Here are some cartoons welcoming the gays. :)
Amul...
http://www.amul.com/2009hits/page7.html
Savitha Babhi,
http://www.savesavita.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/sbsays_gay.jpg
Friday, July 10, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Good Riddance to 377!!
It is heartwarming the have learnt that Section 377 of the Indian penal code has been toned down to remove any form of consensual sex among adults. The section was read down to decriminalize same-sex behavior among consenting adults in a historic judgement by the High Court of Delhi on 2 July 2009.
The movement to repeal Section 377 has been led by the Naz Foundation India Trust, an activist group, which filed a public interest litigation in the Delhi High Court in 2001, seeking legalisation of homosexual intercourse between consenting adults.
In a historic judgement, on 2 Jul 2009, Delhi High Court overturned the 150 year old section,[11] legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults. The essence of the section goes against the fundamental right of human citizens, stated the high court while striking it down. In a 105-page judgement, a bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S Muralidhar said that if not amended, section 377 of the IPC would violate Article 21 of the Indian constitution, which states that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before law.
The two judge bench went on to hold that:
“
If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of 'inclusiveness'. This Court believes that Indian Constitution reflects this value deeply ingrained in Indian society, nurtured over several generations. The inclusiveness that Indian society traditionally displayed, literally in every aspect of life, is manifest in recognising a role in society for everyone. Those perceived by the majority as “deviants' or 'different' are not on that score excluded or ostracised.
Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and non-discrimination. This was the 'spirit behind the Resolution' of which Nehru spoke so passionately. In our view, Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions of who the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.
”
Any kind of discrimination is antithesis of right to equality, said the court, while allowing plea of gay rights activists for decriminalization of homosexuality.
The court stated that the judgement would hold until Parliament chose to amend the law. However, the judgement keeps intact the provisions of Section 377 insofar as it applies to non-consensual non-vaginal intercourse and intercourse with minors.
Copy of the judgement: http://lobis.nic.in/dhc/APS/judgement/02-07-2009/APS02072009CW74552001.pdf
In the news:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvfS9FHGJiE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SC9Wedf3KY&NR=1
News reports of the repeal of 377:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-127th-country-to-legalize-gay-sex/articleshow/4729503.cms
http://www.nytimes.%20com/2009/%2007/03/world/%20asia/03india.%20html
http://news.%20bbc.co.uk/%202/hi/south_%20asia/8129836.%20stm
http://sify.%20com/news/%20fullstory.%20php?a=jhckSJfhed
http://www.cnn.%20com/2009/%20WORLD/asiapcf/%2007/02/india.%20sex.ruling/%20index.html
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/Delhi-%20High-Court-%20legalizes-%20homosexuality/%20articleshow/%204726608.cms
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/04-indian-court-rules-homosexuality-legal-qs-06
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/India/%20Will-Delhi-%20HC-gay-order-%20apply-across-%20India/articlesho%20w/4731089.%20cms
The movement to repeal Section 377 has been led by the Naz Foundation India Trust, an activist group, which filed a public interest litigation in the Delhi High Court in 2001, seeking legalisation of homosexual intercourse between consenting adults.
In a historic judgement, on 2 Jul 2009, Delhi High Court overturned the 150 year old section,[11] legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults. The essence of the section goes against the fundamental right of human citizens, stated the high court while striking it down. In a 105-page judgement, a bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S Muralidhar said that if not amended, section 377 of the IPC would violate Article 21 of the Indian constitution, which states that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before law.
The two judge bench went on to hold that:
“
If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of 'inclusiveness'. This Court believes that Indian Constitution reflects this value deeply ingrained in Indian society, nurtured over several generations. The inclusiveness that Indian society traditionally displayed, literally in every aspect of life, is manifest in recognising a role in society for everyone. Those perceived by the majority as “deviants' or 'different' are not on that score excluded or ostracised.
Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and non-discrimination. This was the 'spirit behind the Resolution' of which Nehru spoke so passionately. In our view, Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions of who the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.
”
Any kind of discrimination is antithesis of right to equality, said the court, while allowing plea of gay rights activists for decriminalization of homosexuality.
The court stated that the judgement would hold until Parliament chose to amend the law. However, the judgement keeps intact the provisions of Section 377 insofar as it applies to non-consensual non-vaginal intercourse and intercourse with minors.
Copy of the judgement: http://lobis.nic.in/dhc/APS/judgement/02-07-2009/APS02072009CW74552001.pdf
In the news:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvfS9FHGJiE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SC9Wedf3KY&NR=1
News reports of the repeal of 377:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-127th-country-to-legalize-gay-sex/articleshow/4729503.cms
http://www.nytimes.%20com/2009/%2007/03/world/%20asia/03india.%20html
http://news.%20bbc.co.uk/%202/hi/south_%20asia/8129836.%20stm
http://sify.%20com/news/%20fullstory.%20php?a=jhckSJfhed
http://www.cnn.%20com/2009/%20WORLD/asiapcf/%2007/02/india.%20sex.ruling/%20index.html
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/Delhi-%20High-Court-%20legalizes-%20homosexuality/%20articleshow/%204726608.cms
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/04-indian-court-rules-homosexuality-legal-qs-06
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/India/%20Will-Delhi-%20HC-gay-order-%20apply-across-%20India/articlesho%20w/4731089.%20cms
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Pride in India, Jun 28th
Chennai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Bhubaneshwar held pride parades weekend of June 28th, comomerating the anniversary of the stonewall riots in 1969.
Chennai
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/29/indias-gays-prepare-to-jo_n_222218.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Chennai-turns-up-to-support-gay-march/articleshow/4713552.cms
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/gays-rally-equal-rights-327
New Delhi
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906282011.htm
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/Potpourri/%20Gay-and-lovin-%20it/articleshow/%204715845.cms
Bengalore
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/29/stories/2009062950940200.htm
Bhubaneshwar
http://sify.%20com/news/%20fullstory.%20php?a=jg2nuIjdhi
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Gay+pride+walk+in+capital+today&artid=BpgjAOrQPVI=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=Gay%20pride
Mumbai's Queer Azadi March is not in Sync with the rest of the cities. It will be held on Aug 16.
Chennai
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/29/indias-gays-prepare-to-jo_n_222218.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Chennai-turns-up-to-support-gay-march/articleshow/4713552.cms
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/gays-rally-equal-rights-327
New Delhi
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906282011.htm
http://timesofindia%20.indiatimes.%20com/Potpourri/%20Gay-and-lovin-%20it/articleshow/%204715845.cms
Bengalore
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/29/stories/2009062950940200.htm
Bhubaneshwar
http://sify.%20com/news/%20fullstory.%20php?a=jg2nuIjdhi
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Gay+pride+walk+in+capital+today&artid=BpgjAOrQPVI=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=Gay%20pride
Mumbai's Queer Azadi March is not in Sync with the rest of the cities. It will be held on Aug 16.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Websites of Relevance to Desi Gays
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Movies with South Asian LGBT Characters
Here are a few movies that have tried to portray a south asian gay character, either in a very small role or as central characters, in real or in a faux situation. In whatever little way, they all help in making the gay community visible to the South Asian mainstream.
For non south asian films please consider going on to http://www.queerfilm.com/
For non south asian films please consider going on to http://www.queerfilm.com/
Friday, April 3, 2009
Location Based Organisations
UK
UK Based Organisations
US
US Based Organisations
India
India Based Organisations
Bangladesh
Bandhu Social Welfare Society
Nepal
Blue Diamond Society
Pakistan
Vision
Sri Lanka
Srilanka Gay Sri Lankan Gay Friends Online Network
Companions on a Journey : Group for gay men and lesbians (coj@sri.lanka.net)
UK Based Organisations
US
US Based Organisations
India
India Based Organisations
Bangladesh
Bandhu Social Welfare Society
Nepal
Blue Diamond Society
Pakistan
Vision
Sri Lanka
Srilanka Gay Sri Lankan Gay Friends Online Network
Companions on a Journey : Group for gay men and lesbians (coj@sri.lanka.net)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
India Based Organisations
InfoSem
Bombay
GayBombay
The Humsafar Trust
Delhi
Naz India
Chennai
Shakti Centre (Chennai) - Health Organaisation
Sahodaran (Chennai) - MSM Organisation
Movenpick - Social group
Calcutta
Plus Kolkota
Bangalore
Good As You - Social Org
SANGAMA (Bangalore) - Grassroots Org
Alternative Law Forum (Bangalore)
Aneka (Bangalore)
Hyderabad
Kerala
http://queerrightsinkerala.wordpress.com/
Anannia (Trivandrum), FIRM,
FIRM-Jwala (Trissur),
GAIA (Trissur),
Human Rights Law Network (Kerala),
Loveland Arts Society (Kollam),
Malabar Cultural Forum (Calicut),
Project Prism (Trivandrum),
Sahayee (Palakkad)
Snehatheeram (Kannur)
Tamil Nadu
Tamilnadu Aravanigal Association (THHA) - Chennai
Sahodaran - Chennai
SWAM - Chennai
Challenge - Chennai
SAATHI - Chennai
Snegyitham - Tiruchirapalli
Federation of Male social and sexual health programme - Tiruchirappali
Love india - Tuticorin
Kith and Kens - Mayiladuthurai
Naam - Dindigul
Males Social Movement Society - Erode
Gokulam - Madurai
Suder Foundation - Kancheepuram
LIAAS - Kumbakonam
Lotus - Kumbakonam
Sahodaran - Pondicherry
LGBT Resource Directory in India
http://sangama.org/node/10
Bombay
GayBombay
The Humsafar Trust
Delhi
Naz India
Chennai
Shakti Centre (Chennai) - Health Organaisation
Sahodaran (Chennai) - MSM Organisation
Movenpick - Social group
Calcutta
Plus Kolkota
Bangalore
Good As You - Social Org
SANGAMA (Bangalore) - Grassroots Org
Alternative Law Forum (Bangalore)
Aneka (Bangalore)
Hyderabad
Kerala
http://queerrightsinkerala.wordpress.com/
Anannia (Trivandrum), FIRM,
FIRM-Jwala (Trissur),
GAIA (Trissur),
Human Rights Law Network (Kerala),
Loveland Arts Society (Kollam),
Malabar Cultural Forum (Calicut),
Project Prism (Trivandrum),
Sahayee (Palakkad)
Snehatheeram (Kannur)
Tamil Nadu
Tamilnadu Aravanigal Association (THHA) - Chennai
Sahodaran - Chennai
SWAM - Chennai
Challenge - Chennai
SAATHI - Chennai
Snegyitham - Tiruchirapalli
Federation of Male social and sexual health programme - Tiruchirappali
Love india - Tuticorin
Kith and Kens - Mayiladuthurai
Naam - Dindigul
Males Social Movement Society - Erode
Gokulam - Madurai
Suder Foundation - Kancheepuram
LIAAS - Kumbakonam
Lotus - Kumbakonam
Sahodaran - Pondicherry
LGBT Resource Directory in India
http://sangama.org/node/10
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
US Based Organisations
New York
South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association-New Jersey (SALGA-NJ)
South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association-New York City (SALGA-NYC)
Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)
San Francisco Bay Area
Trikone - San Francisco
GAPA-SF Bay
Billy DeFrank Community Center in San Jose
Other
Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (BostonMASALA)
Trikone Atlanta
Satrang - southern California
KhushDC - Washington DC
SANGAT/Chicago
Khush Texas
Trikone-Tejas
Trikone-Northwest
South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association-New Jersey (SALGA-NJ)
South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association-New York City (SALGA-NYC)
Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)
San Francisco Bay Area
Trikone - San Francisco
GAPA-SF Bay
Billy DeFrank Community Center in San Jose
Other
Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (BostonMASALA)
Trikone Atlanta
Satrang - southern California
KhushDC - Washington DC
SANGAT/Chicago
Khush Texas
Trikone-Tejas
Trikone-Northwest
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Books about the Desi Gay experience
Funny Boy: by Shyam Selvadurai, 1994. A book wirtten about a Srilankam tamil gay boy in a war torn country.
The Boyfriend: by R. Raj Rao, 2003. Follows the personal life of an openly gay jounalist in mumbai.
Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi, 1990.
Golden gate by Vikram Seth, 1986.
Babyji: A Novel by Abha Dawesar, 2005
Queer Theory in India: Towards a Gay ParadigmA Study of Gay Indian English Poetry: Art vs. Propaganda: the Findings
http://writeriot.blogspot.com/2008/02/thesis.html
The Boyfriend: by R. Raj Rao, 2003. Follows the personal life of an openly gay jounalist in mumbai.
Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi, 1990.
Golden gate by Vikram Seth, 1986.
Babyji: A Novel by Abha Dawesar, 2005
Queer Theory in India: Towards a Gay ParadigmA Study of Gay Indian English Poetry: Art vs. Propaganda: the Findings
http://writeriot.blogspot.com/2008/02/thesis.html
Monday, March 9, 2009
Donate to the South Asian Gay Movement
Ive always wanted to figure out what I can do to help the South Asian Gay movement but ive never been able to figure out where my cash would have the most impact. So I've recently been doing some research with regards to this.
There seem to be two primary kinds of organisations. The first is a grass roots level organisation. They have help lines, safe houses, education classes for hiv prevention etc. They cater primarily to the lowest of the low in society who have been destituted due to their sexuality. They normally also work with sex workers and HIV prevention programs.
The other kind is social groups. These bring gay people together and form friends circles and support groups. I think the raison d'etre of these organizations is to help folks lead a fun filled social lives, for those who are already capable of standing on their own feet.
The one thing that they might have in common is Advocacy. Nepals Blue diamond sciety seems to have won inroads into the legal recognistion of same sex couples. Section 377 in India seems like the the next most demonstrated law. There are heated debates being spawned both to keep it and to reject. The fact that The lawmakers in the recent past have chosen not to remove it, make sure to help us realise that this is no longer a vestige of the victorian era but a very indian law. The grass roots level organisations have been much more vocal in the advocacy side of the debate. The Social groups typically have not been able to commit much funds to the advocacy side due to fear of retribution in India. The US Based social groups are too involved in their own coutry's fight against Prop 8, and have not been contributing anything at all to the fights back in South Asia.
The NAZ foundation based in Lodon has come out being the single leader in all this. They seem like they have a very stable predictable approach to this fight. They set up grass roots level organisation in almost every major city or town in India, Pakistan, Srilanka. They set up umbrella organisations under the set up organisation. They send their own staff to work with the locally set up organisation to teach how to run such an organisation for a preiod of time. All these organisations get funding from various sources with significant resources. They are very active in the fight against Section 377 and file various suits and cases every year.
I think that the Naz foundation is the best organisation to donate money to if you want to biggest bang for the buck in terms of removing 377. I do believe that removal of Section 377 will remove the need to actually move out of the country for those who have done so in the past and create a vibrant queer community within the country and really help people come out in big numbers.
Today we stand at a turning point in history where more and more folks are coming Out and proving a good direction for all these people who are ready to give back to the community is more important now and than ever before no matter where you live. in the US, or the UK or elsewhere.
Naz Donation Page:
http://www.nfi.net/donations.htm
There seem to be two primary kinds of organisations. The first is a grass roots level organisation. They have help lines, safe houses, education classes for hiv prevention etc. They cater primarily to the lowest of the low in society who have been destituted due to their sexuality. They normally also work with sex workers and HIV prevention programs.
The other kind is social groups. These bring gay people together and form friends circles and support groups. I think the raison d'etre of these organizations is to help folks lead a fun filled social lives, for those who are already capable of standing on their own feet.
The one thing that they might have in common is Advocacy. Nepals Blue diamond sciety seems to have won inroads into the legal recognistion of same sex couples. Section 377 in India seems like the the next most demonstrated law. There are heated debates being spawned both to keep it and to reject. The fact that The lawmakers in the recent past have chosen not to remove it, make sure to help us realise that this is no longer a vestige of the victorian era but a very indian law. The grass roots level organisations have been much more vocal in the advocacy side of the debate. The Social groups typically have not been able to commit much funds to the advocacy side due to fear of retribution in India. The US Based social groups are too involved in their own coutry's fight against Prop 8, and have not been contributing anything at all to the fights back in South Asia.
The NAZ foundation based in Lodon has come out being the single leader in all this. They seem like they have a very stable predictable approach to this fight. They set up grass roots level organisation in almost every major city or town in India, Pakistan, Srilanka. They set up umbrella organisations under the set up organisation. They send their own staff to work with the locally set up organisation to teach how to run such an organisation for a preiod of time. All these organisations get funding from various sources with significant resources. They are very active in the fight against Section 377 and file various suits and cases every year.
I think that the Naz foundation is the best organisation to donate money to if you want to biggest bang for the buck in terms of removing 377. I do believe that removal of Section 377 will remove the need to actually move out of the country for those who have done so in the past and create a vibrant queer community within the country and really help people come out in big numbers.
Today we stand at a turning point in history where more and more folks are coming Out and proving a good direction for all these people who are ready to give back to the community is more important now and than ever before no matter where you live. in the US, or the UK or elsewhere.
Naz Donation Page:
http://www.nfi.net/donations.htm
Monday, March 2, 2009
Miscellaeneous links
QueerDesi Conference
http://www.desiq.org/
Directories
LGBT Resource Directory in India
http://sangama.org/node/10
LGBT Blogs Directory
http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/A-Directory-of-Queer-
Papers Published
South Asian Queer Movement needs Assessment
http://www.satrang.org/NeedsAssesmentReport.pdf
Activism
http://p2.voicesagainst377.org/
Sholay Parties of NY
http://www.sholayevents.com/
http://www.desiq.org/
Directories
LGBT Resource Directory in India
http://sangama.org/node/10
LGBT Blogs Directory
http://bombay-dost.pbwiki.com/A-Directory-of-Queer-
Papers Published
South Asian Queer Movement needs Assessment
http://www.satrang.org/NeedsAssesmentReport.pdf
Activism
http://p2.voicesagainst377.org/
Sholay Parties of NY
http://www.sholayevents.com/
Monday, February 23, 2009
Christian Faith and Homosexuality
Being born in a Christian home in Chennai and having been greatly exposed to the evangelical community at large as part of my school and college education, I lived feeling condemned and guilty for many years. There were several occasions when I felt miserable after attending church services that revelled in gay bashing. Many a time, I wished and prayed that I would wake up as a 'heterosexual man'. Well it doesnt take a rocket scientist to conclude that it remained an unfulfilled wish. I just had one question: If God abhors homosexuality (as articulated by the evangelicals) then why would he allow me to be this way? I did not pick up the "homosexual habit" along the way nor did I choose this orientation when I attained puberty. My own cliched arguement is that one does not make a choice between homosexuality and heterosexuality akin to choosing coke over pepsi. All of us know well enough, that being gay is not easy especially in our conservative socio-political environment. Aren't we constitutional outlaws, per the anachronistic and pseudo moralistic Sec 377? I know for a fact that I will not choose to be an outlaw? Since the Christian church views the scriptures as infallible, I am not surprised by the anti gay rhetoric. However, the winds of change are slowly blowing over the evangelical community and there are leaders like Tony Campolo, Philip Yancey, Dr. Everett Koop (fmr. Surgeon General) who realize that they cant hold a view about something they dont understand in it's entirety. They are pushing for a more objective and moderate view around homosexuality. I wish I could say that the pace of change is quick, but as we have seen with the racisim, casteism and other social ills, change can be slow and painfully so, even among the intelligentsia.
I had personal encounters with ex gays ministries such as Exodus and Homosexuals Anonymous (the ex gay equivalent of AA) in NYC & Toronto. had even entered their programs to try and see if my faith could help me find a way out of the "homosexual sin & bondage". I fasted and prayed and tried fantasizing about women and then tried to fall in love with a girl (what a valiant albeit misguided attempt....now more a source of mirth). Then there were some well meaning yet poorly informed people who wanted to drive the "evil spirit of homosexulaity" out of my body etc. I thank God that none of that happened. I thank God that he loves just the way I am. I am a magnificent creation of his with unique gifts and abilities. I know for a fact that he does not identify me with a label of sexuality. I am happy and I love myself for who I am. I feel more liberated than ever before. I am happy and GAY!
One of the things I do, is to talk to many of my Christian peers who I know are as gay as I am but who still struggle to come to terms with it. I share my experiences and hope that someday they will arrive at a point that I am now at, but at their own pace. I believe there are no 'one size fits all' solution. As a south Indian Christian, I know that it can be quite a tough journey. I cant say that I had much success as many of my gay friends succumb to parental/societal pressures and end up in painful "heterosexual" marriages. In their own words, that only complicated their situation in more ways than one.
For those of you who may identify with what I have shared, here is a resource you can use. It is the website of Soulforce.org, (http://www.soulforce.org/) an organization started by Mel White (former ghostwriter for evangelical heavyweights such as Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson et al). Mel made his journey towards accepting his sexuality after many years of marriage with a woman and now lives with his partner of many years. Soulforce is doing pioneering work to counter the anti gay rhetoric & propaganda of ex gay ministries like Exodus and Desert Stream etc. and is helping many Christian Gay men to get out of the gulit and condemnation quagmire they are stuck in. If you get a chance, please read Mel's book - Stranger at the Gates - To be Gay and Christian in America. It makes eminent sense and is a honest, gripping, and bare all account of Mel's life.
Finally, I wish all of you a wonderful year. May peace, success and happiness abound in your personal and professional lives. Auld Lang Syne!
Lovechild
I had personal encounters with ex gays ministries such as Exodus and Homosexuals Anonymous (the ex gay equivalent of AA) in NYC & Toronto. had even entered their programs to try and see if my faith could help me find a way out of the "homosexual sin & bondage". I fasted and prayed and tried fantasizing about women and then tried to fall in love with a girl (what a valiant albeit misguided attempt....now more a source of mirth). Then there were some well meaning yet poorly informed people who wanted to drive the "evil spirit of homosexulaity" out of my body etc. I thank God that none of that happened. I thank God that he loves just the way I am. I am a magnificent creation of his with unique gifts and abilities. I know for a fact that he does not identify me with a label of sexuality. I am happy and I love myself for who I am. I feel more liberated than ever before. I am happy and GAY!
One of the things I do, is to talk to many of my Christian peers who I know are as gay as I am but who still struggle to come to terms with it. I share my experiences and hope that someday they will arrive at a point that I am now at, but at their own pace. I believe there are no 'one size fits all' solution. As a south Indian Christian, I know that it can be quite a tough journey. I cant say that I had much success as many of my gay friends succumb to parental/societal pressures and end up in painful "heterosexual" marriages. In their own words, that only complicated their situation in more ways than one.
For those of you who may identify with what I have shared, here is a resource you can use. It is the website of Soulforce.org, (http://www.soulforce.org/) an organization started by Mel White (former ghostwriter for evangelical heavyweights such as Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson et al). Mel made his journey towards accepting his sexuality after many years of marriage with a woman and now lives with his partner of many years. Soulforce is doing pioneering work to counter the anti gay rhetoric & propaganda of ex gay ministries like Exodus and Desert Stream etc. and is helping many Christian Gay men to get out of the gulit and condemnation quagmire they are stuck in. If you get a chance, please read Mel's book - Stranger at the Gates - To be Gay and Christian in America. It makes eminent sense and is a honest, gripping, and bare all account of Mel's life.
Finally, I wish all of you a wonderful year. May peace, success and happiness abound in your personal and professional lives. Auld Lang Syne!
Lovechild
Monday, February 16, 2009
Faith Based Resources
Islam
Al Fatiha Foundation
http://www.al-fatiha.org/
Hinduism
The Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association (Galva)
http://www.galva108.org/
Christianity
Soul Force
http://www.soulforce.org/
Post on Indian Christianity and Homosexuality
http://desigayresources.blogspot.com/2009/03/christian-faith-and-homosexuality.html
Sikhs
Sarbat
http://www.sarbat.net/
http://temenos.net/2008/05/a-new-resource-for-lgbt-sikhs.html
Other Faith Based Resources
http://www.temenos.net/faith/
Al Fatiha Foundation
http://www.al-fatiha.org/
Hinduism
The Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association (Galva)
http://www.galva108.org/
Christianity
Soul Force
http://www.soulforce.org/
Post on Indian Christianity and Homosexuality
http://desigayresources.blogspot.com/2009/03/christian-faith-and-homosexuality.html
Sikhs
Sarbat
http://www.sarbat.net/
http://temenos.net/2008/05/a-new-resource-for-lgbt-sikhs.html
Other Faith Based Resources
http://www.temenos.net/faith/
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tamil Gay Resources
Tamil Gay Resources
Telugu Gay Resources
Chennai Gay Resources
Madras Gay Resources
Bangalore Gay Resources
Bombay Gay Resources
Delhi Gay Resources
Telugu Gay Resources
Chennai Gay Resources
Madras Gay Resources
Bangalore Gay Resources
Bombay Gay Resources
Delhi Gay Resources
Monday, February 9, 2009
Desi Queer Magazines
Bombay Dost: This Magazine has been re-launched and is back with a vengence. Can be subscribed to over the net for both indian and international delivery.
Web: http://www.bombaydost.co.in/
Sangha Mitra: A quarterly newsletter produced in Bangalore for LGBT people. This is available for free on the web in pdf format.
Web: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Trikone Magazine: A quarterly magazine pruduced in San Francisco, CA, USA. You can purchase a paper or digital copy with a subscription.
http://www.trikone.org/subscribe.shtml
Web: http://www.bombaydost.co.in/
Sangha Mitra: A quarterly newsletter produced in Bangalore for LGBT people. This is available for free on the web in pdf format.
Web: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Trikone Magazine: A quarterly magazine pruduced in San Francisco, CA, USA. You can purchase a paper or digital copy with a subscription.
http://www.trikone.org/subscribe.shtml
Monday, February 2, 2009
Regional/Language Based Resources
Kanada/Karnataka/Bangalore
Good As You: A Social Group: A support group for LGBT people. Meets every Thursday between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm.
Email: goodasyoubangalore@yahoo.com
Web Address: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Sangama: (Grassroots Group) A sexuality resource centre. Tuesday to Friday, 10.00am to 5.00pm.Address: Flat 13, 3rd Floor, 'Royal Park' Apartments, 34 Park Road, Tasker Town, (behind Hotel Harsha and near Shivajinagar Bus Station) Bangalore - 560 051.
Phone: 2868680.
Email: sangama@sangamaonline.org
Web: http://sangama.org/
Sangha Mitra: A quarterly newsletter produced in Bangalore for LGBT people.
Web: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Tamil/Tamil Nadu/Chennai
MP (MovenPick) : A Social Group on the web. Started in 2003, Movenpick usually has meetings at locations in Marina or Besant Nagar for food and chat about local events, personal stuff, careers, HIV, university projects, families and dating (or lack of). Sometimes they will screen a film or go to a concert or to a restaurant or hotel bar. There are currently about 200 members on Movenpick's mailing list and typically 15-30 attend meetings.
http://www.globalgayz.com/www.yahoogroups.com/list/movenpick
Orinam.net: This website run by the members of the MP group, is a Tamil and English, bilingual site with information on alternate sexualities and genders. It is a space to speak to a wide range of people, including families and friends of those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Web : http://www.orinam.net/
Sahodaran: A Grassroots group: Working with a modest budget from funders such as NAZ foundation in Delhi, they have a well-developed strategy and plan of action to access people on the fringe of society.
Web: http://www.sahodaran.faithweb.com/
Good As You: A Social Group: A support group for LGBT people. Meets every Thursday between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm.
Email: goodasyoubangalore@yahoo.com
Web Address: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Sangama: (Grassroots Group) A sexuality resource centre. Tuesday to Friday, 10.00am to 5.00pm.Address: Flat 13, 3rd Floor, 'Royal Park' Apartments, 34 Park Road, Tasker Town, (behind Hotel Harsha and near Shivajinagar Bus Station) Bangalore - 560 051.
Phone: 2868680.
Email: sangama@sangamaonline.org
Web: http://sangama.org/
Sangha Mitra: A quarterly newsletter produced in Bangalore for LGBT people.
Web: www.geocities.com/goodasyoubangalore/
Tamil/Tamil Nadu/Chennai
MP (MovenPick) : A Social Group on the web. Started in 2003, Movenpick usually has meetings at locations in Marina or Besant Nagar for food and chat about local events, personal stuff, careers, HIV, university projects, families and dating (or lack of). Sometimes they will screen a film or go to a concert or to a restaurant or hotel bar. There are currently about 200 members on Movenpick's mailing list and typically 15-30 attend meetings.
http://www.globalgayz.com/www.yahoogroups.com/list/movenpick
Orinam.net: This website run by the members of the MP group, is a Tamil and English, bilingual site with information on alternate sexualities and genders. It is a space to speak to a wide range of people, including families and friends of those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Web : http://www.orinam.net/
Sahodaran: A Grassroots group: Working with a modest budget from funders such as NAZ foundation in Delhi, they have a well-developed strategy and plan of action to access people on the fringe of society.
Web: http://www.sahodaran.faithweb.com/
Monday, January 26, 2009
Resources for Parents of Desi LGBT
SA - PFLAG (South Asian - Parents and Friends of lesbians and Gays)
This mailing list is a list for Parents, Friends and Family of South Asian gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender individuals. South Asian parents, family members and friends often have many questions, many troubling thoughts, worries and concerns, and/or desire to connect with others similar to them who may want to take a more active role in improving the South Asian community's climate towards their LGBTIQ children. This listserv is intended to serve a space for such members to come together and dialogue, offer support, and offer resources.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sa-pflag/
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of lesbians and Gays)
Organisation Based in the US acting as an organisation that caters to the parents and friends of lesbians and gays.
http://www.pflag.org/
This mailing list is a list for Parents, Friends and Family of South Asian gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender individuals. South Asian parents, family members and friends often have many questions, many troubling thoughts, worries and concerns, and/or desire to connect with others similar to them who may want to take a more active role in improving the South Asian community's climate towards their LGBTIQ children. This listserv is intended to serve a space for such members to come together and dialogue, offer support, and offer resources.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sa-pflag/
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of lesbians and Gays)
Organisation Based in the US acting as an organisation that caters to the parents and friends of lesbians and gays.
http://www.pflag.org/
Monday, January 19, 2009
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