The Queer Chronicle - May 2011

TQC Issue 2 . Volume 9 . India

feature story

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION the midnight

PROWL

one night in

mex in the city

FREEDOM TO LEAVE

AMSTERDAM on your coffee table

MEN OF RAJASTHAN

the best things to do in

QUEER PUNE 18+

th wi in w no ders r e a 2 0 + ies tr un o c

in this

ISSUE 2

feature story

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

6

mex in the city

FREEDOM TO LEAVE

8

the best things to do in

QUEER PUNE

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16

on your coffee table

MEN OF RAJASTHAN

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the front row

TRICK

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event announcement

KASHISH - MIQFF 2011

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the midnight

one night in

PROWL

AMSTERDAM

12

5,26-30

setting the after party

advertisements &

MOOD

PROMOTIONS

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for the morning after -

DEVILED EGGS

TQC. Issue 2. Volume 9. India.

Cover page: Model - Ashish Dutta. Photographer - Ameet Palkar Editor & publisher: Keith | Contributors: Alika, Amey Kolhe, Farud Cambatta, Jimmy, Sridhar Rangayan, Sunetro Lahiri, Waswo X. Waswo.

Layout concept, design & production: Keith.

TQC (The Queer Chronicle) is India’s longest running free monthly e-magazine published for and by the queer community in India. 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. The appearance of any person in this ezine, is not to be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons. TQC respects the copyrights of photographs / images and ensures that due credit of the sources of these are mentioned. 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.

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Welcome to May 2011 and the 21st edition of TQC. We all waited with bated breath for the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing on Article 377, scheduled on April 19, 2011. Alas, the Court decided to reschedule the hearing till after the summer vacations.

However in the interim, our hope still burns bright and our revolution continues. A revolution that defines our identity, therein we define our stance.

Our feature story “CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION” introspects on the definitions and meanings, in this world rife with cultural eccentricities and paradoxes.

In “MEX IN THE CITY” we explore freedom. But not in the context of freedom from repression of human rights, but with reference to our ambitions and desires that steer our life’s commitments.

As we navigate through life, it’s important to also take time for ourselves and enjoy what the present has to offer through the people we interact with and in the cities that we live in.

The next destination in our series “ THE BEST THINGS TO DO”, takes you to the new, yet dynamic kid on the block -­‐ Pune. TQC then gives you a visual treat of one of the most happening parties in Pune, in “ THE MIDNIGHT PROWL” and also helps you set the mood for your very own after party.

After a wild night out on the party circuit, hunger pangs are sure to get the better of you. In our revamped F&B column “FOR THE MORNING AFTER” TQC presents a series on ‘quick fix’ yet wholesome brunch delicacies to sustain you and your date for the rest of the day.

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On a lazy Sunday afternoon, cuddle up with ‘Men of Rajasthan’. This book is a must-­‐have “ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE”. The book definitely does not disappoint, with a homoerotic and voyeuristic glimpse into a male centric universe, in a uniquely mysterious place that is Rajasthan.

If jet setting around the globe is your thing, our series, “ONE NIGHT IN” presents a list of must-­‐do’s, to make your ‘one-­‐night’ titillating worthwhile.

Keeping with this month’s theme of ‘freedom and queer rights’, we make a quick stop-­‐over in Amsterdam.

So summer will pass, the Court will reconvene, our future may be defined -­‐ either way. In a time of much uncertainty, I am reminded of the quote -­‐ ‘You can’t change the past, but you can ruin a perfectly good present, by worrying about the future.’

So why not live in the NOW?

Keith The Editor, TQC

feature story

children of the revo by sunetro lahiri Definitions and meanings, in this world rife with

(chocolate lava cake) make it into one breathless

cultural eccentricities and paradoxes, keep shifting

utterance of a sentence, a macrocosmic change has

constantly to adhere to the rules of the all-­‐pervasive

truly come about!

dynamic cycle of change. While Ginsberg and Kerouac might have called out to ‘angel-­‐headed hipsters’ to

Tick-­‐Talk on the Clock!

fight against conformity and capitalism, the Beat

Is 21st century a world where speech is bolder than

Generation’s validation comes today with a move to

action? While profanities used to rule the ‘cool’

redefine conventions and the very concept of

pool once, hegemonic slanders now simply speckle

revolution. No blood, no mud, no scream, only a

our speech patterns like ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘iPod’. A

dream… today’s youth has learnt how to change the

mishmash of various influences, the speech today

system in their own way.

is, while annoyingly derivative of slang, also more spontaneous and unrehearsed, indicating their

Dirt Music

mercurial exuberance. But the confusion arises

Hush…this is India, talk not about the unspeakable

when we look at the subliminal density that certain

sins! Well, at least that is what the situation was like

words carry. ‘Gay’ remains as pejorative as… errr…

till a few years ago, with people either disapproving

‘religious’ and ‘Bollywood’, while ‘bisexual’ has a

homosexuality, (more than toxic colas or McDonalds

certain mystique inevitably interlinked. And once

burgers!) or outright denying its very presence (like

again, when bisexuality becomes a vogue, it is

the detriment of smoking!). Why do we love to

considered more alluring a vignette on a woman

titillate? Why, while discussing Carrie Bradshaw, is

than her male counterpart.

‘Sex’ louder than the city??

It isn’t that much of an issue for the youth! Sex is today, as Maslow propounded, a basic need. So, men or women, the prefix of ‘hetero’ or ‘homo’ is growing increasingly redundant as we realize the fluidity of sexual preferences. So, the next time you cringe at graphic details of a friend’s amorous encounters, remember that when a number (69) and a dessert

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And THAT, my friends remains the most confounding bit! I

olution

mean, yes, we are gaga about Gaga and true blood truly boils for Anna Paquin, but which man, woman and cretin hasn’t smouldered for the searing heat that emanates from that angelic visage of Mika Penniman? This Grace Kelly we’d Love today, and tomorrow! And yet, a bisexual man is never taken seriously, even by the pink posse. Pre stop to Totally-­‐Pink-­‐ ville, perplexed detour from Sincerely-­‐Drunken-­‐Straight-­‐ville, or simply Captain-­‐No-­‐Action-­‐Anything-­‐Goes-­‐ville, bisexuals aren’t exactly spoilt for choice! So ‘Bi’ ‘Bi’ Birdie it is! Yet, somewhere down the line, something simmers… and that is hope and change. And the momentum of change, I am sure, will percolate into gender stereotypes too, squashing their very existence someday.

You, Me and He/She? Clearly, ‘women on top’ was not a concept only Samantha Jones screamed from the rooftops! Realizations have seeped into the schema of things, wherein softer males are more prevalent and successful and the idea of the hard, aggressive female takes precedence today. While there is undoubtedly a commerce angle to it, with a multi-­‐billion dollar beauty industry at its behest, one can feel the ripples of change as Indian teenyboppers cheer and leer at Adam Lambert as he gets the glam on just for your entertainment (!), replete with mascara, and lip gloss! As for the chicas, they wear the pants today, literally and figuratively. And yes, trousers ARE bio-­‐ medically more suited to the female anatomy! Who’s to say,

Model: Ashish Dutta Photographer: Akshay Bajaj

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where this trend of intermingling gender identities will head. One thing is for sure… times, they are a changing!

The Name’s Bond, the relationship bond!

In a move truly representative of Indian duality, the uber-­‐liberalism, comes not without an able foil today… a return back to arranged marriage and an exodus towards stability. Ten years of playing around with ‘single’dom, solitude and crash and burn relationships, the youth’s exasperation is evident in the plummeting levels of serial monogamy! Robbie Williams might fret, but hell, he too is married now! Seeking asylum in tradition, we are tracing the path back, in a hope for a stable tomorrow. So, even while casual dalliances may still be steaming on the platter, number of soul-­‐ searchers who are looking at something more grounded and concrete has exponentially risen. Brian Kinney may just have become irrelevant. Hell, even he became a boyfriend by the end! So, let’s not delude ourselves into mistakenly equating singlehood with independence. Let us not be blind as to misconstrue anti-­‐couple attitudes for edgy and zany. These aren’t exactly a pair of Bvlgari teashades that can be kept in the closet (guffaw, pun entirely intended!) and worn when in vogue again.

Human beings are designed for a lot of things and loneliness is not one of them. Independence is embracing who you are and not mindlessly cultivating eccentricities… so take a stand and take a chance!

God Save the Queen!?!

Generation Next? Generation Y? We are Generation Flux… and in the process of tension and recollection of identity, we therein define our stance. At the behest of globalism and a billion gazillion cultural ingredients melting in a pot, we are truly today’s Beat Generation, and one that isn’t passive.

And in Marc Bolan’s words, there’s no fooling the Children of this Revolution!

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mex in the city

FREEDOM TO LEAVE by alika

With my bare feet perched outside the car window,

same calm spirit housed within his pensive self. This is

delicate breezes blowing through the car, I stare out

was my partner. We ended after three years, because

into the Pacific Ocean as we closely follow the

I was afraid of losing my freedom: The freedom to

contours of the rigid coastline. The lush and verdant

leave.

forest of tropical flora and fauna wraps the highway, as we zoom past, blasting music as we belt out the lyrics. I look over at him, intoxicated by his irresistible grin. With rich, brown skin contrasted by a vivid black eyes and a brilliantly perfect white smile, Curtis lets out a boyish chuckle. A gorgeous Native Alaskan, living on the island of Hawai‘i. Small and fit, he is a burst of energy. This was my man. We ended because I was free to leave.

On a cool autumn weekend, Thibaut whisks me away to Paris. “Close your eyes,” he whispers in his thick accent. Unsure, I meekly shut my lids, as he takes my hand and leads me past chattering bystanders.

“Ouvres tes yeux.” I open my eyes, and am struck by the incredible image before me: The Eiffel Tower framed by the tree-­‐lined streets in this city of love. I look over at Thibaut, whose mesmerizing eyes are fixed on mine. Smoldering green eyes that would stare at me with a mixture of suspicion and intrigue.

He could have easily been the perfect French lover, if I had only let him succeed in his ploys to woo me. We never started because I was free to leave.

Sitting atop the Santa Monica mountains, we imbibe on California wine with a vista of Malibu. With his hand on top of mine, I breathe in the fresh ocean air.

His soft blue eyes reflect the serenity of the sea, the

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A few nights ago, I sat down to sip on a basil pear

With his profile image proudly displaying him and his

martini with a cute Austrian who coincidentally lives

new boyfriend sitting on a picturesque white sand

right around the corner from me. The night ensued

beach, I hesitantly read the note from this ghost from

with stimulating conversation. As our words

the past. In it, he referenced my ‘ambition’ and want to

meandered through a maze of topics, I found myself

see the world as the reason he let me loose. The

getting lost in his charismatic grin and radiant blue

general gist of the message was a ‘congratulations’ for

eyes. That evening, I floated back to my apartment,

realizing my dreams. Eight years have passed since I

blissfully savoring the sweetness of the date. My

came out, six boyfriends later, and I have never been

phone rudely interrupted my trance, pinging me to

more skeptical of this cage that I endearingly call my

bring to my attention a new facebook message. A

freedom.

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message from Curtis.

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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN QUEER PUNE A late bloomer, in the last two years, Pune has rapidly transformed from a sleepy, laid-back city to one with an exceedingly dynamic queer scene.

A balanced mix of events organized by Pune-based groups, queer-friendly establishments, queer-owned-queeroperated businesses, an all inclusive culture - Pune seems to have it all.

An initiation into the queer Pune scene would probably be at a party by BIRDS OF A FEATHER. Fab music, great venues and awesome people. Can it get any better? www.facebook.com/group.php? gid=90165106564

Away from the noise and madness, Pune also has a more serene side with its SUNDAY BRUNCHES and SUNDAYS AT THE PARK. Food, music, games or just chat - an interesting way to rejuvenate before a horrifying new work week.

Pune also has a mind-boggling selection of queer-friendly establishments. A visit to SMOKIES at the Corinthian Club, TERTULLIA or POST 91 or KIVA at Koregaon Park and you will be sure to bump into someone have seen on PlanetRomeo. A small city - love it or hate it. It’s reality.

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OPEN SPACE, an NGO off Law College plays host to bi-monthly queer-themed movie screenings at its QUEERING SATURDAYS. www.openspaceindia.org The venue also plays host to a monthly discussion group lead by QUEST-PRAYATNA Quest.Prayatna@gmail.com

Another NGO that has been at the forefront for several years is SAMAPATHIK TRUST, steered under the able leadership of Bindumadhav Khire. www.infosem.org/samapathik.htm

Pune also has some of the best queerowned, queer-operated businesses any city can boast of.

CONTEMPORARY ARTS AND CRAFTS (CAC) www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=14348300382 and TONI&GUY salon & spa www.facebook.com/group.php? gid=106611126057605 are just some of the spaces where you can indulge and pamper your senses.

Pune’s first mainstream event Q-FEST held in December 2010 was a two day extravaganza that included film screenings, panel discussions, an art exhibition, a script reading, a short play, sale of queer literature and loads of fun. It has the potential of becoming Pune’s annual signature event. www.facebook.com/QFest.Pune2010

Our next stop?

The capitol of excesses ... and very pretty boys, Delhi :)

-­‐ Content & graphic design by Keith -­‐ Photos from respective group websites are used only to promote these groups. Images are copyrighted and are the property of their respective owners.

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the midnight

PROWL

BIRDS OF A FEATHER’S ‘EASY LIVING -­‐ SUMMERTIME’

April 3, 2011 | Pune Photographs by Jimmy on behalf of TQC

Disclaimer: TQC respects individuals’ privacy. We confirm that all photographs published in this section were with the express approval of the featured individuals, who were given prior intimation, at the said event, that their photographs would be published in TQC. Photographs used are the sole property of TQC.

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setting the after party

MOOD

Disclaimer: The video and images thereof are used only to popularize the artist. Content is copyrighted and property to their respective owners.

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One of the world’s most diverse and free-­‐spirited music artists, Madonna is considered a queer icon and her gay following continues to be one of the most loyal segments of her audience -­‐ and the largest of any such superstar.

Considered to be one of the ‘25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century’ by Time for being an influential figure in contemporary music, Madonna is an indelible icon in public consciousness.

Through a brilliant career that spans almost three decades, Madonna has either been drawn to or inspired by gay people. Her many of friends and inspirations during her formative years included her ballet teacher Christopher Flynn, choreographer Alvin Ailey, artist Keith Haring, and photographer Herb Ritts – as well as her brother Christopher.

In the 1980s, Madonna was one of the first major celebrities to lend her support to AIDS causes. Inside the cover of her ‘Like a Prayer’ album, which sold over 13 million copies, was a sleeve note informing the potential public of the horrors of AIDS, encouraging people to practice safe sex.

Some of Madonna's biggest hits that have references to the queer lifestyle and its nuances include ‘Vogue’, ‘Deeper and Deeper’ and ‘Why's It So Hard?’. And who has not heard of ‘Like a Virgin’, ‘Papa Don't Preach’, ‘Like a Prayer’, ‘Frozen’, ‘Hung’ and ‘4 Minutes’?

So pour yourself a glass of wine, cuddle up to your hottie and chill to the music of the Goddess.

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www.youtube. com/watch? v=_CQHIP-38j MAY11

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for the morning after -

DEVILLED EGGS After a wild night out on the party circuit,

Immediately cover and remove from heat. Let eggs

hunger pangs are sure to get the better of you,

stand exactly 15 minutes. Run under cold water and

the morning after. TQC presents a series on

peel.

‘quick fix’ yet wholesome brunch delicacies to

TQC

sustain you and your date for the rest of the day.

Amongst the easiest and quickest things to cook is the humble egg! Eggs have been around since no one can remember. The constant question always comes up "What came first the chicken or the egg?" In truth all that doesn't really matter, because the fact is that the world likes them and has liked them for a very long time.

Eggs can be cooked all sorts of ways, but the world's favorite has to be deviled eggs. While it is a delicately simple appetizer, it also packs a delicious punch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS 8 hard boiled eggs Salt, pepper 2 tsps of Dijon mustard 1 tsp of parsley chopped ½ cup of basil leaves chopped 3 tbs of mayo.

PREPARATION Place the eggs in a large saucepan. Cover with water by one inch. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over high heat. Allow eggs to boil for exactly 30 seconds.

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Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop the yolks out

Serve immediately or chill up to 24 hours before serving.

into a small mixing bowl and mash the yolks with a fork.

To make the deviled eggs easier to fill, Place the basil and mayo in a food processor. Blend for 2

spoon the yolk mixture into a zipper-­‐

minutes. Add the mixture to the bowl of yolks and mix.

sealed plastic bag, cut off the bottom

Then season with pepper and salt.

corner and pipe the filling into the egg white shells.

Spoon mixture into egg white shells, or spoon mixture into a plastic zip-­‐loc bag. Cut off the bottom corner of

This recipe can have many variants of fillings. Rummage

the bag and pipe the yolk mixture into the egg whites

through your fridge and don’t be afraid to experiment.

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on your coffee table

MEN Of rajasth book report by keith

PHOTOGRAPH TITLE: NEW MYTHS, FIRST INCARNATION -­‐ 16TH Disclaimer: This image from the book ‘Men of Rajasthan’ is used only to popularize the publication. Content is copyrighted and property to their respective owners.

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Provocative, earthy, titillating and exquisite! These were the first adjectives that passed through my

han

mind when I flipped through the book ‘Men of Rajasthan’.

Inspired by the tradition of vintage studio portraiture and influenced by the 19th century movement of Pictorialism, ‘Men of Rajasthan’ is the brainchild and a showcase of the decade-­‐long passion by American born artist Waswo X. Waswo.

A collaborative effort between Waswo and a team of Indian artists, ‘Men of Rajasthan’ is an eclectic photo catalog of fifty images annotated with delightful commentary that makes the characters come alive.

But this book is only about men! So one may wonder, where are the women?

In fact, the book is a vignette of a much larger collection -­‐ ‘Studio in Rajasthan’ that contains numerous images of women, due to be published at a later date. However in his debut book, the Udaipur based ace photographer, Waswo chooses to showcase only the men, to subtly emphasize the reality of gender segregation in traditional Rajasthani society.

Central to the theme, the men of Rajasthan exhibit a peculiar mixture of machismo and sensitivity. The younger men are some of the handsomest in the world. The older men too maintain a solid poise and dignity that would find few equals anywhere in the world.

Not only are their physical attributes appealing, their shrewd business sense, their clever logic and their proud sense of nobility all play into the mix.

The book explores the entire spectrum of Rajasthani men -­‐ the young, the old, the poor, the infirm. Though ‘Men of Rajasthan’ is predominantly a series of cameos of seemingly mundane chores and subjects -­‐ the village barber, the Peepul gatherer, villagers

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PHOTOGRAPH TITLE: THE HOOKAH MAN Disclaimer: This image from the book ‘Men of Rajasthan’ is used only to popularize the publication.

Content is copyrighted and property to their respective owners.

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playing carom, farm boys, a man smoking a hookah, the ‘Romeo’….; yet the visualizations are fresh, playful, powerful and whet the senses.

The latter part of the book also explores Waswo’s recent suite of intriguing photographs New Myths -­‐ First Incarnation. They depict a handsome adult Krishna, complete with a lean toned body.

The series delves into history and mythology, whilst drawing analogies with modern-­‐day male behaviors and emotions.

The vintage feel to the photographs hovers enigmatically between the retro and the contemporary. The painted backdrops have the local flavor the landscapes of Rajasthan and the props used are typical of the streets of Udaipur – cycle carts, an old scooter, an ancient electric fan, decorative mirrors and earthen pots.

The composition, use of natural light, the sepia hues and the soft, sensitive approach to hand-­‐ coloring of the the black and white images by Rajesh Soni, cleverly draws the eye to a ‘new discovery’ within the photographs each time they are viewed.

‘Men of Rajasthan’ definitely does not disappoint, with a homoerotic and voyeuristic glimpse into a male centric universe, in a uniquely mysterious place.

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-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐ Book title: Men of Rajasthan, by Waswo X Waswo with hand-­‐colorist Rajesh Soni Publisher: Serindia Contemporary, 2011 Available in India at Rs 800/-­‐ through Gallery Espace (New Delhi) and Gangarams Books (Bengaluru). Available internationally through www.amazon.com at US$ 35/-­‐ -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐

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THE FRONT ROW

Trick movie report by amey kolhe

A shy musical comedy composer searches in vain for someplace to bed down with a sexy go-­‐go dancer in this sweet-­‐natured romantic comedy set in Manhattan.

College student Gabriel (Christian Campbell) wants to compose musical comedies; Katherine (Tori Spelling), his muse and confidante, wants to star in his productions. In the meantime, she's rehearsing an all-­‐ female version of Salomé set in a women's prison while he drowns his sorrows about a negative review at a tony strip club.

On the way home from the bar, Gabriel notices Mark (Jean Paul Pitoc), one of the dancers from the club, catnapping in the subway. One mumble-­‐mouthed come-­‐on later, the men attempt to consummate their attraction to one another at Gabriel's tiny apartment, only to find themselves frustrated by pets, roommates and a visit from Katherine.

The couple's attempt to find a suitable boudoir leads them from one location to another; along the way, they discover that their attraction might extend beyond a single afternoon's ardor.

Trick marked the feature debut of director Jim Fall, a New York University alumnus who had previously

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Disclaimer: The photographs and video are used only to popularize the movie. Content is copyrighted and property to their respective owners.

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lensed such gay-­‐themed shorts as Shanghai, He Touched Me, and Love Is Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Fall and first-­‐time screenwriter Jason Schafer spent more than three years reworking his original script while raising half a million dollars to finance the film, which appeared at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals in 1999.

One of the factors that lends depth to this film and makes it more than just mere romantic puffery is that it does not deny the reality of its context. It deals head-­‐on with the issue of casual sex versus committed relationships while remaining lighthearted and non-­‐judgmental in the process.

Moreover, writer Jason Schafer and director Jim Fall demonstrate an ear for naturalistic speech, often finding humor and poignancy in the very same line of dialogue. They have surrounded the two main figures with a bevy of offbeat, slightly quirky characters who make up Gabe and Mark's worlds in the form of best friends, roommates, former lovers, business associates etc.

Tori Spelling does a delightful turn as Gabe's ditzy ex-­‐girlfriend and current best friend who feels conflicted over her own romantic feelings for this man she knows will never love her as she would like him to.

Much of the publicity over the film centered on the heterosexuality of its two male romantic leads; despite such mild controversy, Trick became a modest art-­‐house hit. Trick appeared at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals in 1999.

Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Watch the trailer of ‘Trick’ on

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www.youtube.c om/watch? v=llX-D4UL74Y TQC

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011, the second edition of India’s only

• A competition section for Best Narrative Feature too, which would include both Indian and

mainstream LGBT film fest, promises to be BIGGER,

International films made in 2010 / 2011. This is in

BOLDER & QUEERER. The second edition will be

addition to the other competitive categories

held from May 25-­‐29, 2011 at two venues in

awarded last year: Best Docu Feature, Best Docu

Mumbai, one of which will be a multiplex theater.

Short, Best International Narrative Short and Best

Indian Narrative Short.

This year, the festival will showcase more than 130

• The Best Indian queer short film at Kashish gets

films from over 25 countries.

to compete for the Iris Prize in UK and a cash prize of 25,000 pounds.

The highlights this year: • More feature length films than last year with some very sensitive lesbian themed features.

• Films from across the globe: from US to UK, Australia to Austria, India to Indonesia and even Argentina and Peru.

• Also watch out for an eminent jury comprising of award winning filmmakers, actors and media professionals.

KASHISH 2011 promises to be an event to remember for both LGBT and mainstream

• This year, the ‘Country Focus’ will be on Israel with more than 8 films from there.

audiences. It will be a time to watch loads and

• ‘Spotlight on Filmmaker’ will shine on a US filmmaker and a UK filmmaker with their funny,

with celebrities and filmmakers, participate in

sexy and thought provoking films.

loads of LGBT films, engage in discussions, interact cultural activities and just simply have a FABULOUS time!

• Special package of films on Anti-­‐Bullying and gay bashing in schools followed by a panel discussion.

• Continuing KASHISH’s mission of showcasing and promoting Indian queer shorts and short

Website: www.mumbaiqueerfest.com

For further updates on the festival, please check: Blog: www.kashishmiqff.blogspot.com

filmmakers, this year would have a fantastic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kashish.MIQFF

collection under its ‘Indian Masala Mix’ program.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kashish2011

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one night in

AMSTERDAM

In our series, ‘One night in...’ TQC presents a list of must-­‐do’s, to make your ‘one night’ stopover titillating worthwhile.

Keeping with this month’s theme of ‘freedom

this is the Amstel area, with bars that are popular with the locals.

The Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk are home to the leather scene and gay bars for 'real men'. You can

and queer rights’, it's hard to imagine a more queer-­‐friendly travel destination than Amsterdam.

With the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1811, Amsterdam could be considered the birthplace of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.

You needn't search for rainbow flags to find a hotel, restaurant or bar with an open-­‐minded welcome.

Queer-­‐friendliness permeates most every corner of the city.

With almost the whole of Amsterdam as your ‘garden of earthly delights’, you may as well go all the way.

When choosing a hotel, ditch the staid options. It’s not everyday that you can book yourself into a gay-­‐owned, gay-­‐operated hotel. A short walk from popular gay hangouts, fantastic rooms and economical tariffs, The Amistad or The Golden Bear at Kerkstraat are ‘the’ places to park, for the gay traveler.

Once you have checked-­‐in and have freshened up, don’t waste a minute! There are hundreds of gay bars, dance clubs, restaurants and hotels that could be described more accurately as 'gay-­‐trendy', most of which are located in one of four main districts.

The Reguliersdwarsstraat is the hub of upscale gay bars like relaxed Soho and Taboo, trendy Café April, and the city's biggest gay dance club, Exit. Close to

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TQC

choose to grab a drink at the oldest leather cruise bar, Argos or sip on your favorite poison at Angel or Queenshead or the new one called Blue. And then of

The birthplace of one of the world's first gay rights' organizations, host to the Gay Games, capital of a the first country in the world to legalize same-­‐sex marriages

course there is Prik, Bump and Cockring. We mean, the bars!

and headquarters to PlanetRomeo -­‐ nowhere in the world will you find as many gay attractions per square meter, as in the city centre of Amsterdam.

If darkness and sleaze is really your scene, the popular Thermos Sauna on the Raamplein is always worth a visit. No matter what time you go, there is action guaranteed somewhere in this 5-­‐storied ‘mansion of climaxes’. And surprise, surprise! Thermos is open all night too.

Small (not really, LOL) wonder that Amsterdam retains its title as one of the gayest cities on Earth!

(TQC thanks Farud Cambatta of ‘GO Gallery, Amsterdam’ (www.gogallery.nl) for his invaluable inputs.)

TQC

www.youtub Amsterdam Pride 2010 e.com/ watch?

A glimpse of

MAY11

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