sagging middle. Synopsis: Nick Guest comes to London to live with his college friend's family, the Feddens. A short stay becomes permanent, and Nick positions himself in the family's plentiful lives of parties and politics during the Thatcher years. Over the course of three episodes spanning four years in the mid-eighties, we follow Nick's two homosexual love affairs in a time of promiscuity and carelessness, until the AIDS crisis and a bout of scandal threaten life as he has come to know it. -- *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via:* The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736 ) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: !*Bombay-Dost*! Bombay Dost Sunday High - 25 October '09 -- (Discussion) My first time...
Just a reminder about Sunday (High) 2009/10/18 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com If you did it, then you would certainly remember it! This Sunday, come and share the story of your first time. Your first time, be it your first date, your first kiss, or the first time you had s**. Was it hot and steaming? Or awkward and clumsy? Take a trip down memory lane. Maybe others can learn from your mistakes! Come for a light evening where we can reminisce and laugh, and maybe even get a fresh insight! Time: 5.30 p.m. Address: Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Grnd floor, 15th Rd, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dost http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com bombaydost2009%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 25 October '09 -- (Discussion) My first time...
If you did it, then you would certainly remember it! This Sunday, come and share the story of your first time. Your first time, be it your first date, your first kiss, or the first time you had s**. Was it hot and steaming? Or awkward and clumsy? Take a trip down memory lane. Maybe others can learn from your mistakes! Come for a light evening where we can reminisce and laugh, and maybe even get a fresh insight! Time: 5.30 p.m. Address: Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Grnd floor, 15th Rd, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable circumstances. Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Fwd: [lgbt-india] Campaign for Open Minds
-- Forwarded message -- From: L Ramakrishnan lramakrishnan.li...@gmail.com Date: 2009/10/11 Subject: [lgbt-india] Campaign for Open Minds To: L Ramakrishnan lramakrishnan.li...@gmail.com Cc: Khush List khush-l...@yahoogroups.com, lgbt-india lgbt-in...@yahoogroups.com, Chennai LGBT Pride 2009 chennai-lgbt-pr...@googlegroups.com, chennaid...@googlegroups.com, chennaid...@yahoogroups.com Launched on October 11, 2009 (Coming Out Day), the Campaign for Open Minds is one of the many efforts of LGBT people to end homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in India. This online campaign is one response to the alarming surge in attempts at conversion therapy and other negative reactions to increased visibility of LGBT people, following Delhi High Court's historic July 2 2009 decision decriminalizing homosexuality. We have three open letters, and invite you to sign the one most appropriate to you. All letters may be accessed at http://www.orinam.net/campaigns - feel free to forward the link to other groups and allies. (i) If you are a healthcare professional (doctor/nurse/counselor/mental health professional/medical social worker/ hospital administrator/public health scientist/researcher) in India or of Indian origin, we invite you to sign the letter opposing reparative therapy and supporting non-discriminatory, appropriate, and ethical treatment and healthcare for LGBT people. (ii) If you are a supportive parent, sibling, or friend of an LGBT person in India or of Indian origin, please sign the letter to express solidarity with your loved one(s) and register your opposition to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. (iii) If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, please join us to sign the letter promoting the visibility of our diverse communities, and appealing for non-discriminatory treatment from our family and friends, healthcare establishment, media, educational institutions and workplaces in India. Please also circulate this to family, friends and healthcare professionals. (The campaign is an initiative of LGBT people associated with the orinam.net site and the Chennai-based group MP)
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High - 11 Oct '09 -- Screenings
Just a reminder... On 10/7/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: This Sunday, come for screenings of clippings of the celebrations post the Delhi HC judgment on IPC Section 377 (around 45 minutes) and Queer Azaadi March Mumbai TV coverage (around 20 minutes). But before that we'll play the NDTV 24x7 two-part feature: Married in Public, Gay in Private (around 45 minutes) We will also keep the Bombay Dost album of press clippings on significant gay events in 2009 (to date) on view. * Time:* 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. These routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via: *The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com -- Sent from my mobile device
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 11 Oct '09 -- Screenings
This Sunday, come for screenings of clippings of the celebrations post the Delhi HC judgment on IPC Section 377 (around 45 minutes) and Queer Azaadi March Mumbai TV coverage (around 20 minutes). But before that we'll play the NDTV 24x7 two-part feature: Married in Public, Gay in Private (around 45 minutes) We will also keep the Bombay Dost album of press clippings on significant gay events in 2009 (to date) on view. * Time:* 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. These routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. *Keep in touch with Bombay Dost via: *The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) OR E-mail us: bombaydost2...@gmail.com
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High 27 Sept '09: Film screenings in association with The Hub
On 9/23/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: As part of the concluding event of The Hub Taster week, Bombay Dost, in association with The Hub, will be screening 'Gulaabi Aaina' and '68 Pages', two award winning films that touch upon both queer and HIV / AIDS issues, on Sunday, 27 September 2009 at 5pm, at The Hub premises. The Hub is a collaborative space for people with ideas and passion for social change to work out of, meet, connect, learn and grow. * DOUBLE BILL OF QUEER FILMS* – *September 27th, 5.00 pm* The Hub, 4th floor, Candelar Building, 26 St.John Baptist Road, Bandra (W) Landmark: Behind Mount Mary Steps, Next to Smoking Joe's, Above Dilshad Salon *It is a FREE screening. All are welcome.* * * First Come First Seated basis. -- *Gulabi Aaina* (2003, 40 mins, Hindi with English subtitles) Directed by: Sridhar Rangayan Produced by Solaris Pictures India’s first film on transsexuals is a Bollywood entertainer spiced with Dance, Drama and Desire! Two transsexuals and a gay teenager seduce a handsome hunk using all their charms and some dance moves too. Who will the hunk bed? A comic romp which ends in tragedy, The Pink Mirror, for the first time peeps into the Indian homosexual closet and discovers some touching bonds and relationships. A huge festival hit, having screened at over 70 international festivals and won several top honors. *68 Pages* (2007, 92 mins, Hindi with English subtitles) Directed by: Sridhar Rangayan Produced by The Humsafar Trust in association with Solaris Pictures From the director of award winning queer films 'The Pink Mirror (Gulabi Aaina)' and 'Yours Emotionally!' comes another hard hitting drama about marginalized people. Subverting the Bollywood film genre of song-dance and high drama, this film places characters ignored by Bollywood centerstage - a transsexual bar dancer, a prostitute, a gay couple - to tell their stories of pain and trauma, of happiness and hope, about being HIV+ and alienated. The film has screened at more than 10 festivals and won Silver Remi Award at Worldfest-Houston and Best Film Award (Care) at the Ahmedabad International Film Festival 2009. It has also screened at 18 cities across India. -- Sent from my mobile device Email: modera...@gaybombay.in Web Sites: www.gaybombay.in www.gaybombay.info www.gayindia.org E Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay http://groups.google.com/group/Gaybombay GB Radio www.gaybombay.in/gbradio Gaybombay breaking news and annoucements http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/Gaybombay Emergency Helpline number 9820565885 Orkut: http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community.aspx?cmm=22091955 Blogs: http://gaybombay.blogspot.com http://gaybombay.wordpress.com Twitter http://twitter.com/gaybombay Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:gay_bombay-dig...@yahoogroups.com mailto:gay_bombay-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: gay_bombay-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High 27 Sept '09: Film screenings in association with The Hub
As part of the concluding event of The Hub Taster week, Bombay Dost, in association with The Hub, will be screening 'Gulaabi Aaina' and '68 Pages', two award winning films that touch upon both queer and HIV / AIDS issues, on Sunday, 27 September 2009 at 5pm, at The Hub premises. The Hub is a collaborative space for people with ideas and passion for social change to work out of, meet, connect, learn and grow. * DOUBLE BILL OF QUEER FILMS* – *September 27th, 5.00 pm* The Hub, 4th floor, Candelar Building, 26 St.John Baptist Road, Bandra (W) Landmark: Behind Mount Mary Steps, Next to Smoking Joe's, Above Dilshad Salon *It is a FREE screening. All are welcome.* * * First Come First Seated basis. -- *Gulabi Aaina* (2003, 40 mins, Hindi with English subtitles) Directed by: Sridhar Rangayan Produced by Solaris Pictures India’s first film on transsexuals is a Bollywood entertainer spiced with Dance, Drama and Desire! Two transsexuals and a gay teenager seduce a handsome hunk using all their charms and some dance moves too. Who will the hunk bed? A comic romp which ends in tragedy, The Pink Mirror, for the first time peeps into the Indian homosexual closet and discovers some touching bonds and relationships. A huge festival hit, having screened at over 70 international festivals and won several top honors. *68 Pages* (2007, 92 mins, Hindi with English subtitles) Directed by: Sridhar Rangayan Produced by The Humsafar Trust in association with Solaris Pictures From the director of award winning queer films 'The Pink Mirror (Gulabi Aaina)' and 'Yours Emotionally!' comes another hard hitting drama about marginalized people. Subverting the Bollywood film genre of song-dance and high drama, this film places characters ignored by Bollywood centerstage - a transsexual bar dancer, a prostitute, a gay couple - to tell their stories of pain and trauma, of happiness and hope, about being HIV+ and alienated. The film has screened at more than 10 festivals and won Silver Remi Award at Worldfest-Houston and Best Film Award (Care) at the Ahmedabad International Film Festival 2009. It has also screened at 18 cities across India.
g_b Re: #934;#8600;Bombay-Dost#8601;#934; Events Bombay Dost Sunday High 13 September 2009: 'Angels in America' (Second and final part)
2009/9/9 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com This Sunday we will show the remaining three episodes of 'Angels in America', the six-episode award-winning 2003 HBO miniseries adapted from the play of the same name by playwright Tony Kushner. The play is his political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties, around a group of separate but connected individuals.Angels in America' was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003, garnering much critical acclaim. . Cast: * Al Pacino as Roy Cohn * Meryl Streep as Hannah Pitt, Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, and the Angel Australia * Patrick Wilson as Joe Pitt, the Antarctic Eskimo * Mary-Louise Parker as Harper Pitt * Emma Thompson as Nurse Emily, the Homeless Woman, and the Angel America * Justin Kirk as Prior Walter and the Leatherman in the Park * Jeffrey Wright as Mr. Lies, Belize, Homeless Man and the Angel Europa * Ben Shenkman as Louis Ironson, and the Angel Oceania * James Cromwell as Henry, Roy's Doctor Set in 1980s New York and subtitled A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Angels in America concerns a group of largely gay men who find themselves caught up in series of disasters that range from love to religion and from politics to philosophy--and most specifically caught between the rising tide of AIDS and a generally unsympathetic society. In the midst of this, AIDS patient Prior Walter begins to have a series of visions, which may be fever dreams, medicine-induced hallucinations... or, most unnerving of all, real. His long dead ancestors rise to speak to him, the floor cracks open to reveal a burning book--and at the conclusion of the play's first half a beautiful woman with majestic wings crashes through his roof. She is the Angel of America. He is, she tells him, a prophet, and she has come to bring him a message for mankind. Intertwined with Prior's other-earthly experiences are oddly parallel lives. Joe and Harper Pitt are a deeply dysfunctional couple doubting their faith in the Mormon Church, Joe a closeted homosexual, Harper a Valium-addicted and mildly psychotic woman given to visions as strange as those of Prior Walter's. And as further counterpoint historical figure Roy Cohn (1927-1986), among the most sinister figures of 20th Century America, finds himself taunted by the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg as he drifts toward his own AIDS-induced death. The characters swirl in and out of each other's lives and dreams, playing to stereotypes and yet defying them, arguing politics and philosophy and love and death--and it is fascinating stuff. Viewer comments: (1) (Angels in America) has captured the essence of what being gay was in the '80s with all its fears, problems and excitements. But it is more than just a gay document, it speaks of life generally in the '80s, of everyone's fears and hopes in such an affluent time. The depiction so real (even in the surreal sequences) so insightful of that period. (2) With a mad swirl of irony, intense drama, outrageous humor, and unexpected twists and turns, Angels in America is almost sure to hold your attention--particularly if you recall the Ronald Reagan years well enough to recognize the truly bitter allegory the film offers on what many consider his largely absentee second term. Truly a must have, multi-layered, bearing repeated viewings, beautifully directed, performed, and filmed. (3) I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of Angels with the original cast, and it was without question the highlight of my 25 years of theatre-going Personally, I believe that Pacino gives the performance of his career, and Streep is amazing in her three roles. The other performances are quite solid as well This film not only won a record 11 Emmys, taking the award for Outstanding Miniseries and all four acting trophies, it also won those same awards at the Golden Globe presentations plus four SAG acting awards. In short, it won practically every award it possibly could. (4) I think this movie was very real in it's portrayal of AIDS, and it really raised awareness for me, because it showed AIDS as a real disease, not just something we hear about on the news. I was very excited to see minorities presented like average, real people I found Angels in America very inspiring, and after seeing it for the first time, I seemed to see the world in a whole new light. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true. For someone very passionate about equal rights, like me, this movie seemed to relay exactly what I stand for. (IMDB.com) -- Time: 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (with a 15-minute break after the second episode). Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High 13 September 2009: 'Angels in America' (Second and final part)
This Sunday we will show the remaining three episodes of 'Angels in America', the six-episode award-winning 2003 HBO miniseries adapted from the play of the same name by playwright Tony Kushner. The play is his political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties, around a group of separate but connected individuals.Angels in America' was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003, garnering much critical acclaim. . Cast: * Al Pacino as Roy Cohn * Meryl Streep as Hannah Pitt, Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, and the Angel Australia * Patrick Wilson as Joe Pitt, the Antarctic Eskimo * Mary-Louise Parker as Harper Pitt * Emma Thompson as Nurse Emily, the Homeless Woman, and the Angel America * Justin Kirk as Prior Walter and the Leatherman in the Park * Jeffrey Wright as Mr. Lies, Belize, Homeless Man and the Angel Europa * Ben Shenkman as Louis Ironson, and the Angel Oceania * James Cromwell as Henry, Roy's Doctor Set in 1980s New York and subtitled A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Angels in America concerns a group of largely gay men who find themselves caught up in series of disasters that range from love to religion and from politics to philosophy--and most specifically caught between the rising tide of AIDS and a generally unsympathetic society. In the midst of this, AIDS patient Prior Walter begins to have a series of visions, which may be fever dreams, medicine-induced hallucinations... or, most unnerving of all, real. His long dead ancestors rise to speak to him, the floor cracks open to reveal a burning book--and at the conclusion of the play's first half a beautiful woman with majestic wings crashes through his roof. She is the Angel of America. He is, she tells him, a prophet, and she has come to bring him a message for mankind. Intertwined with Prior's other-earthly experiences are oddly parallel lives. Joe and Harper Pitt are a deeply dysfunctional couple doubting their faith in the Mormon Church, Joe a closeted homosexual, Harper a Valium-addicted and mildly psychotic woman given to visions as strange as those of Prior Walter's. And as further counterpoint historical figure Roy Cohn (1927-1986), among the most sinister figures of 20th Century America, finds himself taunted by the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg as he drifts toward his own AIDS-induced death. The characters swirl in and out of each other's lives and dreams, playing to stereotypes and yet defying them, arguing politics and philosophy and love and death--and it is fascinating stuff. Viewer comments: (1) (Angels in America) has captured the essence of what being gay was in the '80s with all its fears, problems and excitements. But it is more than just a gay document, it speaks of life generally in the '80s, of everyone's fears and hopes in such an affluent time. The depiction so real (even in the surreal sequences) so insightful of that period. (2) With a mad swirl of irony, intense drama, outrageous humor, and unexpected twists and turns, Angels in America is almost sure to hold your attention--particularly if you recall the Ronald Reagan years well enough to recognize the truly bitter allegory the film offers on what many consider his largely absentee second term. Truly a must have, multi-layered, bearing repeated viewings, beautifully directed, performed, and filmed. (3) I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of Angels with the original cast, and it was without question the highlight of my 25 years of theatre-going Personally, I believe that Pacino gives the performance of his career, and Streep is amazing in her three roles. The other performances are quite solid as well This film not only won a record 11 Emmys, taking the award for Outstanding Miniseries and all four acting trophies, it also won those same awards at the Golden Globe presentations plus four SAG acting awards. In short, it won practically every award it possibly could. (4) I think this movie was very real in it's portrayal of AIDS, and it really raised awareness for me, because it showed AIDS as a real disease, not just something we hear about on the news. I was very excited to see minorities presented like average, real people I found Angels in America very inspiring, and after seeing it for the first time, I seemed to see the world in a whole new light. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true. For someone very passionate about equal rights, like me, this movie seemed to relay exactly what I stand for. (IMDB.com) -- Time: 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (with a 15-minute break after the second episode). Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.
g_b Queer Azaadi March 2009 Annoucement From the QAM blog: We Are Marching on 16 August
http://queerazaadi.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/we-are-marching-on-16-august/ After some thoughtful discussions, we are completely in agreement that the Queer Azaadi March will happen as planned, in full glory. We took this decision with a deep belief in our collective and individual responsibility for your health and our health, and faith in your sense of responsibility to our health and your health. It is important to remember that the March is in an open and outside environment, not in an enclosed environment, especially one with recirculated air. No outside events have been cancelled. It has been recommended by the medical community that any immuno-compromised persons, elderly persons, and people already ill with active health complications such as diabetes should avoid crowded gatherings. We are in agreement with these recommendations and believe that people will and should follow them. People with fever, coughs, colds, difficulty breathing or manifesting any of the symptoms of swine flu are encouraged to stay home and take care of their health. They will be there in spirit and we can all march together next year. Send a friend instead holding a placard with your name. Like last year, there will be many people in masks. Bright colourful, sparkly, fanciful, feathered, beautiful masks. Any people sporting swine flu preventative masks or bandannas will fit right in so you are invited to wear them. Whether worn to protect yourself from a virus or from homophobia, all masks are welcome. Both types of masks will be distributed free in limited numbers, so also plan to bring your own. Please do join us in this celebration of ourselves as we are and in our demands for * The 377 case will now be heard in the Supreme Court, hence our demand for this law be read down continues. * The Constitution must include provisions to deal with all discrimination on the grounds of sexuality or gender. *Those amongst us who are transgendered are not recognised by society. Equal citizenship rights and opportunities should be extended to all who do not fit into either of the two categories of male and female. * The medical establishment must be made aware of the reality of our lives and our needs, and cease all insensitive and cruel attempts to 'cure' us. * Every individual is under tremendous pressure to marry a person of the opposite sex, as marriage is seen as a must in our society. We are launching a campaign against all such forced marriages. * We call for an end to homophobia and transphobia. We want freedom from violence and hate within families, in educational institutions, at places of work and in public spaces. We especially demand that fundamentalist forces stop abusing us and poisoning people's minds against us. We invite you, too, to join us on our march and to raise your voice along with ours! —Queer Azadi Mumbai
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High - 2 August 2009: 'Angels in America' (Part 1)
2009/7/30 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com 'Angels in America' is a six-episode award-winning 2003 HBO miniseries adapted from the play of the same name by playwright Tony Kushner. The play is Kushner's political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties, around a group of separate but connected individuals.Angels in America' was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003, garnering much critical acclaim. This Sunday we will show the first three episodes (the remaining three will be shown on 23 August), spread over about three hours. *Cast:* * Al Pacino as Roy Cohn * Meryl Streep as Hannah Pitt, Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, and the Angel Australia * Emma Thompson as Nurse Emily, the Homeless Woman, and the Angel America * James Cromwell as Henry, Roy's Doctor Set in 1980s New York and subtitled A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Angels in America concerns a group of largely gay men who find themselves caught up in series of disasters that range from love to religion and from politics to philosophy--and most specifically caught between the rising tide of AIDS and a generally unsympathetic society. In the midst of this, AIDS patient Prior Walter begins to have a series of visions, which may be fever dreams, medicine-induced hallucinations... or, most unnerving of all, real. His long dead ancestors rise to speak to him, the floor cracks open to reveal a burning book--and at the conclusion of the play's first half a beautiful woman with majestic wings crashes through his roof. She is the Angel of America. He is, she tells him, a prophet, and she has come to bring him a message for mankind. Intertwined with Prior's other-earthly experiences are oddly parallel lives. Joe and Harper Pitt are a deeply dysfunctional couple doubting their faith in the Mormon Church, Joe a closeted homosexual, Harper a Valium-addicted and mildly psychotic woman given to visions as strange as those of Prior Walter's. And as further counterpoint historical figure Roy Cohn (1927-1986), among the most sinister figures of 20th Century America, finds himself taunted by the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg as he drifts toward his own AIDS-induced death. The characters swirl in and out of each other's lives and dreams, playing to stereotypes and yet defying them, arguing politics and philosophy and love and death--and it is fascinating stuff. *Viewer comments:* *(1) (Angels in America) has captured the essence of what being gay was in the '80s with all its fears, problems and excitements. But it is more than just a gay document, it speaks of life generally in the '80s, of everyone's fears and hopes in such an affluent time. The depiction so real (even in the surreal sequences) so insightful of that period.* *(2) With a mad swirl of irony, intense drama, outrageous humor, and unexpected twists and turns, Angels in America is almost sure to hold your attention--particularly if you recall the Ronald Reagan years well enough to recognize the truly bitter allegory the film offers on what many consider his largely absentee second term. Truly a must have, multi-layered, bearing repeated viewings, beautifully directed, performed, and filmed.* *(3) I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of Angels with the original cast, and it was without question the highlight of my 25 years of theatre-going Personally, I believe that Pacino gives the performance of his career, and Streep is amazing in her three roles. The other performances are quite solid as well* *This film not only won a record 11 Emmys, taking the award for Outstanding Miniseries and all four acting trophies, it also won those same awards at the Golden Globe presentations plus four SAG acting awards. In short, it won practically every award it possibly could. * *(4) I think this movie was very real in it's portrayal of AIDS, and it really raised awareness for me, because it showed AIDS as a real disease, not just something we hear about on the news. I was very excited to see minorities presented like average, real people* *I found Angels in America very inspiring, and after seeing it for the first time, I seemed to see the world in a whole new light. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true. For someone very passionate about equal rights, like me, this movie seemed to relay exactly what I stand for.* (IMDB.com) * -- * *Time: 5.30 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. (with a 15-minute break after the second episode).* ***Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there*: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West
g_b Re: Events Queer Azadi March 2009 Fund-raising event - 'Dancing Queens' on Saturday, 1st Aug '09
Just a reminder about today's event. 2009/7/29 nitin.kar...@gmail.com Posting message sent by Abhijit who is on the QAM 2009 committee. (Edits by me.) Please feel free to forward. Kinnar Kasturi in association with Humsafar Trust presents 'DANCING QUEENS' (Glimpses of Bollywood's dancing divas) 'Dancing Queens' is a performance by drag queens of aamchi Mumbai. They will walk you through some of best Hindi film dance numbers filmed on Bollywood divas. The proceeds of the event will be used to (partly) meet expenses of the Queer Azaadi March to be held on 16 August 2009. QAM 2009 is a celebration of sexuality and a statement of being proud of ourselves. The march is an effort to mainstream issues of sexual minorities and work towards addressing issues of stigma and discrimination in society. Come and encourage the dancing divas. Venue and time details of 'Dancing Queens': 1 August 2009 at 6.00 p.m. at Kherwadi Social Welfare Community Center (Parishram Bhawan), Near Nirmal Nagar Police Station, Kherwadi, Bandra (East), Mumbai. Nearest station: Bandra. Location map for Nirmal Nagar Police Stn: http://tinyurl.com/NirmalNgrYahoo Tickets are available at: The Humsafar Trust : (Manisha / Girish) Ph: (022) 26650547 / 26673800 Humsafar CEFE : (Dyaneshwar Raut) Ph: (022) 65760357 -~--~~~~--~~--~--~--- To know more about Queer Azadi, click the link below http://queerazaadi.wordpress.com -~--~~~~--~~--~--~--- -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 2 August 2009: 'Angels in America' (Part 1)
'Angels in America' is a six-episode award-winning 2003 HBO miniseries adapted from the play of the same name by playwright Tony Kushner. The play is Kushner's political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties, around a group of separate but connected individuals.Angels in America' was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003, garnering much critical acclaim. This Sunday we will show the first three episodes (the remaining three will be shown on 23 August), spread over about three hours. *Cast:* * Al Pacino as Roy Cohn * Meryl Streep as Hannah Pitt, Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, and the Angel Australia * Emma Thompson as Nurse Emily, the Homeless Woman, and the Angel America * James Cromwell as Henry, Roy's Doctor Set in 1980s New York and subtitled A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Angels in America concerns a group of largely gay men who find themselves caught up in series of disasters that range from love to religion and from politics to philosophy--and most specifically caught between the rising tide of AIDS and a generally unsympathetic society. In the midst of this, AIDS patient Prior Walter begins to have a series of visions, which may be fever dreams, medicine-induced hallucinations... or, most unnerving of all, real. His long dead ancestors rise to speak to him, the floor cracks open to reveal a burning book--and at the conclusion of the play's first half a beautiful woman with majestic wings crashes through his roof. She is the Angel of America. He is, she tells him, a prophet, and she has come to bring him a message for mankind. Intertwined with Prior's other-earthly experiences are oddly parallel lives. Joe and Harper Pitt are a deeply dysfunctional couple doubting their faith in the Mormon Church, Joe a closeted homosexual, Harper a Valium-addicted and mildly psychotic woman given to visions as strange as those of Prior Walter's. And as further counterpoint historical figure Roy Cohn (1927-1986), among the most sinister figures of 20th Century America, finds himself taunted by the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg as he drifts toward his own AIDS-induced death. The characters swirl in and out of each other's lives and dreams, playing to stereotypes and yet defying them, arguing politics and philosophy and love and death--and it is fascinating stuff. *Viewer comments:* *(1) (Angels in America) has captured the essence of what being gay was in the '80s with all its fears, problems and excitements. But it is more than just a gay document, it speaks of life generally in the '80s, of everyone's fears and hopes in such an affluent time. The depiction so real (even in the surreal sequences) so insightful of that period.* *(2) With a mad swirl of irony, intense drama, outrageous humor, and unexpected twists and turns, Angels in America is almost sure to hold your attention--particularly if you recall the Ronald Reagan years well enough to recognize the truly bitter allegory the film offers on what many consider his largely absentee second term. Truly a must have, multi-layered, bearing repeated viewings, beautifully directed, performed, and filmed.* *(3) I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of Angels with the original cast, and it was without question the highlight of my 25 years of theatre-going Personally, I believe that Pacino gives the performance of his career, and Streep is amazing in her three roles. The other performances are quite solid as well* *This film not only won a record 11 Emmys, taking the award for Outstanding Miniseries and all four acting trophies, it also won those same awards at the Golden Globe presentations plus four SAG acting awards. In short, it won practically every award it possibly could.* *(4) I think this movie was very real in it's portrayal of AIDS, and it really raised awareness for me, because it showed AIDS as a real disease, not just something we hear about on the news. I was very excited to see minorities presented like average, real people* *I found Angels in America very inspiring, and after seeing it for the first time, I seemed to see the world in a whole new light. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true. For someone very passionate about equal rights, like me, this movie seemed to relay exactly what I stand for.* (IMDB.com) * -- * *Time: 5.30 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. (with a 15-minute break after the second episode).* ***Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there*: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice. *Please track:* The
g_b Events Queer Azadi March 2009 Fund-raising event - 'Dancing Queens' on Saturday, 1st Aug '09
Posting message sent by Abhijit who is on the QAM 2009 committee. (Edits by me.) Please feel free to forward. Kinnar Kasturi in association with Humsafar Trust presents 'DANCING QUEENS' (Glimpses of Bollywood's dancing divas) 'Dancing Queens' is a performance by drag queens of aamchi Mumbai. They will walk you through some of best Hindi film dance numbers filmed on Bollywood divas. The proceeds of the event will be used to (partly) meet expenses of the Queer Azaadi March to be held on 16 August 2009. QAM 2009 is a celebration of sexuality and a statement of being proud of ourselves. The march is an effort to mainstream issues of sexual minorities and work towards addressing issues of stigma and discrimination in society. Come and encourage the dancing divas. Venue and time details of 'Dancing Queens': 1 August 2009 at 6.00 pm at Kherwadi Social Welfare Community Center (Parishram Bhawan), Near Nirmal Nagar Police Station, Kherwadi, Bandra (East), Mumbai. Nearest station: Bandra. Location map for Nirmal Nagar Police Stn: http://tinyurl.com/NirmalNgrYahoo Tickets are available at: The Humsafar Trust : (Manisha / Girish) Ph: (022) 26650547 / 26673800 Humsafar CEFE : (Dyaneshwar Raut) Ph: (022) 65760357 -~--~~~~--~~--~--~--- To know more about Queer Azadi, click the link below http://queerazaadi.wordpress.com -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
g_b Re: Events Bombay Dost Sunday High 26 July 2009: Discussion: Gay slang words
Just a reminder... On 7/23/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: Do you speak gaylic? I mean do you speak gay code. What is that? Member of the Guild, Varsha Tai, Double Decker, Maushe, Husband, Fence Sitter, Kothi, Panthi, Pun and Khavdi... it extends across languages and sub-cultures. Indian 'gay talk' has its own identity and it is worth exploring what's the new code. Come with your list and elaborate. We will also vote for the funniest and zaniest ones! So be creative and be there! Time: 5 p.m. Address: Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Grnd floor, 15th Rd, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- Sent from my mobile device My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Events Bombay Dost Sunday High 26 July 2009: Discussion: Gay slang words
Do you speak gaylic? I mean do you speak gay code. What is that? Member of the Guild, Varsha Tai, Double Decker, Maushe, Husband, Fence Sitter, Kothi, Panthi, Pun and Khavdi... it extends across languages and sub-cultures. Indian 'gay talk' has its own identity and it is worth exploring what's the new code. Come with your list and elaborate. We will also vote for the funniest and zaniest ones! So be creative and be there! Time: 5 p.m. Address: Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Grnd floor, 15th Rd, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. On Linking Road, take the lane next to Tommy Hilfiger and Standard Chartered Bank (opposite Benetton), then take the third right. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Re: [lgbt-india] blood donation and homosexuals
And on the subject: http://bomgay.blogspot.com/ Sunday, September 18, 2005 Tumhara khoon khoon hai aur hamara khoon...? Or why is blood donation by gay men unwelcome? I started donating blood in my first year of college (in the mid-'80s). This became an annual practice for five years since the college had yearly blood collection drives. There was little awareness of HIV then, among people generally and I myself was pretty ignorant. I also donated blood a couple of times after graduation as a 'replacement donor' when dad was hospitalized twice (the first time in a Mumbai hospital and the second in a suburban nursing home). The second time it involved traveling to a blood bank in a distant Mumbai suburb. On both occasions I had to fill in a form that more or less has a standard questionnaire about the donor's previous medical history. I am not sure about the first instance but the second time (at the blood bank) one of the questions was about (I do not remember the exact verbiage or the year in the question) whether the (male) donor has had sex with a man after 197x. Was the bloodbank or the government (presuming that was the govt.'s idea to put that question) expecting an honest answer to that from anyone? Well, I gave an honest answer. I admit I was a little scared -- not of being outed -- but of being prosecuted under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code for unnatural sex. I got away with it the first time and the next few times that the bloodbank requested my blood (they would call me every few months--I have one of the rarer blood groups). Someone at the bloodbank actually noticed my answer one time, it seems. They did not take my blood that time. A few weeks later they called me again and I told them that I did not want to come because they have rejected my blood for being gay. Apparently, the person on the other end of the phone line was as shocked as the one who had noticed my affirmative answer previously, and hung up without a word. I did not donate blood since then, until last year, at my workplace. In spite of being handed a list of (dos and) don'ts that listed sex between men (there was no mention of this on the questionnaire, though). I do not know what the current official policy is blood donation by 'practicing' gay men, but I was happy that I could help out a patient at a major Bombay hospital who needed blood recently, without killing myself about being dishonest--there was no question this time about my sexuality! Stupid bloodbank or enlightened policy? It may be true that anal sex without a condom is high-risk behavior as far as HIV and sexually transmitted infections are concerned. But isn't it also true that peno-vaginal sex without condoms are almost as unsafe? So why stop gay men from donating blood when we hear of chronic blood shortages in this country? Incidentally, methinks screening donated blood for HIV is redundant because of the 'window period'. Many countries ban blood donation by gay men (does anyone know India's position?), but recently this has been challenged in Tasmania, Australia, as Fridae.com reported last month. Perhaps we are some years away from decriminalizing homosexuality in India and the blood donation ban. Meanwhile, gay men will die from lack of access to information on HIV and health resources. And heterosexuals will die from lack of gay blood. 2009/7/15 Vikram D vg...@yahoo.co.uk: HT ran a story today on how Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi has banned homosexuals from donating blood: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePageid=11b758bb-541e-462c-81a5-d2e1b459b1bfHeadline=Blood+banks+outlaw+gay+donors+despite+shortages The story is drawing attention both within the community and the media and it looks like it may be taken further, but some caution is needed because the issue is a bit more complicated than it seems. I've spoken to Ramki in Chennai whose background in Public Health and the US gives him some knowledge about this, and here's some relevant information and possible response: - The hospital's blood ban quite probably follows the norms for blood donation laid down by the US's Food and Drug Administration, which lays down the public health guidelines in such cases. This guideline has been in place since the start of the AIDS plague in the Seventies, and has never been lifted, although there has been opposition to it, both outside and within the FDA. The FDA votes to sustain the ban have become increasingly narrow and its possible it might change at some point. - The FDA does have some logic on it's side. Donated blood is always tested for HIV, but only with an antibody test which shows presence of the virus around three months after infrection. So there is a possibility of infected blood that is within the window period passing the test. Given the lifelong consequences of AIDS, from a public health point of view this does suggest that the authorities should be cautious over
g_b Re: Bombay Dost Sunday High -- The Sridhar Rangayan Film festival: 19 July 2009
Just a reminder, folks. 2009/7/16 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 19 July 2009* Movies by Sridhar Rangayan *Gulabi Aaina (2003, 40 mins)* The Pink Mirror pits two Indian drag queens against a gay teenager in a battle to woo a handsome hunk. It's a clash of the east and west. Who will win? The drag queens, who are expert in the art of seduction with their wit, innuendo and cunning or the young teenager who is saucy, slutty and sly? Underneath the campy humorous exterior, the film is an exploration of the Indian gay landscape and understanding of the deep, humanly tender bondings that exist between drag queens in India who form unique, non-patriarchal families. Using the Bollywood soap idiom of song, dance and drama and for the first time in the Indian drag queens' very own language, Hindi, the film also explores other veiled issues related to the Indian gay community: the lurking threat of HIV/AIDS. Winner of several awards and screened at 72 international film festivals and over 150 screenings across the world. imdb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0386499 *68 Pages (2007, 90mins)* Coming from a country like India that is still in denial, where being HIV+ is still a curse, '68 Pages' rips open the underbelly of its society to reveal how it stigmatizes and shuns those who are HIV+ or even those who just want to be what they are. Through 68 Pages of a counselors diary, we see the stories of Paayal, a sex worker; Nishit, an ID user; Kiran, a gay man and Umrao, a transsexual bar dancer - their stories of pain and fear, humiliation and rejection - not only by the society, but even by their loved ones. While these stories expose the shallowness of the system, it also offers hope and healing by trying to bring about a better understanding of their fight to live with dignity. The film is a tribute to the human spirit of optimism and survival. The film has screened at 12 international film festivals and over a 110 screenings across India and other countries and won the Silver Remi award at Worldfest-Houston 2008. imdb: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1151299/ *Yours Emotionally! (2005, 86 mins)* Sridhar Rangayan's charming, daring film offers a fascinating look inside India's emerging gay culture. Gay best buds Ravi, a second-generation Sikh, and Paul, an Englishman, live in London, where both are out and proud. They travel together to India, where they find a gay community far more open than they expected, as well as a community still held at bay by the country's antiquated views on sexuality. Soon after their arrival, Ravi meets and falls in love with handsome, shy Mani. Their love is at first sight and mutual. But Mani is committed to an arranged marriage from which he cannot back out. Their love is doomed. Paul, meanwhile, is a horny dude who discovers that same-sex encounters are easy to find in India. As Ravi's heart breaks, Paul is having the time of his life. The pair spend some time at a BB run by Murthy and Anna (Ikhlaq Khan, Ajay Rohilla), a middle-aged gay couple. As they get to know each other, all four men have life-altering epiphanies. The boys learn the true meaning of love from their older counterparts, who in turn learn the meaning of gay pride from the young ones. Lifelong friendships are formed. imdb: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0818705/ -- *Time:* 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., with a 15-minute break after the second film (i.e., 68 Pages) *Address:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice. *Please track:* The Bombay Dost Wiki OR the *Bombay Dost Facebook*http://www.facebook.com/BombayDostpage OR follow Bombaydost on *Twitter* http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our *Google SMS Channel* http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost - My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High -- The Sridhar Rangayan Film festival: 19 July 2009
You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 19 July 2009* Movies by Sridhar Rangayan *Gulabi Aaina (2003, 40 mins)* The Pink Mirror pits two Indian drag queens against a gay teenager in a battle to woo a handsome hunk. It's a clash of the east and west. Who will win? The drag queens, who are expert in the art of seduction with their wit, innuendo and cunning or the young teenager who is saucy, slutty and sly? Underneath the campy humorous exterior, the film is an exploration of the Indian gay landscape and understanding of the deep, humanly tender bondings that exist between drag queens in India who form unique, non-patriarchal families. Using the Bollywood soap idiom of song, dance and drama and for the first time in the Indian drag queens' very own language, Hindi, the film also explores other veiled issues related to the Indian gay community: the lurking threat of HIV/AIDS. Winner of several awards and screened at 72 international film festivals and over 150 screenings across the world. imdb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0386499 *68 Pages (2007, 90mins)* Coming from a country like India that is still in denial, where being HIV+ is still a curse, '68 Pages' rips open the underbelly of its society to reveal how it stigmatizes and shuns those who are HIV+ or even those who just want to be what they are. Through 68 Pages of a counselors diary, we see the stories of Paayal, a sex worker; Nishit, an ID user; Kiran, a gay man and Umrao, a transsexual bar dancer - their stories of pain and fear, humiliation and rejection - not only by the society, but even by their loved ones. While these stories expose the shallowness of the system, it also offers hope and healing by trying to bring about a better understanding of their fight to live with dignity. The film is a tribute to the human spirit of optimism and survival. The film has screened at 12 international film festivals and over a 110 screenings across India and other countries and won the Silver Remi award at Worldfest-Houston 2008. imdb: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1151299/ *Yours Emotionally! (2005, 86 mins)* Sridhar Rangayan's charming, daring film offers a fascinating look inside India's emerging gay culture. Gay best buds Ravi, a second-generation Sikh, and Paul, an Englishman, live in London, where both are out and proud. They travel together to India, where they find a gay community far more open than they expected, as well as a community still held at bay by the country's antiquated views on sexuality. Soon after their arrival, Ravi meets and falls in love with handsome, shy Mani. Their love is at first sight and mutual. But Mani is committed to an arranged marriage from which he cannot back out. Their love is doomed. Paul, meanwhile, is a horny dude who discovers that same-sex encounters are easy to find in India. As Ravi's heart breaks, Paul is having the time of his life. The pair spend some time at a BB run by Murthy and Anna (Ikhlaq Khan, Ajay Rohilla), a middle-aged gay couple. As they get to know each other, all four men have life-altering epiphanies. The boys learn the true meaning of love from their older counterparts, who in turn learn the meaning of gay pride from the young ones. Lifelong friendships are formed. imdb: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0818705/ -- *Time:* 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., with a 15-minute break after the second film (i.e., 68 Pages) *Address:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice. *Please track:* The Bombay Dost Wiki OR the *Bombay Dost Facebook*http://www.facebook.com/BombayDostpage OR follow Bombaydost on *Twitter* http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our *Google SMS Channel* http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost - My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High - 12 July - Discussion workshop on 'coming out'
*What's 'coming out' all about?** For some, coming out may be about being comfortable with themselves. For others, it may also mean being comfortable with their loved ones. Some think of it as a political statement. And for many its still an unmade decision. What is coming out anyway? Do we need to come out at all? How did people do it? Come, find out at this facilitated workshop. Time: 5 p.m. Address: Centre for Excellence (CEFE), Humsafar Trust, Riviera building, Flat no. 2, Grnd floor, 15th Rd, Near RBI Colony, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 54. View location at http://tinyurl.com/CefeMap Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/Bombay-Dosthttp://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydostOR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) - My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Tune into NDTV 24x7 now (8 pm) for another discussion on homosexuality
...with Ashok Row Kavi among others
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 5 July 2009
You are cordially invited to * * *Sunday High, 5 July 2009* Film screenings *Finn's Girl* (English, 88 minutes, 2007) Dr. Finn Jeffries plays a new stepmother to her deceased lover's teenage daughter Zelly. Dr Finn's life is going through a rough patch, balancing her love life with the brattishness of Zelly. Her life is under contant police surveillance but now she also needs protection from pro-lifers because she runs the abortion clinic Zelly's mom left her. Will Zelly who likes shoplifting porn go to her 'real dad'? Does Dr Finn manage to save her career and herself? This movie is edgy, touching drama that was bestowed a special award at the LA Outfest in 2007. *Review from Variety magazine:* A first narrative feature for longtime doc collaborators Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert, Finn's Girl reps an intelligent juggling of disparate elements including pubescent unrest, single parenting, lesbian widowhood and anti-abortionist violence. While the agenda grows a bit overloaded, solid perfs and polished execution on a low budget help the writing-directing duo largely pull it off. *If These Walls Could Talk - 2* (English, 96 minutes, 2000) *Cast:* Vanessa Redgrave, Ellen Degeneres, Sharon Stone, Chloe Sevigny. *Synopsis/Review from IMDB.com:* In the first of the three mini-movies, Vanessa Redgrave gives a stirring performance (she won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors's Guild Award, among others) as the survivor of a lesbian couple in 1961. The message of this first movie serves well to remind people of the tragedy that ensued when one's life long partner passed on previous to the 70's. The second movie, set in 1972, depicts an accurate portrayal of what lesbians faced during the rise of the feminist movement where even sisters were divided over who should be allowed to participate and promote the feminist cause. Chloe Sevigny's portrayal of a butch lesbian, comfortable with herself is phenomenal. Ms. Sevigny should be nominated for an Emmy for her fantastic acting. The third and final movie, features a current day lesbian couple who are trying to have a child. Billed as a romantic comedy, this episode has an underlying message amid the laughter and tears which is common to all couples regardless of gender. Ellen Degeneres and Sharon Stone are funny, yet convincing as a couple. Their chemistry radiates throughout and both women deserve accolades for their performances. If These Walls Could Talk 2 is a cinematic achievement and may very well be the first movie of the new Millennium which accurately shows where there is love and truth, gender is nothing but an afterthought.The film won several awards and nominations (including the Emmys). -- . *Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (one 15-minute intermission) *Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. *Getting there*: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. *Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust. *Note:* Programme subject to change without notice. *Please track:* The Bombay Dost Wiki OR the *Bombay Dost Facebook*http://www.facebook.com/BombayDostpage OR follow Bombaydost on *Twitter* http://twitter.com/bombaydost OR subscribe to our *Google SMS Channel* http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Re: Events / Bombay Dost Sunday High / Film screenings: 14 June 2009
Just a reminder... On 6/12/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: On 6/9/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: Please feel free to forward... - The short films and docus are: 1. Flying Inside MY Body 35mins Dirs: Sumit Sharma, Rintu Thomas, Sushmit Ghosh and Ajeeta Chowhan Flying Inside My Body explores how the form of the body can become a powerful physical language to express dissent over societal norms and conventions. The film is a journey with veteran photographer Sunil Gupta, who has used his art to challenge the stereotypes that define one’s body, sexuality and identity. Gupta has spent over 20 years compiling the first photographic chronicle of the gay community in India, while at the same time, exploring his own relationship with his country of origin. The film’s lyrical style marries still photography with moving images and text, to unfold an intensely personal narrative that questions the deeply engrained prejudices that we all carry within ourselves. 2. Short films directed by Sonali Gulati Sum Total 4mins What does an Indian lesbian do when her family puts pressure on her to get married? What does her matrimonial advertisement look like? sum total answers these questions through a short poetic film that addresses issues of identity, self-representation, and hetronormativity. Barefeet 6mins barefeet is an experimental narrative film of an Indian woman’s attempt at revealing a secret to her family. The film explores the meaning of home from a transnational perspective and raises important questions about identity, sexuality, secrecy, and nostalgia. Name I call Myself 5mins Using a single shot aesthetic, name I call myself documents the filmmaker’s search for self-knowledge and identity through the tracing of her name 24 frames per day 7mins 24 frames per day was conceived by combining 24 photographs captured each day over a period of 9 months. A daily meditation by the filmmaker photographing the front door of her home makes this a very personal and political film that raises important questions around immigration, cultural stereotypes, and diasporic identity. 3. Ten More Good Years 71 mins Dir: Michael Jacoby During the 1960s, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community openly fought for their civil rights. Now, as that generation grows older, many are confronting discrimination from both government and society. LGBT elders often age alone, without financial stability and, at times, find themselves returning to the closet. Many enjoy no social security benefits, no surviving partner benefits, and suffer homophobia from rest homes and institutions. This is the generation that first fought for gay rights and, though ignored by the government, many have found that, through local programmes founded and funded by the queer community itself, we take care of our own as best we can. Documentarian Michael Jacoby looks at being gay and gray in America with revealing profiles of out, proud and active senior citizens, including brilliant photographer and filmmaker James Bidgood. -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 5.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- Sent from my mobile device My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- Sent from my mobile device My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. Email: modera...@gaybombay.in Web Sites: www.gaybombay.in www.gaybombay.info www.gayindia.org E Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay http://groups.google.com/group/Gaybombay GB Radio
g_b Law minister Moily supports decriminalisation of homosexuality; watch NDTV (English and Hindi) news
Hello all, Ashok Row Kavi just informed me that Moily has given his views on changing Section 377 of IPC and Ashok will be live on NDTV English on the issue tonight at 9 pm. Ashok and Prakash Kothari also had another argument with VHP's BP Singhal on NDTV's Hindi channel this afternoon and this might be repeated on the channel today (time unknown). Cheers, Nitin
g_b Events / Bombay Dost Sunday High / Film screenings: 14 June 2009
On 6/9/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: Please feel free to forward... - The short films and docus are: 1. Flying Inside MY Body 35mins Dirs: Sumit Sharma, Rintu Thomas, Sushmit Ghosh and Ajeeta Chowhan Flying Inside My Body explores how the form of the body can become a powerful physical language to express dissent over societal norms and conventions. The film is a journey with veteran photographer Sunil Gupta, who has used his art to challenge the stereotypes that define one’s body, sexuality and identity. Gupta has spent over 20 years compiling the first photographic chronicle of the gay community in India, while at the same time, exploring his own relationship with his country of origin. The film’s lyrical style marries still photography with moving images and text, to unfold an intensely personal narrative that questions the deeply engrained prejudices that we all carry within ourselves. 2. Short films directed by Sonali Gulati Sum Total 4mins What does an Indian lesbian do when her family puts pressure on her to get married? What does her matrimonial advertisement look like? sum total answers these questions through a short poetic film that addresses issues of identity, self-representation, and hetronormativity. Barefeet 6mins barefeet is an experimental narrative film of an Indian woman’s attempt at revealing a secret to her family. The film explores the meaning of home from a transnational perspective and raises important questions about identity, sexuality, secrecy, and nostalgia. Name I call Myself 5mins Using a single shot aesthetic, name I call myself documents the filmmaker’s search for self-knowledge and identity through the tracing of her name 24 frames per day 7mins 24 frames per day was conceived by combining 24 photographs captured each day over a period of 9 months. A daily meditation by the filmmaker photographing the front door of her home makes this a very personal and political film that raises important questions around immigration, cultural stereotypes, and diasporic identity. 3. Ten More Good Years 71 mins Dir: Michael Jacoby During the 1960s, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community openly fought for their civil rights. Now, as that generation grows older, many are confronting discrimination from both government and society. LGBT elders often age alone, without financial stability and, at times, find themselves returning to the closet. Many enjoy no social security benefits, no surviving partner benefits, and suffer homophobia from rest homes and institutions. This is the generation that first fought for gay rights and, though ignored by the government, many have found that, through local programmes founded and funded by the queer community itself, we take care of our own as best we can. Documentarian Michael Jacoby looks at being gay and gray in America with revealing profiles of out, proud and active senior citizens, including brilliant photographer and filmmaker James Bidgood. -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 5.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- Sent from my mobile device My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. BRPLEASE NOTE THAT THIS GROUP DOES NOT CARRY ADULT PICTURES OR LURID MATERIALBR BR Would you like to join? Email to gay_bombay-subscr...@yahoogroups.comBR BR Or center a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/join; img src=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/yg/img/i/us/ui/join.gif; border=0 alt=Click here to join gay_bombaybrbClick to join gay_bombay/a /centerBR font color=996699BRGoogle GroupBR BRhttp://groups.google.com/group/GaybombayBR BRPublic archives at http
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High TV series (Dante's Cove) screening: 24 May 2009
This week, we'll show the complete first season of a sexy horror series about supernatural events in the lives of a gay couple and their hot-looking friends. *Dante’s Cove* — Episodes 1 2 (i.e., the complete first season) *Running time:* 84 minutes + 106 minutes *Dante's Cove* is an American LGBT-oriented horror television show. The series airs on *here!*, a premium gay-oriented network. Created by Michael Costanza and directed by Sam Irvin, Dante's Cove combines elements of the horror and soap opera genres in telling the story of Kevin (Gregory Michael) and Toby (Charlie David), a young couple seeking to be together and overcome the dark mystical forces that conspire to separate them. The show debuted in 2005 to a mixed critical reception. Gay-interest *Instinct* magazine, called the series a guilty pleasure TV hit...with...camp goodness and sexy soap appeal. *Viewer review 1:* Dante's Cove explores a witch named Grace played over the friggin top by Demonic Toys veteran Tracy Scoggins. She curses her fiancée Ambrocious who is played by the semi-attractive William Gregory Lee after he is found getting done in the backdoor by the butler. She traps him in what looks like an SM room and leaves him there for centuries. The only thing that can break his curse is a kiss from a young man. Enter the happy over-sexed couple Kevin and Toby. Toby is moving back to Dante’s Cove for some strange reason and wants Kevin to go with him. But Kevin is not out and Toby has trust issues with him because of past relationships. So they have a big argument. Kevin goes home, gets slapped by his stepfather and rushes to Toby in Dante's Cove. There is mostly gay guy sex and Gregory Michael whom plays Kevin and Charlie David whom plays Toby have great bodies and genuinely good chemistry even if they can't act worth a damn. Hotties fill out the rest of the cast. And it picks up in its second half as an intriguing supernatural soap opear. There are sordid backstories, murder, cheating, and past relationships mixed in with some witchcraft, etc. It's all pretty interesting. And it's all campy and trashy as hell. It indulges in its ridiculousness and has a great time doing it. As you will too when viewing it. Check it out! *Review 2:* Make no mistake: Dante's Cove is targeted primarily for the gay male audience. Its young, cute, hunky and beautiful male actors aren't cast by accident. While their acting doesn't quite hit the mark, the main characters, Kevin and Toby, do well, and I suspect may improve further in the remaining segments. In their scenes together, they represent a plausible young gay couple in love–refreshing and what most gay (and straight) people need to see. Sure, the great bodies and handsome faces are wonderful, but we all want love, and this show provides the chance to vicariously jump head first into more than just sex.\ Roll all of the show's elements together, and you have an entertaining, albeit exaggerated plot, that adheres to the show's preternatural basis. Dante's Cove is not about BEING gay, but more pointedly that gay people find themselves in everyday AND extraordinary situations--trying to navigate life's labyrinth and survive (Wow! exactly like straight people do!). *(Reviews and info extracted from IMDB and Wikipedia)* --- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 5.00 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/Next-Sunday-High) OR the Bombay Dost Facebook page (http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel (http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) --- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High TV series (Danet's Cove) screening: 24 May 2009
This week, we'll show the complete first season of a sexy horror series about supernatural events in the lives of a gay couple and their hot-looking friends. *Dante’s Cove* — Episodes 1 2 (i.e., the complete first season) *Running time:* 84 minutes + 106 minutes *Dante's Cove* is an American LGBT-oriented horror television show. The series airs on *here!*, a premium gay-oriented network. Created by Michael Costanza and directed by Sam Irvin, Dante's Cove combines elements of the horror and soap opera genres in telling the story of Kevin (Gregory Michael) and Toby (Charlie David), a young couple seeking to be together and overcome the dark mystical forces that conspire to separate them. The show debuted in 2005 to a mixed critical reception. Gay-interest *Instinct* magazine, called the series a guilty pleasure TV hit...with...camp goodness and sexy soap appeal. *Viewer review 1:* Dante's Cove explores a witch named Grace played over the friggin top by Demonic Toys veteran Tracy Scoggins. She curses her fiancée Ambrocious who is played by the semi-attractive William Gregory Lee after he is found getting done in the backdoor by the butler. She traps him in what looks like an SM room and leaves him there for centuries. The only thing that can break his curse is a kiss from a young man. Enter the happy over-sexed couple Kevin and Toby. Toby is moving back to Dante’s Cove for some strange reason and wants Kevin to go with him. But Kevin is not out and Toby has trust issues with him because of past relationships. So they have a big argument. Kevin goes home, gets slapped by his stepfather and rushes to Toby in Dante's Cove. There is mostly gay guy sex and Gregory Michael whom plays Kevin and Charlie David whom plays Toby have great bodies and genuinely good chemistry even if they can't act worth a damn. Hotties fill out the rest of the cast. And it picks up in its second half as an intriguing supernatural soap opear. There are sordid backstories, murder, cheating, and past relationships mixed in with some witchcraft, etc. It's all pretty interesting. And it's all campy and trashy as hell. It indulges in its ridiculousness and has a great time doing it. As you will too when viewing it. Check it out! *Review 2:* Make no mistake: Dante's Cove is targeted primarily for the gay male audience. Its young, cute, hunky and beautiful male actors aren't cast by accident. While their acting doesn't quite hit the mark, the main characters, Kevin and Toby, do well, and I suspect may improve further in the remaining segments. In their scenes together, they represent a plausible young gay couple in love–refreshing and what most gay (and straight) people need to see. Sure, the great bodies and handsome faces are wonderful, but we all want love, and this show provides the chance to vicariously jump head first into more than just sex.\ Roll all of the show's elements together, and you have an entertaining, albeit exaggerated plot, that adheres to the show's preternatural basis. Dante's Cove is not about BEING gay, but more pointedly that gay people find themselves in everyday AND extraordinary situations--trying to navigate life's labyrinth and survive (Wow! exactly like straight people do!). *(Reviews and info extracted from IMDB and Wikipedia)* --- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 5.00 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/Next-Sunday-High) OR the Bombay Dost Facebook page (http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel (http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) --- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. BRPLEASE NOTE THAT THIS GROUP DOES NOT CARRY ADULT PICTURES OR LURID MATERIALBR BR Would you like to join? Email to gay_bombay-subscr...@yahoogroups.comBR BR Or center a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/join; img src=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/yg/img/i/us/ui/join.gif; border=0 alt=Click here to join gay_bombaybrbClick to join gay_bombay/a /centerBR font color=996699BRGoogle GroupBR BRhttp://groups.google.com/group/GaybombayBR BRPublic archives
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 10 May 2009
On 5/7/09, Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: This week, we'll show two films that speak of how love should not be sacrificed at the altar of societal mores, followed by a short film on the re-launch ceremony of Bombay Dost held on 16 April 2009 at Oxford bookstore, Mumbai. *Brokeback Mountain* (2005, 134 mins) Director: Ang Lee Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhall Much-feted, Brokeback Mountain is the raw, powerful Annie Proulx story of ranch hand Ennis del Mar (Ledger) and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Gyllenhal), two young men who meet and fall in love on the fictional Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming in 1963. Their relationship and its complications span 19 years--through marriage, through children, and through the mighty grip of societal confines and the expectations of what it is to be a man. Set against the sweeping vistas of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, the relationship of the two men provides a testament to the endurance and power of love. --- *Far from Heaven *(2002, 107 mins) Written and directed by Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert Maverick director Haynes embraces the look and feel of classic Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s in this period drama. Cathy Whitaker (Moore) and her husband, Frank (Quaid), are a seemingly perfect couple; living in a handsome suburban neighborhood in Hartford, CT, in 1957, Cathy and Frank have a beautiful home and two happy, healthy children, while Frank pursues a successful career in sales and Cathy cares for the home. But Cathy has begun to sense something isn't quite right in her marriage, as Frank begins working late, spending less time with her, and seems cold and distant. One day, Cathy visits Frank's work and discovers something she never expected -- her husband is kissing a man. At Cathy's urging, Frank undergoes psychotherapy, but as she tries to keep up a brave face, the emotional trauma takes a great toll on her, and she finds there are very few people she can talk with. Cathy strikes up a friendship with Raymond Deagan (Haysbert), an African-American gardener who works for the Whitakers, and as she discovers how intelligent and compassionate Raymond is, she finds herself drawn to him. However, Hartford is in many ways still a small town, and when Mona (Celia Weston) sees Cathy and Raymond alone together, it sets off a wave of vicious gossip that threatens to make the Whitakers' many secrets public knowledge. Far from Heaven premiered at the 2002 Venice Film Festival, where Moore's performance won the prize for Best Actress. The film was nominated for several Oscars: for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Moore), Best Original Screenplay (Haynes), Best Cinematography (Edward Lachman) and Best Original Score (Elmer Bernstein). -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR Follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR Subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) --- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply. -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 10 May 2009
This week, we'll show two films that speak of how love should not be sacrificed at the altar of societal mores, followed by a short film on the re-launch ceremony of Bombay Dost held on 16 April 2009 at Oxford bookstore, Mumbai. *Brokeback Mountain* (2005, 134 mins) Director: Ang Lee Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhall Much-feted, Brokeback Mountain is the raw, powerful Annie Proulx story of ranch hand Ennis del Mar (Ledger) and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Gyllenhal), two young men who meet and fall in love on the fictional Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming in 1963. Their relationship and its complications span 19 years--through marriage, through children, and through the mighty grip of societal confines and the expectations of what it is to be a man. Set against the sweeping vistas of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, the relationship of the two men provides a testament to the endurance and power of love. --- *Far from Heaven *(2002, 107 mins) Written and directed by Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert Maverick director Haynes embraces the look and feel of classic Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s in this period drama. Cathy Whitaker (Moore) and her husband, Frank (Quaid), are a seemingly perfect couple; living in a handsome suburban neighborhood in Hartford, CT, in 1957, Cathy and Frank have a beautiful home and two happy, healthy children, while Frank pursues a successful career in sales and Cathy cares for the home. But Cathy has begun to sense something isn't quite right in her marriage, as Frank begins working late, spending less time with her, and seems cold and distant. One day, Cathy visits Frank's work and discovers something she never expected -- her husband is kissing a man. At Cathy's urging, Frank undergoes psychotherapy, but as she tries to keep up a brave face, the emotional trauma takes a great toll on her, and she finds there are very few people she can talk with. Cathy strikes up a friendship with Raymond Deagan (Haysbert), an African-American gardener who works for the Whitakers, and as she discovers how intelligent and compassionate Raymond is, she finds herself drawn to him. However, Hartford is in many ways still a small town, and when Mona (Celia Weston) sees Cathy and Raymond alone together, it sets off a wave of vicious gossip that threatens to make the Whitakers' many secrets public knowledge. Far from Heaven premiered at the 2002 Venice Film Festival, where Moore's performance won the prize for Best Actress. The film was nominated for several Oscars: for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Moore), Best Original Screenplay (Haynes), Best Cinematography (Edward Lachman) and Best Original Score (Elmer Bernstein). -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served. *First screening begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR Follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR Subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) --- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b R Raj Rao and Dibyajyoti Sarma's book 'Whistling in the Dark' to be launched on 6 May at Oxford book
Hi all, Here's a story from Pune Mid-Day on the book. Cheers, Nitin - http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/apr/070409-Pune-News-gay-Homosexual-R-Raj-Rao-book-Whistling-in-the-Dark.htm It's time to cheer the gay identity By: Kaumudi Gurjar Date: 2009-04-07 Pune: R Raj Rao has authored a book titled Whistling in the Dark, which is a narrative compilation of the experience of 21 homosexuals from across Pune Being gay is no longer a taboo, as everything about the community is coming out of the closet. Hence, there no need to hide about one's sexual preferences, says R Raj Rao, a city-based writer. Rao has authored a book titled Whistling in the Dark, which is a narrative compilation of the experience of homosexuals. The book highlights how most of the homosexuals have been forced to hide their sexual orientation fearing backlash from the larger heterosexual society. Sting operation Although Rao is comfortable sharing his identity, the other men whom he had interviewed were quite hesitant to speak about their sexual preferences. Interviewing them was like a massive sting operation, as many of them were reluctant to share their experiences. May be it's because they didn't want to speak about their private lives or maybe they didn't want to reveal the biggest secret that they had hidden since long, said Rao. According to Rao, most of the people he had interviewed were associated with Queer Studies Centre a support group that works for the intellectual, cultural, social and political rights of gays in India. He has recorded testimonies of 20 men and one woman from all walks of life, including professors, auto rickshaw drivers, under trials and even foreigners visiting Pune. Speaking about how he convinced them to speak for the book, he said, I became friends with them, partied with them sand even took them to overnight jaunts and hill stations. It was then that they opened up to me. While a majority of interviews in Rao's book appear under assumed names, there are a few people like Christopher Benninger, Ram Naidu, Hoshang Merchant and Bindumadhav Khire who readily agreed to being quoted. Beaten Rao said, The interviewees told me how the they were bashed up by the heterosexuals. Some even said that their wives had no inkling about their sexual orientation, while some even shared their experiences of being waylaid by the police and hoodlums who threatened to reveal their identity. Romantic aspect Rao added that, Issues related to homosexuality are often hijacked by associating them with HIV. But nobody explores the romantic aspect of being gay. I have attempted to bring that element in my book. Edited by Rao and Dibyajyoti Sarma, the book will be launched on May 6 at Oxford Books Store in Mumbai.
g_b Re: Humsafar Trust presents the first Marathi musica l on homosexuality, ‘Offbeat’, on Sunday, 26 April 2
’Offfbeat’ is the story of Mahesh who ‘comes out’ to his grandmother. A grandmother who is reluctant to accept him. So, Mahesh convinces her to join him and his group, consisting of homosexual men, transsexuals, transgenders and hijras, to try to understand their issues. The play is the journey of Mahesh and his grandmother exploring sexuality. Despite the serious subject, the play is a comedy. It uses satire to poke fun at patriarchy and society’s narrow vision of gender and sexuality. Zameer Kamble, Pune-based writer-director of the play, says, For gay people, sexual orientation is a vital aspect of their identity. I wrote this play in order to bring about a level of acceptance and respect for members of the gay community. I hope ‘Offbeat’ at least makes people sit up and think. Putting it together was in itself a struggle, as I had to find some good, brave actors and get the censor certificate, which alone took over a year. Many gay people either become a laughing stock or face brutal reactions and lack of understanding, both at home and in society,” says Kamble. “This lowers their self esteem, makes them vulnerable to infections like HIV, and, in the extreme, forces them to commit suicide.” ’Offbeat’ is also the first Marathi play to speak directly about the problems of homosexuals in India, from the social and legal perspective. Cast: Sagar Lodhi, Satish Sandbhor, Pravin and Sachin. Date of the show: Sunday, 26 April 2009, at 8.30 p.m (~duration 90 minutes; one intermission) Venue details: Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, Dr.Bhalerao Marg, Khetwadi, Mumbai – 400 004. Nearest railway station: Charni Road (East) Landmark: St Teresa High School; 5 minutes walk from Charni Road station. Phone: 022-23856303, 022-23876158 Ticket rates: Rs 150, Rs 100, Rs 50. Tickets available from 24 April 2009 at the venue (Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh -- see address above).
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Saturday Special: Meet Meera Sanyal, independent Lok Sabha candidate from South Mumbai
Please try to be be there well in time. And spread the word 2009/4/21 nitin.kar...@gmail.com Bombay Dost goes South Mumbai this time, on Saturday 25 April Bombay Dost and author Parmesh Shahani team up to organise an interaction for the LGBT community with banker-turned-people's representative hopeful Meera Sanyal (http://www.meerahsanyal.in/) on the eve of V-Day. The event will be held at The Blue Frog Club, D2 Mathuradas Mills, Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. (Access from Tulsi Pipe road, across from Kamala Mills; to see a location map of the club, please logon to http://www.bluefrog.co.in/?view=500) Meera Sanyal says she is keen to listen to demands from the LGBT community and spell out her stand. She recently mentioned her view on gay rights in a blog post: My answer to this question is clear: I uphold the Constitution and the Constitution upholds the liberty of thought, expression and belief. I have many friends who are proudly gay and it is a privilege for me to have their friendship. The upcoming interaction on 25 April is an opportunity for the LGBT community in Mumbai to: 1) present their views on a host of LGBT-related issues to a candidate who is clearly interested in knowing it better; 2) to prevail upon her to get involved in our campaign for equality; and 3) possibly list some action points for her as a potential Member of Parliament. There will be a brief presentation by the Bombay Dost team on issues facing the community (including the legal/rights and health perspective), followed by an opportunity for Ms. Sanyal to speak her mind and a question-and-answer session with the audience, moderated by Parmesh Shahani. This event is open to all from the LGBT community all over Mumbai (and those visiting here). It is also open to a small group of citizens from South Mumbai constituency. PS. If you are unable to be present, you can still send in your question to bombaydost2...@gmail.com by midnight (IST) of 24 April. We shall try to ask them on your behalf and mail you back her answer. Please note: Through this event, the organisers merely aim to highlight LGBT issues. This should not be construed as an endorsement for Meera Sanyal, neither should it be seen as a thumbs down for any other candidate/party in South Mumbai or elsewhere. To vote or not, and for whom to vote is, of course, left to the individual's conscience. -- Venue and directions: The Blue Frog Club, D2 Mathuradas Mills, Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. (Access from Tulsi Pipe road, across from Kamala Mills; to see a location map of the club, please logon to http://www.bluefrog.co.in/?view=500) Date: Saturday, 25 April 2009. Time: 4 p.m. Space and refreshments courtesy: Blue Frog.
g_b Re: [Bombay-Dost] Solidarity for Celina
Celina Jaitly sent a message to the members of Celina calls for gay rights in india. Subject: A struggle with slight pain... Dear members of CCGR, Numerous intolerant and homophobic people have sent me abusive messages regarding my gay rights activism and launch of Bombay Dost on various websites including my own. It does not deter me from my cause but it saddens me that people have so much hatred not only towards sexual minorities but towards people who show them support. It is so unfortunate that people have not stopped their hatred against the gay community but have only learnt to mask it. My struggle has only just begin and i thank all those who stand by me in this human rights human dignity issue. There are critics for everything a celebrity does so must I stop living and listening to my heart ? happy to do this for all my gay friends Just stand by me. Celina On Apr 21, 2009 11:36am, Vivek R Anand avive...@gmail.com wrote: Dear Friends, After the Bombay Dost launch at the Oxford Book Store on 16th April 2009, Celina Jaitley has been getting a lot of homophobic and abusive comments on her website www.mycelinajaitley.com and www.bollywoodhungama.com. The abuse is directed at her personally and she is being attacked for being supportive of the LGBT community. She says that she does not care and her activism will continue but it would be great if we as LGBT people could write on these websites and show our solidarity and support to one person who has dared to be with us and love us for being ourselves. Those who attended the Bombay Dost launch will agree that she is an extremely genuine and caring person. The websites are being cleaned up of the venom but our support will give her lot more strength and it is important for us to write positive messages on these websites to counter all the negativity that she is facing. The websites are: www.mycelinajaitley.com and www.bollywoodhungama.com Thanks and looking forward to everyone's support Vivek Anand CEO -The Humsafar Trust Advisory Board - Bombay Dost [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
g_b Bombay Dost 'Sunday High': Meet Meera Sanyal, independent Lok Sabha candidate from South Mumbai
Please feel free to forward this. Thanks, Nitin 'Sunday High' goes South Mumbai this time, on Saturday 25 April Bombay Dost and author Parmesh Shahani team up to organise an interaction for the LGBT community with banker-turned-people's representative hopeful Meera Sanyal (http://www.meerahsanyal.in/) on the eve of V-Day. The event will be held at The Blue Frog Club, D2 Mathuradas Mills, Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. (Access from Tulsi Pipe road, across from Kamala Mills; to see a location map of the club, please logon to http://www.bluefrog.co.in/?view=500) Meera Sanyal says she is keen to listen to demands from the LGBT community and spell out her stand. She recently mentioned her view on gay rights in a blog post: My answer to this question is clear: I uphold the Constitution and the Constitution upholds the liberty of thought, expression and belief. I have many friends who are proudly gay and it is a privilege for me to have their friendship. The upcoming interaction on 25 April is an opportunity for the LGBT community in Mumbai to: 1) present their views on a host of LGBT-related issues to a candidate who is clearly interested in knowing it better; 2) to prevail upon her to get involved in our campaign for equality; and 3) possibly list some action points for her as a potential Member of Parliament. There will be a brief presentation by the Bombay Dost team on issues facing the community (including the legal/rights and health perspective), followed by an opportunity for Ms. Sanyal to speak her mind and a question-and-answer session with the audience, moderated by Parmesh Shahani. This event is open to all from the LGBT community all over Mumbai (and those visiting here). It is also open to a small group of citizens from South Mumbai constituency. PS. If you are unable to be present, you can still send in your question to bombaydost2...@gmail.com by midnight (IST) of 24 April. We shall try to ask them on your behalf and mail you back her answer. Please note: Through this event, the organisers merely aim to highlight LGBT issues. This should not be construed as an endorsement for Meera Sanyal, neither should it be seen as a thumbs down for any other candidate/party in South Mumbai or elsewhere. To vote or not, and for whom to vote is, of course, left to the individual's conscience. -- Venue and directions: The Blue Frog Club, D2 Mathuradas Mills, Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. (Access from Tulsi Pipe road, across from Kamala Mills; to see a location map of the club, please logon to http://www.bluefrog.co.in/?view=500) Screening times (tentative): Date: Saturday, 25 April 2009. Time: 4 pm Space and refreshments courtesy: Blue Frog.
g_b Humsafar Trust presents the first Marathi musical on homosexuality, ‘Offbeat’, on Sunday, 26 April 2
Hello All, Please feel free to forward/re-post on other groups. Cheers, Nitin 'Offfbeat' is the story of Mahesh who ‘comes out' to his grandmother. A grandmother who is reluctant to accept him. So, Mahesh convinces her to join him and his group, consisting of homosexual men, transsexuals, transgenders and hijras, to try to understand their issues. The play is the journey of Mahesh and his grandmother exploring sexuality. Despite the serious subject, the play is a comedy. It uses satire to poke fun at patriarchy and society's narrow vision of gender and sexuality. Zameer Kamble, Pune-based writer-director of the play, says, For gay people, sexual orientation is a vital aspect of their identity. I wrote this play in order to bring about a level of acceptance and respect for members of the gay community. I hope ‘Offbeat' at least makes people sit up and think. Putting it together was in itself a struggle, as I had to find some good, brave actors and get the censor certificate, which alone took over a year. Many gay people either become a laughing stock or face brutal reactions and lack of understanding, both at home and in society,” says Kamble. “This lowers their self esteem, makes them vulnerable to infections like HIV, and, in the extreme, forces them to commit suicide.” 'Offbeat' is also the first Marathi play to speak directly about the problems of homosexuals in India, from the social and legal perspective. Cast: Sagar Lodhi, Satish Sandbhor, Pravin and Sachin. Date of the show: Sunday, 26 April 2009, at 6 pm Venue details: Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, Dr.Bhalerao Marg, Khetwadi, Mumbai – 400 004. Nearest railway station: Charni Road (East) Landmark: St Teresa High School; 5 minutes walk from Charni Road station. Phone: 022-23856303, 022-23876158 Ticket rates: Rs 150, Rs 100, Rs 50. Tickets available from 24 April 2009 at the venue (Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh -- see address above).
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 12 April 2009
2009/4/7 Nitin Karani nitin.kar...@gmail.com: *Room with a View* (1985) 117 min English Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham-Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith Synopsis: Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman, makes her first visit to Florence, Italy in the early 1900's. There, she meets a quiet yet eccentric young man named George Emerson. Upon her return to England, Lucy must decide whether to follow through with her marriage to her stotic fiance, Cecil, or follow her heart and her growing attraction to George. (IMDB) This is not a gay-themed film per se. However it's interesting from the standpoint that the film-makers try to restore the 'gay gaze' in Forster's writing. There is a lot of so-called gay subtext, with Daniel Day-Lewis' character usually being singled out by academics as that of a closeted gay man. Having received a lot of critical acclaim for this film, the team (including script-writer Jhabvala) was far more adventurous in exploring homosexual themes in the beautiful 'Maurice'. *Maurice* (1987) 140 min English Cast: James Wilby, Hugh Grant, Rupert Graves Synopsis: Two male English school chums find themselves falling in love at Cambridge. To regain his place in society, Clive gives up his forbidden love, Maurice, and marries. While staying with Clive and his shallow wife, Anne, Maurice finally discovers romance in the arms of Alec, the gamekeeper. Written from personal pain, it's E M Forster's story of coming to terms with sexuality in the Edwardian age. (IMDB) -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First screening begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page (http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel (http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 12 April 2009
*Room with a View* (1985) 117 min English Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham-Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith Synopsis: Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman, makes her first visit to Florence, Italy in the early 1900's. There, she meets a quiet yet eccentric young man named George Emerson. Upon her return to England, Lucy must decide whether to follow through with her marriage to her stotic fiance, Cecil, or follow her heart and her growing attraction to George. (IMDB) This is not a gay-themed film per se. However it's interesting from the standpoint that the film-makers try to restore the 'gay gaze' in Forster's writing. There is a lot of so-called gay subtext, with Daniel Day-Lewis' character usually being singled out by academics as that of a closeted gay man. Having received a lot of critical acclaim for this film, the team (including script-writer Jhabvala) was far more adventurous in exploring homosexual themes in the beautiful 'Maurice'. *Maurice* (1987) 140 min English Cast: James Wilby, Hugh Grant, Rupert Graves Synopsis: Two male English school chums find themselves falling in love at Cambridge. To regain his place in society, Clive gives up his forbidden love, Maurice, and marries. While staying with Clive and his shallow wife, Anne, Maurice finally discovers romance in the arms of Alec, the gamekeeper. Written from personal pain, it's E M Forster's story of coming to terms with sexuality in the Edwardian age. (IMDB) -- One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First screening begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High 22 March 2009 Film screenings
On Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 10:55 AM, nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: This week's Sunday High features the hilarious first season of Matt Lucas' and David Walliams' smash-hit British comedy series. The episodes are skit-based so you can join us at any time during the screening. *Little Britain* (2003) 30 min episodes (8 in total), English with Matt Lucas, David Walliams Presented by two openly gay men, the show comprises sketches involving exaggerated and queer-inflected parodies of British people from all walks of life. These sketches are presented to the viewer together with narration in a manner which suggests that the programme is a guide -- aimed at non-British people -- to the ways of life of various classes of British society. Despite the narrator's description of great British institutions, the comedy is derived from the British audience's self-deprecating understanding of either themselves or people known to them. — One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First episode begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR Subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Fwd: Invitation for Comic Exhibition
-- Forwarded message -- From: Girish Kumar girish@gmail.com Date: Mar 19, 2009 1:22pm Subject: Invitation for Comic Exhibition To: humsa...@vsnl.com We feel proud to announce that, with support from World Comics, under their effort titled “Grassroots Comics”, we at The Humsafar Trust had organized a 3 full day workshop on developing comics . 20 members from Humsafar Parivar had participated in this workshop, and had developed 15 stories, on health and social issues related to MSM / Gay and TG / HIJRA communities. Further, these stories are being converted into comics, which have came out well as a communication material to communicate the message of the MSM / Gay and TG / HIJRA to the mainstream society and related stake holders. Humsafar Parivar take pleasure invite you for the comic exhibition Dastan-E-Mehafil 06:00PM onwards on Friday, 20th March 2009 The Humsafar Trust Drop in Center, IV floor, Municipal Transit Building, Nehru Road, Vakola, Santacruz (East), Mumbai – 400 055. Phone : 26650547 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ We are also organizing a competition on the same day, with the community members from MSM / Gay and TG / HIJRA in developing more realistic stories through comics between 06:00PM – 07:00PM at the HST DIC. The comic stories developed in the competition, will be judged and awarded on the same day. BEST COMIC STORIES WILL BE COMPILED AS A COMMUNICATION MATERIAL AND WILL USE THE SAME TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE RELATED STAKE HOLDERS AND MAINSTREAM POPULATION BY THE HUMSAFAR TRUST -- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ For THE HUMSAFAR TRUST Girish Kumar P. Manager The Humsafar Center III / IV floor, Municipal Transit Building, Nehru Road, Vakola, Santacruz (East), Mumbai - 400 055 Cell : 9322131020 Phone : 022 - 26673800 Telefax : 022 - 26650547 E-Mail : humsa...@vsnl.com URL : humsafar.org
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High 22 March 2009 Film screenings
On Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 10:55 AM, nitin.kar...@gmail.com wrote: This week's Sunday High features the hilarious first season of Matt Lucas' and David Walliams' smash-hit British comedy series. The episodes are skit-based so you can join us at any time during the screening. *Little Britain* (2003) 30 min episodes (8 in total), English with Matt Lucas, David Walliams Presented by two openly gay men, the show comprises sketches involving exaggerated and queer-inflected parodies of British people from all walks of life. These sketches are presented to the viewer together with narration in a manner which suggests that the programme is a guide -- aimed at non-British people -- to the ways of life of various classes of British society. Despite the narrator's description of great British institutions, the comedy is derived from the British audience's self-deprecating understanding of either themselves or people known to them. — One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First episode begins at 4.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR Subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High 22 March 2009 Film screenings
This week's Sunday High features the hilarious first season of Matt Lucas' and David Walliams' smash-hit British comedy series. The episodes are skit-based so you can join us at any time during the screening. *Little Britain* (2003) 30 min episodes (8 in total), English with Matt Lucas, David Walliams Presented by two openly gay men, the show comprises sketches involving exaggerated and queer-inflected parodies of British people from all walks of life. These sketches are presented to the viewer together with narration in a manner which suggests that the programme is a guide -- aimed at non-British people -- to the ways of life of various classes of British society. Despite the narrator's description of great British institutions, the comedy is derived from the British audience's self-deprecating understanding of either themselves or people known to them. — One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First episode begins at 4.30 pm* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR The Facebook Page (http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR Subscribe to our Google SMS Channel (http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost)
g_b Fwd: [Queer Media Watch] Comment: Queer quills
Posting a comment on the Queer Media Watch blog ( http://qmediawatch.wordpress.com/) Please support the online petition for treating members of the LGBT community more humanely. http://www.myidea.co.in/voteonidea.php?i=774amp;smo=blgs Please vote here Cheers, Nitin -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
Fwd: [GB] g_b Are you straight or gay?
-- Forwarded message -- From: nitin.kar...@gmail.com Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:49:50 + Subject: Re: Re: [GB] g_b Are you straight or gay? To: bombay-d...@yahoogro bombay-d...@yahoogroups.com, gaybom...@yahoogroups.com gaybom...@yahoogroups.com Actually, I and the rest of Bombay Dost group saw ‘Straight‘ a few weeks ago but Bombay Dost is organising a special Sunday High screening of the film in association with the producers, IDREAM Pictures, this weekend. We would have loved to have the screening as an open event, like all Sunday Highs, but this event is unfortunately by invitation only because of limited capacity, so apologies in advance to people in Bombay. ‘Straight’ is a comedy, but not a laugh out loud film, like Parvati Balagopalan’s previous ‘Rules'. The main message of the film, to my mind, is that it's okay to be whatever you are; don't be self-conscious -- hang loose, give a hang about what others will think about you. What I would highlight briefly is that: Straight has none of the stereotypes and caricatures that you see in Bollywood films all the time. There's no attitude of looking down upon homosexuality, of labelling it as deviant or confusing it with impotency, child sex abuse, runaway sexual libido, etc. It is also a funny, critical look at patriarchy and the pseudo-Indian morals of Hindi soaps. Plus it raises a flag for women's equality without being preachy. I think, when it is released on 21 March, it will be the first mainstream film to feature a real lip-to-lip (not a French kiss though) between guys. Of course, my colleagues in Bombay Dost had other views about the film, but we see no reason to pan it. Here’sa synopsis of “Straight -- Pinu ki tedhi medhi love story” (from the film’s producers) if it interests you: In the midst of central London, a successful Indian restaurant called ‘Gaylord’ is run by a Londoner of Indian origin called Pinu. A simple soul at heart, Pinu has many complexes – a special one being that he is a virgin and has experienced no intimacy with a woman. To top that, his biggest fear is to be laughed at by people… an ever-repeating phenomenon with him. Pinu is quite an introvert and has no real friends…the closest he has ever gotten to a friendship is with his foster brother Rajat, who is quite a contrast to his own personality –A casual air about him, he is the lead singer of a rock band. Rajat is very fond of Pinu, though is often a source of annoyance to him as he finds Pinu really funny. One day, a young Indian fellow called Kamlesh comes to his restaurant and asks for a job as a stand-up comedian. Quite thrown off, Pinu initially refuses but finally lets him join as a cook, who also does a stand-up act in the evenings. On the same day, he hires a new cashier - Renu, a young art student from India, who has a passion for caricatures. Life changes dramatically for Pinu as Gaylord begins to transform… Renu works on the look of the place, makes cheerful caricatures for customers while Kamles is a fabulous cook with a great talent for making people laugh in his acts and soon the restaurant is more happening and the business is much better. But the greatest difference they bring to his life is friendship. There is a visible difference in Pinu’s personality now as he lets himself hang out a bit with them. One fine day, Pinu is thrown in to a daze as he walks away from the restaurant …he has discovered a totally new fear – he might be Gay!! Pinu seeks refuge in Rajat’s advice which is quite simply – screw a woman! On a mission now, Pinu goes on a rampage seeking available women for a sexual rendezvous. However, it leads to him suffering another string of tragicomic situations, ending up feeling humiliated…and laughed at! ‘Straight!!’ is a funny tale about Pinu, who struggles with himself, his fears and his complexes, to ‘come out’ as straight and find himself a love story. On Mar 5, 2009 12:45pm, Vikram vg...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: Guys chill. This film is directed by Parvati Balagopalan who previously directed Rules: Pyar Ka Superhit Formula, which not only had an openly gay couple, but gave one of the guys an amazing total gay rights speech that stood out from the fluffy comedy in the rest of the film. Most amazingly of all, it gave the couple a happy ending, as the one who's under pressure to get married, stands up to his parents and ditches the girl (who, from her expression, greatly approves of this) and goes off with his partner in the end. So while that doesn't guarantee this film will be as good or free from stereotypes - as I said with Dostana, this is Bollywood here, which stereotypes EVERYTHING, so lets not expect special treatment - the chances are it will be quite a supportive film. Nitin, Kris, looking forward to your views after the screening. Vikram --- In gaybom...@yahoogroups.com, Sanjay Lulla wrote: I read in TOI that Nitin Karani with a few friends was invited to preview
g_b Reminder: Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 22 Feb 2009
*Sun Feb 22* *Bombay Dost Sunday High movies* The next Sunday High features two films on gay author Truman Capote's investigation of the murder of a Kansas family, quite dissimilar in tone and tenor, despite being based on essentially the same sequence of events. *Capote (2005)* 114min, English Directed by Bennett Miller Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood and Mark Pellegrino *Capote* is a biographical film about Truman Capote on a writing assignment for *The New Yorker*. Philip Seymour Hoffman won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his critically acclaimed portrayal of the title role. The movie itself was based on the 1988 biography called *Capote* by Gerald Clarke. In 1959, Capote, learns about the horrific and senseless murder of a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. Inspired by the story material, Capote and his partner, Harper Lee, travel to the town to research for an article. However, as Capote digs deeper into the story, he is inspired to expand the project into what would be his greatest work, *In Cold Blood*. To that end, he arranges extensive interviews with the prisoners, especially with Perry Smith, a quiet and articulate man with a troubled history. As he works on his book, Capote feels some compassion for Perry which in part prompts him to help the prisoners to some degree. However, that feeling deeply conflicts with his need for closure for his book which only an execution can provide. That conflict and the mixed motives for both interviewer and subject make for a troubling experience that would produce an literary account that would redefine modern non-fiction. (IMDB) *Infamous (2006)* 110min, English Directed by Douglas McGrath. Starring: Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Jeff Daniels *Infamous* is based on the 1997 book *Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career* by George Plimpton, covers the period from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s during which Truman Capote researched and wrote his bestseller *In Cold Blood*. *Infamous* is far kinder to Capote than the earlier film, portraying him as quite clearly enamored of the killer Perry Smith (an ardor fully requited by Smith) and deeply anguished when Smith is executed. *Capote* depicts the author as more conniving, manipulative and disingenuous, willing to say or do anything to get Smith to spill his story, and withholding of possible interventions he - Capote - might have made to further delay or avert the executions of Smith and his accomplice. In *Capote* the author's erotic attraction to Smith is more muted, hinted at, not acted upon. Indeed, *Infamous* is in general more explicit and direct in its portrayals, often more graphic if you will, than *Capote.* There are other differences, for example, Capote's bid to establish rapport with the local Sheriff, Alvin Dewey, is depicted as much more problematic in *Infamous* than in *Capote*. A plus for *Infamous* is its attention to Capote's relationships with a covey of New York society women known as his swans (delightfully played by Sigourney Weaver, Juliet Stevenson, Hope Davis and Isabella Rossellini), their adulation of him, his ability to coax them into sharing their secrets for his later use as gossip fodder. Daniel Craig gives a forceful performance as the killer, Perry Smith. So we have two versions of the story of Capote's adventures in Kansas: both strong films, well cast, worthwhile. (IMDB) Log on to http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com to track event info. *IV Floor, Municipal Transit (Municipal Market) Building, Nehru Road, Near Raheja Point, Vakola, Santa Cruz (E)* Nearest station Santa Cruz (WR CR Harbour) Nearest bus stop Vakola pipeline. Screening time: 4.30pm-8.30pm with one ~15-minute break
g_b Fwd: FW: UNAIDS press statement: Senators in Burundi uphold rights of men who have sex with men
Hello All, Please feel free to forward to other groups/individuals. It's such a shame that a small country like Burundi takes this up whereas the world's 'largerst democracy' oppresses its LGBT citizens. Nitin http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/PressCentre/PressReleases/2009/20090218_Burundi.asp Senators in Burundi uphold rights of men who have sex with men GENEVA 18 February 2009 — UNAIDS welcomes the Senate action in Burundi to reject a draft law that sought to criminalize homosexuality. Senators in Burundi overwhelmingly rejected an amendment of the penal code that included provisions for imprisonment of people who have sexual relationships with those of the same sex. “By rejecting this amendment, Senators in Burundi have protected the human rights of their people,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “They have also set a standard for other lawmakers around the world to follow their example in stopping laws that block the AIDS response.” Criminalization of adult sexual behaviour and violation of human rights of people living with HIV are hampering HIV responses across the world. Such measures have a negative impact on delivery of HIV prevention programmes and access to treatment by people living with HIV. Not only do they violate human rights of individuals, but further stigmatize these populations. Currently, 84 countries in the world have legislation that prohibits same sex behaviour. In the 2006 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, governments committed to removing legal barriers and passing laws to protect vulnerable populations. Countries that have non-discrimination laws against men who have sex with men, injecting drug users and sex workers have provided better access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. Download printable version (pdf, 26 Kb): http://data.unaids.org/pub/PressStatement/2009/20090218_burundi_en.pdf UNAIDS Contact: Sophie Barton-Knott tel. +41 22 791 1697 bartonkno...@unaids.org
g_b Bombay Dost Sunday High Film screenings: 22 Feb 2009
*Sun Feb 22* *Bombay Dost Sunday High movies* The next Sunday High features two films on gay author Truman Capote's investigation of the murder of a Kansas family, quite dissimilar in tone and tenor, despite being based on essentially the same sequence of events. *Capote (2005)* 114min, English Directed by Bennett Miller Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood and Mark Pellegrino *Capote* is a biographical film about Truman Capote on a writing assignment for *The New Yorker*. Philip Seymour Hoffman won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his critically acclaimed portrayal of the title role. The movie itself was based on the 1988 biography called *Capote* by Gerald Clarke. In 1959, Capote, learns about the horrific and senseless murder of a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. Inspired by the story material, Capote and his partner, Harper Lee, travel to the town to research for an article. However, as Capote digs deeper into the story, he is inspired to expand the project into what would be his greatest work, *In Cold Blood*. To that end, he arranges extensive interviews with the prisoners, especially with Perry Smith, a quiet and articulate man with a troubled history. As he works on his book, Capote feels some compassion for Perry which in part prompts him to help the prisoners to some degree. However, that feeling deeply conflicts with his need for closure for his book which only an execution can provide. That conflict and the mixed motives for both interviewer and subject make for a troubling experience that would produce an literary account that would redefine modern non-fiction. (IMDB) *Infamous (2006)* 110min, English Directed by Douglas McGrath. Starring: Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Jeff Daniels *Infamous* is based on the 1997 book *Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career* by George Plimpton, covers the period from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s during which Truman Capote researched and wrote his bestseller *In Cold Blood*. *Infamous* is far kinder to Capote than the earlier film, portraying him as quite clearly enamored of the killer Perry Smith (an ardor fully requited by Smith) and deeply anguished when Smith is executed. *Capote* depicts the author as more conniving, manipulative and disingenuous, willing to say or do anything to get Smith to spill his story, and withholding of possible interventions he - Capote - might have made to further delay or avert the executions of Smith and his accomplice. In *Capote* the author's erotic attraction to Smith is more muted, hinted at, not acted upon. Indeed, *Infamous* is in general more explicit and direct in its portrayals, often more graphic if you will, than *Capote.* There are other differences, for example, Capote's bid to establish rapport with the local Sheriff, Alvin Dewey, is depicted as much more problematic in *Infamous* than in *Capote*. A plus for *Infamous* is its attention to Capote's relationships with a covey of New York society women known as his swans (delightfully played by Sigourney Weaver, Juliet Stevenson, Hope Davis and Isabella Rossellini), their adulation of him, his ability to coax them into sharing their secrets for his later use as gossip fodder. Daniel Craig gives a forceful performance as the killer, Perry Smith. So we have two versions of the story of Capote's adventures in Kansas: both strong films, well cast, worthwhile. (IMDB) One intermission during which light refreshments will be served.. *First feature begins at 4.30 p.m.* *Second feature begins at 6.30 p.m.* Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station. Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust. Note: Programme subject to change without notice. Please track: The Bombay Dost Wiki (http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/) OR become fan of The Facebook Page ( http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Bombay-Dost/5281736) OR follow Bombaydost on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bombaydost) OR subscribe to our Google SMS Channel ( http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/BombayDost) -- My blog's at: http://queerindia.blogspot.com You can leave me a voice message from any phone at http://www.jaxtr.com/nitinkarani No call charges apply.
