The Queer Chronicle - August 2010

TQC

THE QUEER CHRONICLE 2010

AUG

Issue 1 . Volume 12 . Pune

TQC EXCLUSIVE: “I WAS TIRED OF LEADING A DOUBLE LIFE”

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’: A REVIEW

PARTY CIRCUIT AUGUST 2010

PAGE 1

PAGE 8

PAGE 18

In this issue

Editorial

“365 without 377” was the slogan on everyone’s lips, at rallies held across India on July 2.

It is very sobering however, to reflect on how much has really changed in these 365 days: • The 377 case has yet to be heard in the Supreme Court.

• The Constitution has yet to include p r o v i s i o n s t o d e a l w i t h discrimination on the grounds of sexuality or gender.

• Transgenders are yet to be recognized by society.

• The medical establishment at large continues to be apathetic to the reality of our lives and our needs.

• Most queer individuals continue to be under tremendous familial pressures and more often than not, are coerced into marrying a person of the opposite sex.

• H o m o p h o b i a , b i p h o b i a a n d transphobia continue to be rampant, even in our ‘civilized’ societies.

As a community we will continue to demand our fundamental rights: equality and respect in society.

While we have made some progress, we aim for MUCH MORE!

The Editor

TQC Exclusive: “I was tired of leading a double life”

01

Page 3: ‘365 without 377’ ‐ Mumbai

03

A Queer View: Relations

04

Bringing back ‘Bi’

05

RJ’s 10 Commandments: What not to do on your first date

07

Review: ‘You are not alone’

08

Money: The Pink Rupee

10

Leisure: Santé & Bon Appétit

12

Health: Ask Doctor Tushar

13

Art & Soul: Artist ‐ Pradeep Mahadeshwar

14

Leisure: Life & Tarot

15

Movie Report: ‘Cachorro’

16

Reader’s Corner

17

Party Circuit: August 2010

18

TQC. Issue 1. Volume 12. Pune.

Cover artwork: “Halaalal”, 2010. 48” X 36”, acrylic on canvas. Copyright Syed Ali Arif. Used with permission of the artist | Editor & publisher: Keith | Contributors: Dr Akash Khurana, Amey Kolhe, Apphia K, ‘Fleeting Sunshine’, Jaideep Bhide, Keya Arati, Pradeep Mahadeshwar, Ranjeet Kulkarni, ‘RJ Rannveer’, Subodh Bodke, Syed Ali Arif, Tushar Tayal, Vaidis K | Layout concept, design & production: Keith TQC (The Queer Chronicle) is a monthly e‐magazine published for and by the queer community in Pune. This e‐zine is a non‐commercial publication, is not for sale and is exclusively for private distribution. Views expressed are solely the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial team of TQC, nor its affiliates. The content of this e‐zine may not be suitable for all audiences. www.facebook.com/tqc.india, www.planetromeo.com/tqc_india, TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com

Please print this ezine only if you have to. Help save our planet.

TQC Exclusive :

TQC - Aug 2010

“I was tired of leading TQC Exclusive BYaxxdouble life” Vaidis K, an ex‐resident of Pune, took

longer need to fear that my words or

announcement in the local media

the brave step of coming out to his

actions may imply that I’m hiding some

about the first EVER Baltic Pride

family. He now lives in Lithuania. The

"dirty" stuff. I can more or less be open

March…right here in my city!! A lot of

country is pre‐dominantly Catholic and

to my parents now. Of course, they do

excited discussions started up and with

was also under Soviet rule for decades.

not need to know everything (chuckles)

that obviously, so did the protests. That

Perhaps that is why both, the general

but now, when they ask “Where are

was the time I knew – IT’S NOW OR

public and the law of the land still think

yo u go i n g ? ” o r “ W h o a re yo u

NEVER! I was going to tell my parents!

of homosexuality as some kind of illness

meeting?” I don't have to lie anymore.

JB: Do tell us a little about the Baltic

and view gay people with disdain and

And that's a wonderful feeling. As for

Pride March 2010.

hatred that one usually associates with

pride, I don't think I have done enough

VK: Well, it almost didn’t take place!

emerging nations in Asia & MEA. While

in my life to feel that way. My sexual

The Catholic Church and the Neo‐Nazis

attitudes are changing slowly, a lot of

orientation in itself is not a reason for

launched an all‐out offensive to have

people still choose to live closeted lives

pride. I’m just a regular guy, doing the

the March cancelled. There was a sense

out of fear of being ostracized. This

best I can.

of doom surrounding the whole event.

makes Vaidis’ decision to come out all

JB: I’m sure our readers would

The authorities tried to get it banned

t h e m o r e co m m e n d a b l e . TQ C ’s

disagree. What you’ve done is

but thanks to the efforts of some local

correspondent Jaideep Bhide caught up

something a lot of us wish we could do.

LGBT groups, that didn’t happen.

with Vaidis for an exclusive interview.

VK: Well, maybe I'm too modest

Although, because they expected

JB: Hi Vaidis, thanks for sitting down

(laughs). I suppose there are a few

trouble, the mayor’s office issued just

with TQC for this tête‐à‐tête.

things I can be proud of after all... :)

about 300 participant passes. Finally, D‐

VK: My pleasure! Thanks for having me.

JB: What prompted this decision to

Day arrived…Saturday, May 22nd. The

JB: Congratulations on coming out to

come out of the closet?

police were out in full strength. I mean

your parents. Big step! How does it feel

VK: I'd been contemplating coming out

they were EVERYWHERE! Policemen in

to be ‘Out and Proud’?

to my parents for some years now, but

cars, policemen on segways, even

VK: Well, I'm not absolutely out to

the thought was always so terrifying

horseback mounted policemen! There

everyone. There's a long way to go for

that I kept it in the closet. But I also had

were a few hundred curious on‐lookers

that. I'm out to my parents, my aunt

this nagging feeling that hiding

and an equal number of protestors...

and a bunch of friends. How does that

something so important from my

Neo‐Nazis with flags, clergymen with

feel? It feels great to finally be able to

parents was wrong. Some three or four

crucifixes and pictures of the Holy

tell the truth. I don’t have to lie; I no

m o n t h s a g o , t h e r e w a s a n

Mother!

1

The cops were trying to make sure that

just a glimpse! But... my mother

was "We do not believe that you’re gay.

everyone was at a fair distance away

recognized me!! Of course that doesn't

You are joking, aren't you? No, that is

from the main site of the Pride March.

necessarily imply that I am "one of

not true. You are a good person, you

The whole area near the riverbank was

them". Unfortunately (or fortunately)

are not effeminate. We know you, you

cordoned off and the cops were trying

my mom went to my aunt and told her

are a man, and you are not gay. Can't

to look even more intimidating than

shakily "I think Vaidis might be gay".

you control your urge to have sex with

usual!

My aunt was the one person in the

other men? You need a girl. You need

JB: What about the Pride March itself?

family whom I had confided in. She's a

children. You should marry, it's not

VK: Let me paint you a picture ‐ there

wo n d e r f u l p e rs o n a n d a g re at

necessary to sleep with your wife, you

was a small patch of land by the river.

supporter, so she called me and told

could live in different rooms, but you

The participants gathered there with

me “Your mother suspects something.

have to settle down" and so on and so

rainbow flags and banners…and that

What will you do?” And I just knew – I

forth. A month later they still think that

was the sum total of the Baltic Pride

had to tell them.

I became like this because of gay

March 2010! That’s it! The March

JB: How did you tell your parents? How

propaganda, because I was afraid of

consisted of 350 participants and over

did they react?

girls and decided to take the easier (?!)

800 policemen!

VK: I was determined but still not sure

way out. Well, you know all the

JB: How did you feel about that?

if I would find enough courage to say

stereotypes and myths about gays. I got

VK: I watched it from far, far behind the

"Mom, Dad, I have something to tell

to hear almost all of them.

wire fence. I stood right next to the

you". So, I decided to just go with the

JB: Do you regret coming out?

crowd of angry people. But I wanted to

flow. As I looked quite blue, my dad

VK: Not for a second. Sure, it was

be on the other side so much! I just felt

opened the conversation. You know

difficult and awkward for a while, but

so many conflicting emotions: joy that

that typical kind of talk we all have to

there's also a bright side. Besides

the Pride was FINALLY happening, but

hear.

feeling free – there were no screams,

also sadness that I was behind the fence and so much despair seeing all the hatred.

JB: Well, it’s a start! And something good did come out of it. YOU came out!

VK: (Laughs) Well, that is true.

2

It was difficult and awkward for a while, but there's also a bright side

no tears while we talked. And they still love me, they are not afraid to hug me.

JB: How are things with your parents now?

VK: While my mom always said that she loved me and my brother so much, my

JB: Tell us about that.

dad told my aunt that now, he loves me

VK: Because of all the tension

even more. I don't know the reason for

surrounding the event, I wasn’t sure if I

He said "You need to find a girl, marry

that, but maybe he sees now that my

wanted to march in the Pride. Besides,

her, and then life will be good".

life wasn't as easy as he thought.

it was sure to be captured on the local

‐ “I don't want that” I said.

JB: What about you? What plans for

news and I certainly didn’t want my

‐ “Why not?”

the future?

parents to find out like that! But, that’s

‐ “I think you know why...”

VK: Hmmm…Plan and this time, march

one of life’s ironies, because that is

‐ “No, we don't. Tell us. Why?”

in the next Baltic Pride, be more

EXACTLY how my parents found out!

‐ “Because I am not interested in

involved in the LGBT community in

JB: You’re kidding me! Seriously!?

women. I am a homosexual.”

Vilnius, build stronger ties with my

VK: Seriously! One of the events

Whew! This wave of relief just washed

family and maybe, hopefully, find that

planned for the Pride was a LGBT Film

all over me. I had finally said the

someone special and take him home to

Festival. I didn’t march but I attended

dreaded words!!

meet my parents!

the film fest right after. And would you

JB: But of course, that wasn’t the end

JB: Amen to that! Thanks Vaidis, it’s

believe it ‐ I was caught on camera at

of the discussion.

been a pleasure talking to you. Thank

the opening ceremony which got

VK: Of course. We talked for a couple of

you again for sharing your story with

broadcast on the news. It was perhaps

hours after that. Their main reaction

our readers. And all the best!

e 3 3 g e a e g p g a a p p 3 e 3 3 g e a e g e p g a g p 3 a p e e g g a 3 a p p e g 3 3 a a p e e p g g a 3 3 p e e g g 3 a a e p p g 3 a e p 3 a g e p a g p a 3 p 3 e 3 e g g e a a g p p pa 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e pag ge 3 pag ge 3 pag age 3 a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e e g g g a ag a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 e 3 e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a a p p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g a g a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 3 e e e g g g a a a p p p 3 3 e 3 g e e a g g p a a p p 3 3 e 3 g g a a p age e 3 page p a p 3 3 e e g g g ‘365 WITHOUT 377’

TQC - Aug 2010

JULY 2, 2010 - MUMBAI PHOTOS COURTESY KEYA ARATI

A Queer View: Relations BY ‘FLEETING SUNSHINE’

4

After mastering the art of thoroughly

confused largely because it's unable to

confusing my victims by giving the ominous 'What are you looking for?'

comprehend the need for the relation.

Are we satisfying the physical need? Is

question a circuitous answer, my dating

it just a cure for my boredom? Is there

calendar looks pretty neat now. My phone beeps every few hours, giving

any emotional or spiritual need? In absence of straight answers, it labels it

me a sense of heightened self‐worth.

This usually lasts until one of us gets a

useless. What's 'no‐big‐deal' to one, could be a deal breaker for another.

compelling urge to decorate our

While it's only natural and human to

relation with a label.

It is very natural for the female part of

seek and apply labels, I also find the tendency very ironic and 'straight'. We ‐

our brain to know where we stand and where we are headed. It just can't deal

the outcast (can you find an adult gay person who still keeps in touch with his

with the uncertainty and murkiness.

school friends?) ‐ by the virtue of our

Defining the relation allows us to know exactly ‐ okay, to a great degree of

upbringing, are so much at peace with ourselves. We've accepted ourselves.

accuracy, how we should act and react.

It's a desperate attempt to simplify

Yet we fail to understand, let alone appreciate diverse standpoints. Why

things. For instance, friends do not

can't we allow others to just be, and

f**k; they do not plan romantic getaways together, but they may meet

savor them as they are?

There's a fairly popular Bhel‐chain in

up very frequently for drinks, exchange gifts and even flirt with each other.

Pune called Kalyan Bhel. It has been serving a uniquely‐prepared Bhel, made

F**k buddies do not care much about

from moth‐beans and a combination of

what's going on in your personal life ‐ except for an occasional comment on

spices that's remained unchanged (and a secret) for decades. Another

your catchy Facebook status. They try to keep it strictly physical. If it's a fling,

interesting feature of this fast food chain is the fact that you cannot give

you must be discreet, you do not

any instructions nor ask for any

attend parties together. A boyfriend ‐ if there exists such an entity ‐ has to

"customizations" on the bhel. It's served and is to be relished as is. You

make you go crazy and pull your hair out. And then for the geeky types,

cannot have it any more spiced nor any sweeter; else it doesn't remain ‘the’

there are chat‐buddies. I've known

Kalyan Bhel. It just something ‘else’.

people who have chatted online for years with others despite living in the

A relation is a lot like Kalyan Bhel. At times, (the more analyzing type of)

same city, but have avoided meeting up in person for the fear of ruining the

individuals may be tempted to tweak it, label it, and ask for customizations. If

beautiful relation they share. However,

only he acted in certain way, and/or did

when a person does not 'fit in' to any of these baskets, the mind labels it as a

certain things, the situation would be so much simpler and better. Would it?

'waste of time', and is tempted to end the 'game'.

After a bit more analysis, the answer is a resounding 'No'.

The foolish thing that it is, it doesn't

A customized relation isn't the same

understand that there is no game; no showdown, no contest. The mind is

anymore; it's pretense; and when that happens, you might just lose interest.

Bringing Back ‘Bi’

TQC - Aug 2010

BY APPHIA K

I wish I could start off this column

name begins with ‘C’. Someone needs

ranting about how I recently met the

to remind her that just like the

perfect man – a perfect vision, perfectly

homosexuals aren’t responsible for

talented and perfectly flawed; but out

AIDS, the bisexuals are not to blame

of the fear of being told to shut up by

for unsafe sex – even the straights

the tumultuous crowds of lesbians and

do it. What irritated me was that

gay men – I won’t. Instead, I’ll be taking

we can heave and ho, making a

the traditional approach of not talking

hue and cry about a man being

about scrumptious sex and if you aren’t

murdered for being gay, but not

bi – this is entirely your fault!

speak up as a community when

In a time when our country is in the

someone we allow to walk in the

middle of its fight for equal rights, for

forefront as an LGBT supporter bashes

the Queer Community, coming out is

a part of our own community! Have

quickly becoming the norm. The more

you forgotten that we are the B in LGBT

visible we are as a community, the

and that we are fighting for the same

more it brings the cause closer to

rights by your sides? This isn’t a gay

home. Although I have always been an

community any more; we’re in this

out bisexual woman, it wasn’t till

together and are in it for the long haul

recently that I started speaking up

with you.

about bi‐issues faced within the

Running a support group in Pune that

community. I have almost always

reaches out to people irrespective of

allowed people to think I’m a lesbian.

orientation, creating a family of people

Initially, correcting this mistake wasn’t

who are pro gay rights has made me

something I even considered. I was too

realize that there is so much work yet

afraid of losing the community I had

to be done within our own community.

just found by saying that they were

Seeing people come together creating

wrong, I was not gay. My tryst with bi‐

their own safe space to exist is really

phobia started when I first came out.

heartening. Change is slow but

People told me that I shouldn’t bother

inevitable. Bi‐phobia within our

telling my parents that I’m a bisexual

community exists and this too will

because – what if I fell in love with a

change one step at a time. If you are an

man and married him? Wouldn’t it be

out bisexual reading this, the next time

easier?! No‐ I’d still be lying about who

someone calls you gay or straight,

I am. I am not a straight woman or a

correct them. It isn’t the same thing.

Recently talking to Simran at AzBaz,

lesbian, I’m bisexual, get it right!

People want visibility, so do the

I brought up my worry of ending up

A few weeks ago a certain celebrity, a

bisexuals and this is my way of reaching

with a man. Would my community

lot of the gay community is proud of

out.

having as a supporter, completely

No, I’m just kidding… I want everybody

bashed bisexuals saying that it was ok

to want me!

to be a gay man, a lesbian or a transsexual, but being bisexual was

Ambisextrously Yours,

unhealthy. I’ll give you a clue – her

Apphia K.

feel betrayed if I was in a hetero relationship? I’d like to know what readers think about this. Opine and write to me at ambisextrouslyyours@gmail.com

5

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RJ’s 10 Commandments “What to do on your first date has been done to

1. Do not..

death, so much so that

.. dress up like a

people tend to do opposite of what is evangelized through those points so I thought of giving it a twist with a list of what not to

Christmas tree…(you are going on a date not a modeling assignment.

Keep it simple)

do on your first date.

not. o D .

2

3. Do not..

.

r r you o f s r e re g flow you a r .. brin e b em ta (rem UY no date…

G a h te wit on da !!!)

Girl…

.. ask your date whether he travelled by car or bike…(people still use public transport. Is cheap, and puncture proof)

In order to make the list more comprehensive, various gay chat rooms, social networking websites and friends were consulted before preparing the list and after a brainstorming session on the loo seat, this never‐ending list was narrowed down to 10

not.. o D .

4 him…

at .. ogle he ially t y (spec g bod n i d u r prot ) par ts

5. Do not.. .. talk on and on and on… (it’s a date not an extempore. Give him a

6. Do not..

.. stare

at anoth er hottie sitting n ext to y our table…( unless u r date is also sta ring at h im)

chance to speak)

points, as it was near impossible to include all of them.

Here’s a birds view of what NOT to do on your first date…” ‐ RJ

7. Do not.. .. walk out by saying your mother called and you need to leave urgently… (there are 10 other ways to say “Sorry Not my type”)

not.. o D .

8

ss a rst ki i f r u ke yo us’ .. ma ophag s e o eck ue in wet p ‘tong a ( … e) ience suffic exper d l u o w e lips on th

9. Do not.. .. ask if he knows some more guys in your

t.. o n o D 0.

TQC - Aug 2010

1

t date r firs u o y nd r end .. eve dom a n o c used ave …(le s with a t e e h pled s ext crum the n r o f thing some one)

locality…(why d hell r u on a date? …go and log on to planetromeo!)

And above all, just go with the flow and be yourself. Even after that if it turns out to be a dampener, don’t lose heart because there are plenty of fish in the sea and many are still looking to find LOVE…!!!

7

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’

BOOK REVIEW BY DR AKASH KHURANA

With his debut novel, writer Arun

society, as well as trying to find a

mostly taboo territory, where finding

M i r c h a n d a n i b r a v e s t o b r i n g

measure of happiness within its folds, is

love and commitment is not a matter of

to light the gripping and earnest

sympathetically dealt with, but what is

celebration, but a furtive and often

account of a homosexual single man.

amazing is that in very short order,

dangerous liaison, conducted in the

Set against the backdrop of modern

you begin to appreciate that here is a

constant fear of being exposed to

Mumbai, it is a bittersweet story of protagonist who is real, someone you

8

condemnation.

hardship, love and soul searching, of

c a n r e l a t e t o a n d p e r h a p s a n

An enlightening, well‐paced, and

wanting to belong. It is a tale told

unconventional hero.

provocative read, ‘You Are Not Alone’

honestly, if sometimes satirically, and

The theme reflected throughout the

challenges the everyday assumptions

from the heart.

novel reiterates the importance of

about close encounters of another kind,

The stylized and quirky narrative of

the role of family and friends in one’s

and gives you enough reasons to read it.

protagonist Sanjay Sanghavi, spans

life, no matter how difficult or different

About the author

decades but is told in the suspended

the circumstances. From the mentor‐

Arun Mirchandani was born in 1982 in

p r e s e n t i n l i t t l e s n i p p e t s o f

elder brother, the twin soul‐sisters, and

South Korea. An alumnus of Tata

memories. Each flashback drives home

the ever‐loyal gay community, to the

Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Arun

t h e c h a l l e n g e s o f g r o w i n g u p

love of his life, the author has woven a

is currently employed with a leading

‘different’. Each episode and new

web of endearing characters that form

MNC in Mumbai, as part of their human

life stage brings new complexities,

Sanjay’s support system. At the same

resource team.

some of them shocking, some hilarious

time, in a society where the initial

(Dr. Akash Khurana, a post graduate from

and a few heartbreaking.

reaction is to deny such a reality and the

the XLRI school of business, is a renowned

A bewildering and confused childhood is

next is to sweep it under the carpet,

actor and scriptwriter. He is also faculty at

f o l l o w e d b y a n u n e a s y a w a r e

the book is a plea for acceptance.

top business schools in the country)

adolescence & the adult acceptance of

Mirchandani’s novel gives us that view

‘Your Are Not Alone’ by Arun Mirchandani is

who he is. Living within the norms of

from the other side, a glimpse into a

available at www.queer‐ink.com

TQC - Aug 2010

The Pink Rupee

BY RANJEET KULKARNI

10

Previously in The Pink Rupee, we saw

now they are dependent on it and draw

Determining your risk profile:

WHY it was essential to invest, what are

on their earnings. An investor thus

Saleel is 23 and has been talking to this

the assorted options of investing and

chooses a balanced portfolio that has

guy from London since a year and they

why it is crucial to diversify your

both debt and equity.

are both smitten with each other. Saleel

investments.

3. The Reaping Stage: Is when the

is planning a trip London in January

Today, we’ll take a step farther and

investor’s retirement is just around the

2011 to meet ‘the man of his dreams’

demystify how we should actually go

corner or has already retired and is

and needs about 75K to make the trip

about investing. We will talk about the

wholly dependent on his investment

happen. Since Saleel is at his initial

actual steps of investing, the different

income. This is when he reaps the

accumulation life cycle stage, he has a

life cycle stages and how to set short

benefits of his savings. Investors would

modest amount of savings with him.

term and long term goals.

prefer “safe” investment options which

Saleel has two choices:

Our stage of life typically determines

are intended at capital preservation.

(i) He can invest all his money into the

our financial status and our needs. The

Setting financial goals:

equity market as that is the only place

three wealth cycle stages can be

What is your goal? For someone who is

(he thinks) he will make 75K within six

classified as under for an investor:

23 years old, has just finished his post

months. Even if the markets fall, it’s

1. The Accumulation Stage: Is when

grad and has started earning money, it

okay as he can borrow the money from

investors are earning and have a limited

might be buying a car. For someone at

his pal, Gautam. Saleel is willing to take

need for investment income. The focus

26 years and has a reasonable amount

a sizable risk. He is being ‘aggressive’ in

is on saving and accumulating for the

of savings, he might want to take that

his investments.

long term. One can go for equity

holiday at Bali with his pals. For

(ii) Saleel can also put a portion of his

investments at this stage. This is a stage

someone who’s a little older, say 30

money into a monthly recurring deposit

of setting financial goals.

might think of buying his own house

scheme and then see how much

2. The Transition Stage: Is when

and someone who is in his 40’s might

accumulates in six months. If he needs

financial goals start to approach.

want to buy that second home or start

more, he’ll borrow the money from

Investors still earn a steady income but

looking at his retirement plans.

Gautam but he can’t risk losing his

principal amount. Saleel is being ‘defensive’.

You too can be branded as either ‘aggressive’, ‘moderate’ or ‘defensive’ depending on your risk appetite.

Determining Asset Allocation: So now that you know your risk profile, you need to do an asset allocation.

So if you are an aggressive investor, you’ll put at least 60% of your savings into high‐risk high‐return instruments like equity shares / equity oriented mutual funds and so on; and the rest in fixed deposits, postal deposits etc.

If you are a moderate investor, your asset allocation is 50:50 in risk‐free and high risk investments. And so on.

You need to decide what is the most comfortable asset allocation for you in terms of YOUR goals and YOUR risk profile.

Selection of Specific Instruments: Finally having decided on your asset allocation, you choose your investment option within the criteria. This involves making micro decisions, like what equity shares to purchase, what mutual funds to select, which bank to go for in case of a fixed deposit. This should be a pedantic exercise which maybe undertaken with the help of an expert who is aware about the different products that exist, and has a personal interest in your benefits ‐ and is not just after meeting his sales target.

And last but not the least, remember to

TEMPLE TREE & CONTEMPORARY ARTS AND CRAFTS

KISS ‐ Keep it Simple and Stupid.

Until the next time!

Disclaimer: The financial content in ‘The Pink Rupee’ is provided for your personal

TQC - Aug 2010

information only, is not intended for trading purposes, and cannot substitute for professional financial advice. Always seek advice of a competent financial advisor with any questions you may have regarding a financial matter.

Ground Floor, Nirvana, North Avenue, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, INDIA

Santé

And Bon Appétit

BY CHEF SUBODH BODKE

A series in cocktail recipes to help you unwind.

ZOMBIE The Zombie is a cocktail made from fruit juices, liqueurs and various rums, so named for its perceived effects upon the drinker. It first appeared in the late 1930s.

Ingredients 1/2 oz rum 1 oz pineapple juice 1 oz orange juice 1/2 oz apricot brandy 1 tsp sugar 2 oz light rum 1 oz dark rum 1 oz lime juice Method Blend all ingredients with ice, except for the rum. Pour the contents of the blender into a Collins glass. Float the rum on top. Garnish with a fruit slice, sprig of mint and a cherry.

G er m an Fa rm er 's B re ak fa st

A series of palate tickling delectables for the time-pressed gourmet home entertainer.

Ingredients 3 large potatoes, skinned and quartered lengthwise 3 Tbsp olive oil 2 cups roughly chopped gre en and white onions (include the gre ens from the green onions) 2 cups roughly chopped bell peppers Salt to taste 1-2 cups chopped ham 1/4 cup chopped parsley 4 eggs, whisked

Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the potatoes and ano ther Tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Brown the potatoes Method for about 2 minutes, stirring freq uen tly.

Boil the potatoes in a saucepan Sprinkle on salt to taste as you of lightly cook. Add salted water for 10-15 minutes until just the ham to the potatoes and coo k, stirring cooked. Drain and rinse with cold freq water to uently until the ham is heated through, cool. Cut into 1-inch squares.

Set aside.

1-2 minutes.

Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large Mix all of the vegetables, potato skillet on and ham medium high heat. Add onions together and mix in the parsley. and Add the chopped bell peppers. Increas eggs, stirring to distribute the e the heat eggs among to high. Brown the onions and the vegetables and ham. As soo bell n as eggs peppers, stirring for about 2-3 begin to firm up, remove from minutes. heat.

Serve piping hot!

A p p le C r is p Ingredients

sliced eled, cored and 7 tart apples, pe lemon juice 4 teaspoons fresh nilla 1/2 teaspoon va r 1 cup brown suga ound cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon gr 1 cup rolled oats om temperature 1/2 cup butter, ro

Method

5°F. Preheat oven to 37 lemon combine apples, In a mixing bowl, e. bin m co Toss to juice, and vanilla. (or s in a 9 x 12-inch Layer sliced apple pan. g kin ba e) siz e same approximately th

12

d gar, cinnamon, an Combine brown su r. tte bu e th . Cut in oatmeal in a bowl ure over apples. ixt m r ga su Sprinkle looks tes or until topping Bake for 45 minu s are tender. crunchy and apple la ice ed cream or vanil Serve with whipp cream.

Ask Doctor Tushar “I have been working out regularly a

breathing exercises. And last but not

the gym, but I cannot seem to get rid

the least, throw away that conniving

of the excess tummy fat. Is liposuction

mirror.

TQC - Aug 2010

an option?” – Aakash Dr Tushar: Mirror mirror on the wall

“I went on a monsoon break to Goa a

Who is the leanest of them all..

few weeks ago. The sky was overcast

How many times have I asked myself

and it rained almost through the day.

this question and never has the mirror

Imagine my shock when I got back and

replied in affirmative, those two

realized I was sun‐burnt! Any effective

exquisite words ‘YOU ARE’. Alas I have

remedies that you can suggest would

to relegate myself to doing more ab‐

be more than welcome.” – Dhruv

crunches and more push ups. So the

Dr Tushar: Pristine scenery, a tender

answer to your question here is a big

breeze, a gloriously overcast sky and

“NO”. Liposuction is not an option,

you promptly forget your sunscreen! I

contrary to what magazines and

don’t blame you, I would too! But there

television may advocate.

lies the catch. Sunscreen is to be

Any surgery comes with its inherent

applied irrespective of the weather.

risks and side‐effects, not to mention

But first we’ll discuss the treatment of

the prohibitive cost, if done at a

your sunburn:

standard institute! But what is with the

1. Put a few capfuls of vinegar in your

sudden craze of six‐eight packs and

bathing water (vinegar acts as an

walnut cracking glutes? Does it have

astringent).

any health benefits? Yes, it does.

2. Apply fresh aloe‐vera gel along with

I’ll burden you with a bit of scientific

lacto‐calamine lotion.

jargon here so that you know when to

3. If you’ve developed blisters, DO NOT

push the emergency button.

puncture them.

Keep in mind these two parameters:

4. Take a tablet ‐ Voveran‐sr (100 mg) to

1. The waist circumference should

ease your pain.

never exceed 37 inches in men and 32

5. Apply a non‐oily moisturizer.

inches in women.

To decide which sunscreen is suitable

2. The waist‐to‐hip ratio should be less

for you: Make sure your sunscreen

than 0.8 in women and 0.9 in men i.e .

enhances protection against both UV

the girth of your waist should never

A&B. An SPF of 15 provides protection

exceed that of your hips.

for approximately 150 minutes and SPF

If you’re defaulting in any of the above

30 for 300 minutes. The sunscreen

parameters, you are at an increased

should be applied at least 15 minutes

risk of plenitude of diseases, hence you

prior to sun exposure. Fair skinned

need to hit the gym, pronto! Workouts

people should opt for a higher SPF but

and healthy eating habits are the only

between 15‐30 should suffice for most

two acceptable norms of weight loss;

Indians. Be liberal and be frequent.

do that extra rep, chew your food

There are plenty of brands in the

better, have frequent small meals, have

market, my personal favorite is

plenty of water and practice deep

Neutrogena.

13

Art & Soul COMPILED BY KEITH TQC is committed to encouraging and promoting the creativity of queer & queer‐ friendly talent.

Pradeep Mahadeshwar, the featured artist, has pledged that 15% of the proceeds on sale of this artwork through TQC, would be donated to ‘Voices Against 377’, a coalition of NGOs and progressive groups working together as a united voice to fight against Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code. www.voicesagainst377.org If you would like to purchase this work of art and would like to connect with the artist, email us at TheQueerChronicle@gmail.com

Title: TI NTED R OAD Series : Winter in Lond Artwor on k Code: T QC‐000 Artist 6 nam e : P r Mahad adeep eshwar

Mediu m : M i x e d m (Digital e d i a . print o n canvas hand p then ainted and pa screen p rtially rinted.)

Size: 38 inches x 48 inch Mountin es g: Fram e d Price: IN R 45,00 0/‐

Homemade Chocolates

Plain (Dark or Milk), White, Rum & Raisins, Cashew, Crackle, Marzipan, Almonds, Hazel nuts, Coconut centre, Fruit & Nuts, Plain truffle, Coffee truffle and Mint truffle.

Contact: Vivek / Mathew at +91.9960345904 / +91.9665031982 14

Life & Tarot

BY JAIDEEP BHIDE “There are a lot of changes happening

if you hit a couple of bumps in the

at work – first, I got a new boss in

road!

April, then she suddenly was moved into another profile and I have been

“I am a 25 year old female working in

deputed to another manager. There

media. I desperately want to move out

are rumors of other major changes and

of the current job. My family thinks I

shifts in the offing. Entire business

should get married and probably look

verticals could be scrapped, if the

f o r a “d e p e n d a b l e j o b ” i n a

grapevine is to be believed. Can the

nationalized Bank. I really want to get

Tarot shed some light on the subject

a foreign MBA but resources are a

and tell me what is REALLY going on?”

problem. Please help.”

KK, Date of birth: August 11th

PB, Date of birth: Jun 27th

JB: Dear KK, The pivot of the reading is

JB: Dear PB, Your family seems to be

The Emperor. This tells me that there is

pretty conservative in their outlook and

major consolidation of activities at

a tad narrow in their vision.

work and the company is looking to

I did a Dilemma Spread, ideal for

expand in a big way.

finding out the best of any two given

All these changes are indicative that

options. Option 1 – Get hitched and get

there is someone at the top who isn’t

a Sarkari job is a big no‐no! The cards

too happy with the way things have

are not at all good and the outcome is

been going on and wants to shake

likely to be extremely disappointing.

things up. This is also indicated by the

Option 2 – Trying for a foreign MBA is

Base Card – 10 of Wands.

better. However, before you take the

The appearance of this card and some

plunge, make sure you do a thorough

others tells me that you can look

background check of every MBA

forward to a lot of work and long hours

program. Also, the presence of a 2 of

in the days and weeks to come.

pentacles tells me that there are some

Particularly, the next 2 months will be

financial limitations or existing debts.

crucial in terms of adapting to these

The Cards have advised to clear these

changes and at the same time, not

debts before getting into any new ones.

losing focus on the tasks on hand.

The next 2‐3 years are good for

There is no need to worry. Your new

pursuing this desire. But understand

manager seems to be a benevolent

that it would involve a LOT of hard‐

spirit, as long as you do not lag behind

work and self sacrifice to get there.

in your work and show him the results

In conclusion – Follow your dreams!

he expects. Sit down with him and have

They are worth it! All the best!

a discussion on the path ahead. As long as you understand each other perfectly,

TQC - Aug 2010

you can expect to see synergy at work.

The likely outcome, indicated by Six of Wands, hints at success in all matters.

Enjoy the ride and don’t try to jump off

Have a question for our Resident Tarot Expert? The advice of Tarot Cards can help you find a solution to any problem or situation you are facing in Life. Email your Name, Date of Birth & Question to thequeerchronicle@gmail.com.

15 9

MOVIE REPORT BY AMEY KOLHE

16

With a title like this you'd be half‐

"business." For reels you sit waiting for

desired a gay offspring. Violeta's

expecting a live‐action Disney movie.

something to befall her. No plane crash.

constant reassurance of her young son's

Instead, we have a film that goes against No CG‐enhanced terrorist bombing. Not

homosexuality even wobbles Pedro's

everything one imagines, proving once even a fiery car wreck. What keeps

lascivious leanings.

again, that it ain't what you say but the

Bernardo and his uncle together is not

Any one of the film’s numerous subplots

way that you say it.

death, but that other dependable

could be expanded into 90 minute,

First, it's that loathsomely predictable

cinematic punisher – drugs! Violeta is

m a d e ‐ fo r‐ T V, c r i s i s ‐ o f‐ t h e ‐ w e e k

(and manipulative) approach to

imprisoned for smuggling and director

melodrama. Grandparents ought to

sto r y te l l i n g , t h e s e t‐ ' e m ‐ u p ‐ to ‐

Albaladejo wisely spares us the torture

have visitation rights, gays make loving

watch‐'em‐die. Bernardo (David Castillo) route and heavy‐handed moralizing.

parents, dentists with HIV deserve to

is left with his uncle Pedro (Jose Luis

Not since Edith Massey's pleas for a

make a living, HIV is not a death

Garcia Perez) while his mother Violeta

queer son in John Water's "Female

sentence, etc. The true villain (and

(Elvira Lindo) goes to India on Trouble" has a cinematic mother so

victim) in the piece is Bernardo's

paternal grandmother Teresa (Empar Ferrer). Infectiously despised by Violeta, Bernardo refuses to visit with her and Pedro respects his wishes until she blackmails him with photographic evidence of a nasty "tunnel bunny" tryst.

Instead of transcribing yet another

Readers’ Corner

publications hit the stands and stand out amongst other publications.” – Whitenights, Mumbai “I really like the TQC and wait for it every month. A lot of effort goes into

Here is what we heard from you, on TQC’s July 2010 edition.

producing it. Keep up the good work.” ‐ Samarth, Pune

culture clash between gays and straights, each character is presented

“The article by Ranjeet is so very

with depth, dimensionality and a

needed! The write up on Ellora is cool

revitalizing lack of sentiment.

too ‐ I have to get myself to Ajanta & Ellora soon! Thanks for doing all this.”

Teresa would want time with her

‐ Pratap, Pune

grandson no matter what Pedro's sexuality. Were it not for his condom‐

“Just wanted to appreciate the good

strewn, drug‐soaked, sexually free‐for‐

work you guys have been doing.

all ways centered on heterosexuality, grandma would have still found ways to

Would love to see more and I hope

blackmail.

this reaches a wider span of

As in any good thirties programmer,

audience.” ‐ ‘Suraj’

crime and/or promiscuous behavior do not pay and the guilty must be

“The cover page touched my heart. If

“I like the cover picture of this

punished. We learn that Pedro is HIV

there is one thing that I regret, is not

month's edition...beautiful! ‐ Ankur,

positive and thankfully he is allowed to

being able to make my own baby. We

Delhi

live. It is particularly gratifying to leave

have not yet matured to have

a film that manages to transcend all

children out of wedlock. I hope

“I read all the issues, since the first

that in lesser hands would be a ten‐

together, we work harder for the

one in one sitting...and I must say

hankie male weepy. The director's

community so that teenagers of

FANTABULOUS! In the readers

honesty continually keeps the film from

today, may be able to bring their own

reviews I came across several

caving in under the weight of its own

creation to this world tomorrow.” –

readers suggesting a Delhi issue and I

implications.

Prasad, Mumbai

think there should be ONE...But as every time you mentioned that there

Throw all the topical messages aside, for this is as much a film about lost love

“An awesome compilation and a great

needs to be a voluntary support from

as "Citizen Kane." We exit the

publication... I read the articles twice

the local people out here... you can

proceedings locked inside Teresa's

already.... and TQC is just consistent.

surely count on me.” ‐ Ranveer, Delhi

gated burial grounds watching as an

Bravo. I do wish to see these kinda

older Pedro and Bernardo leave her funeral. Death and imprisonment separate Bernardo from the two

TQC - Aug 2010

women in his life. Violeta and Pedro

Thank You

have come to terms with the impact

We would like to thank all our readers for

she made on Bernardo's life, and it is

their encouragement, support and

only fitting that the last gaze before the

feedback, that has enabled TQC grow

final fade belongs to Teresa.

Year of release: 2004

stronger, over the 12 issues published, since its launch in September 2009.

The TQC Team

Language: Spanish 17

Party Circuit August 2010 August 3, 2010 - Tuesday PEGS‐N‐PINTS PARTY

By Club Pegs‐n‐Pints, Delhi QUEER NIGHT @ BANANA BAR

By Banana Bar, Mumbai August 7, 2010 - Saturday SHAKERS‐N‐SWINGERS NITE

By WhiteNights Fiesta, Mumbai w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p . p h p ? gid=132321920120387 August 10, 2010 - Tuesday PEGS‐N‐PINTS PARTY

By Club Pegs‐n‐Pints, Delhi August 14, 2010 - Saturday BOMBAY MASALA PARTY

By Bombay Masala, Mumbai w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p . p h p ? gid=72270194982 August 17, 2010 - Tuesday PEGS‐N‐PINTS PARTY

By Club Pegs‐n‐Pints, Delhi August 21, 2010 - Saturday ANGELS‐N‐DEMONS NITE

By WhiteNights Fiesta, Mumbai w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p . p h p ? gid=132321920120387 August 24, 2010 - Tuesday PEGS‐N‐PINTS PARTY

By Club Pegs‐n‐Pints, Delhi August 31, 2010 - Tuesday PEGS‐N‐PINTS PARTY

By Club Pegs‐n‐Pints, Delhi Disclaimer: TQC does not vouch for the authenticity of the organizers, the quality of the event, nor guarantees the security of guests at any of the listed events. We suggest that you do a thorough background reference check and exercise caution at all times.

18

Doctor in da house DR. ARINDAM BASU, MD (Medicine) - Physician & Intensivist Director, TeamIntensiveTM is available for medical consultations and counseling.

When: Monday through Saturday Where: Shree Hospital (Shastri Nagar / Kalyani Nagar junction on Main Nagar Road), Pune Time: 10.30 am to 1.30 pm A safe space and privacy guaranteed!

TQC TQC- Aug - Jul 2010 2010

Please call on +91.9890226748 for prior appointments.