Jesus, this is pain. I am on my first GB party in about 6 months. I'm there alone and loud music is blaring through the speakers. Twinks and queens are dancing away to glory. Friends who came with friends are busy talking between themselves. There is a lone television set which is giving me company. It's showing the highlights from yesterdays World Cup matches. There are barstools placed just in front of the television set and people come and plop on them without a care about people watching the match.
I have a small whiskey in my hands and I'm taking my sweet little time to finish it because everything else is so boring. After I finish the drink, I decide I have had enough and get out of the venue out to the street hoping that there would be someone like me who has gotten tired of what's happening inside. There is no one.
Then I see the main coordinator of these parties walk in. He asks me how I'm feeling. I said I'm bored to death and am planning to leave. He suggests that I head off to the lounge were there is place to sit and there is no loud music. Apparently it's up the stairs. I walk up to enter this weird looking room with an 8-feet roof. Couches are splattered near the walls. I curl up in one hoping that at least internet will save me.
No, I was wrong. This place doesn't even have a signal. All I can do is to order for another drink and type in a blog post. So if an interesting person doesn't show up by the time I finish my drink, I'm so out of this place heading home to watch the England vs. USA match!
This brings me to the question - why doesn't Mumbai have a decent gay bar? A place where people can meet up and talk. Not dance. Conversation and drinks. Like the old-fashioned gay hangouts that you see in movies? I have proposed my friend and restauranter this idea. He's thinking about. Hope something comes out of it.
By the way I'm coming back home from this nightmare called the GB party!
Showing posts with label gay bombay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gay bombay. Show all posts
'Straight' out of nowhere
I was one of the few invitees to the screening of 'Straight' yesterday at Fun Republic preview theatre (Parvati Balagopalan, Vinay Pathak, Anuj Chaudhary are just a few names from the attendees of the screening). I was skeptical because of a lot of reasons - a cynic by my side, a 'gay-friendly' movie from Bollywood on the screen and a theatre full of people whose natural instincts are to scream and holler on instinct at the slightest of jokes and faintest of hints of positive gay-vibe. The 'Dostana' nightmare still lingers on, you see. The first few minutes of the movie added to my wariness as some unexpected and cheap animation tricks to 'charter' down a family tree were unfurled on the screen.
Thankfully, that was just about it. The movie had me forget about all the things that could go wrong. It was fast paced, witty, clever and intelligent. The character development was just at the right pace leaving scope for the plot to become really interesting. It's funny how performances simply become good when you get rid of all the 'stars' and get some real actors into the mix. It is not at all surprising that I'm itching to add an 'unlike Dostana' tag to each and every sentence in this little post. But I'm not a movie-critic and I'm not writing because I needed to feel like one. Let's get to the point here.
This movie is so positive with regards to gays and their rights that it pales everything else that has come before it - 'Fashion', 'Dostana' you name it. There is NO gay stereo-typing. There are no banal jokes about homosexuals. Homophobia was dealt with classy treatment which would make even the homophobes enjoy the movie and possibly change their mindset. There are so many instances in the movie which stress about gays being regular people, about gays being not obsessed with sex and only sex, about arranged marriages destroying lives in the gay-context and finally about gay relationships being simply like any other relationship; with all it's virtues and fallacies.
We have campaigned for 'Milk' and we have cheered for 'Dostana'. I think 'Straight' is the movie that we should really promote as the judgment at the court is around the corner. I applaud the efforts of all the people who were part of the movie! Please go watch it!
A bright start
I had a very good morning and nothing could have made it sweeter than this article on the frontpage of Times of India - 'Gay Israelis get surrogate baby in city'.
I have already started dreaming about the same day in my life. It seems so distant now. Then again, every dream needs to be distant to be enjoyed when it comes true.
It's such a pleasant coincidence that the first thing that I saw today morning was the interview with my friend and fellow blogger on NDTV 24X7. He was giving his views about 'Dostana' and how it helped him come out to his sister. A few other friends of mine were in the background. One of them was supposed to be closeted and it was so poignant that he and his boyfriend were caught looking into each others eyes in the video.
(Picture courtesy TimesOfIndia.com)
I have already started dreaming about the same day in my life. It seems so distant now. Then again, every dream needs to be distant to be enjoyed when it comes true.
It's such a pleasant coincidence that the first thing that I saw today morning was the interview with my friend and fellow blogger on NDTV 24X7. He was giving his views about 'Dostana' and how it helped him come out to his sister. A few other friends of mine were in the background. One of them was supposed to be closeted and it was so poignant that he and his boyfriend were caught looking into each others eyes in the video.
(Picture courtesy TimesOfIndia.com)
"Don't repeal section 377: Homosexuals"
I was startled to find this headline to an e-mail to the GB mailing list and was even more startled to find out that even the Times of India article that the e-mail was referring to also had the same title. Guts, courage, balls... are the adjectives that came up in my mind for the gay community. Why? Because I thought they were mocking the responses to the earlier story.
But, that's not the case as I found out when I read this.
On second thoughts, I felt that most people who are interested in this topic would be reading it because of the headline. And those who condemn homosexuality might even realize that we have hearts and souls and we care for others, something which they obviously overlook when they say nasty things about us. What do you think?
(PS: This story doesn't have a single comment until now. On the TOI page that is.)
But, that's not the case as I found out when I read this.
While the homosexuals in India have welcomed Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss' statement seeking the removal of provisions in Section 377of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that classifies sex between two men as a criminal offence, they do not want the repeal of the section to protect the boy child from abuse.I must say that I don't really see the point of the headline. Of course, I know that those who commented on the topic like Nitin didn't have a choice with the headline at least. But, isn't it weird? I mean, we sound like we are actually fighting against what we are fighting for?
On second thoughts, I felt that most people who are interested in this topic would be reading it because of the headline. And those who condemn homosexuality might even realize that we have hearts and souls and we care for others, something which they obviously overlook when they say nasty things about us. What do you think?
(PS: This story doesn't have a single comment until now. On the TOI page that is.)
The picnic at 'Doctor's farm'
Today (3rd of August), Friendship Day, oozed with fun. 1 hour and 20 minutes of sleep before a relaxing picnic might not be your idea of fun, but as some of you might be knowing, hyposomnolence (noun: a state of lack of sleep, etymology: Engayging Life, the blog) does wonders for me like increased libido, a certain level of happiness etc. I felt that it improved the overall experience of the picnic.
We went to a place called 'Doctor's Farm' in Kolad (somewhere between Mumbai and Pune, as one of the tired organizers explained to me on our way back. I doubted the authenticity of that claim and I was correct) in a bus and accompanying me were the gayest and the cutest men you will ever see. Drown in the misery of envy and jealousy (;) that was intended for a few fellow bloggers)!
I and him caught up with a lot of our lives as the bus meandered across Mumbai, halting at the various 'pick-up points' in the city to 'pick-up' gay men interested in 'fun'. And the 'fun' did start as the bus took the highway with Antaaksharis and stuff. Hence, whilst the ladies were having a giant blue whale of a time, I started off with my photo shoots. I took a lot of pictures of theguys gays in various positions of howling, wailing, yapping and yowling.
Soon it was time for introductions which were nothing but charming. One of the core members of GB, who has the wiliest shade of sense of humor and a tendency to flourish even in his 'digs' stood by the introductee to help 'come out' to the crowd. A sample: a guy with a place without the boy friend would be asked to mention the charge rates for 'happy hours', 'midnight charges' etc. Everyone, including the most reluctant of all newbies were laughing, baring and sharing themselves; this is what these parties are for and that's where GB seems to achieve what it strives so hard to: to provide gays a safe & comfortable environment to get comfortable with their sexuality.
In about 3 hours after the start, we reached our destination: a beautiful countryside with the fantasy land look with meadows, streams, waterfalls. The air was hot and humid or else, it would just like a dream. At the farm house, at least I was surprised to see the facilities. A relatively equipped kitchen/restaurant, good toilets/bathrooms and huge dorm like rooms (something that you would have seen in dreams about orgies) complimented the garden and lounging place.
The frolic lingered on during the breakfast and the changing session (where young, attractive gays get together in this big dorm room to undress themselves and then to put on skimpy swimming attire) which was highlighted by the catwalk of the queens. I, despite being as un-queen-y and grace-less as Prince Charles, did the walk too - and received insane amounts of cheering - much misplaced I presume. I was loaned a t-shirt and a pair of shorts by the aforementioned bundle of wit which saved me the blemishes of my lack of preparedness for the picnic.
In a ride simulating the African safaris; just replace wild grazing animals with wild 'gay'zing men, we were tempo-ported to the stream and waterfall. We were surprisingly not alone there. Other picnic groups and a group of native children were enjoying nature downstream. 50 out of the 52 strong group jumped into the cool, calming stream. I myself was a little scared of slipping in the mossy rock and injuring myself. The two hours spent hence can't be put in words. Even those were a little shy at the outset unshackled themselves to enjoy.
I, after an hour and a half in the water, some of which was spent under and behind the waterfall, decided to get out and take some snaps. I don't think I really needed to say anything more lest for the chance to make someone else feel sorry about what they were missing out: beautifully sculptured, near-naked bodies of handsome gay men draped in virtually nothing posing for me! Honestly, I didn't expect to be enjoying taking photos of them! But did I have fun!
Four of them (including) him, were very good at posing and I was able to take some shots worthy of magazine covers and center-spreads. The others, even a little unsure and couth in their way, posed for me. The only thing which sort of chucked away a little bit of fun was some gerontophobic comments from almost everyone in our group about a group of older men bathing nearby. I did try to vocalize my protests but soon rested my case.
Back at the farm, another wet-dream of regular gays transpired as most showered (not in common showers, ladies) and got dressed. After a very tasty lunch, I showed many how handsome they looked in the photos. Soon, we were playing 'Dumb Charades'. I realized a startling fact: gay men are really the best in such games with their intelligence, charm and talents showing through. That took us through to tea and it was time to leave.
I, by then, was feeling rather tired and moody and reclused to my phone where I spent time checking my e-mail and blogs. The energy of the group hardly feel though as I heard spasms of laughter every few seconds in the Truth or Dare and Antaakshari games.
All in all, a fantastic experience. One, in which I confirmed that gay men are tons more fun than straight men. The Friendship Day in which I made a few good friends, I wish I could mention the names to thank (to [F. C.], [D.], [S. H.], [M. R.], [N. N. R.]). And I got to know better of my already-befriended ones ([H. G.], [U. S.], [A.], [S. J.], [H. J.], [S. B.]).
And I'm already looking forward to next picnic.
(PS: A very happy and not-so-very-belated Friendship Day!)
We went to a place called 'Doctor's Farm' in Kolad (somewhere between Mumbai and Pune, as one of the tired organizers explained to me on our way back. I doubted the authenticity of that claim and I was correct) in a bus and accompanying me were the gayest and the cutest men you will ever see. Drown in the misery of envy and jealousy (;) that was intended for a few fellow bloggers)!
I and him caught up with a lot of our lives as the bus meandered across Mumbai, halting at the various 'pick-up points' in the city to 'pick-up' gay men interested in 'fun'. And the 'fun' did start as the bus took the highway with Antaaksharis and stuff. Hence, whilst the ladies were having a giant blue whale of a time, I started off with my photo shoots. I took a lot of pictures of the
Confession: I suck at Antaakshari. I think it can be attributed to my relative abstinence from Bollywood music for the many yeas. All I know are a few songs which I listened to in my childhood. Besides, I somehow find the 'tone-deaf' singing hard to fathom.
Soon it was time for introductions which were nothing but charming. One of the core members of GB, who has the wiliest shade of sense of humor and a tendency to flourish even in his 'digs' stood by the introductee to help 'come out' to the crowd. A sample: a guy with a place without the boy friend would be asked to mention the charge rates for 'happy hours', 'midnight charges' etc. Everyone, including the most reluctant of all newbies were laughing, baring and sharing themselves; this is what these parties are for and that's where GB seems to achieve what it strives so hard to: to provide gays a safe & comfortable environment to get comfortable with their sexuality.
In about 3 hours after the start, we reached our destination: a beautiful countryside with the fantasy land look with meadows, streams, waterfalls. The air was hot and humid or else, it would just like a dream. At the farm house, at least I was surprised to see the facilities. A relatively equipped kitchen/restaurant, good toilets/bathrooms and huge dorm like rooms (something that you would have seen in dreams about orgies) complimented the garden and lounging place.
The frolic lingered on during the breakfast and the changing session (where young, attractive gays get together in this big dorm room to undress themselves and then to put on skimpy swimming attire) which was highlighted by the catwalk of the queens. I, despite being as un-queen-y and grace-less as Prince Charles, did the walk too - and received insane amounts of cheering - much misplaced I presume. I was loaned a t-shirt and a pair of shorts by the aforementioned bundle of wit which saved me the blemishes of my lack of preparedness for the picnic.
In a ride simulating the African safaris; just replace wild grazing animals with wild 'gay'zing men, we were tempo-ported to the stream and waterfall. We were surprisingly not alone there. Other picnic groups and a group of native children were enjoying nature downstream. 50 out of the 52 strong group jumped into the cool, calming stream. I myself was a little scared of slipping in the mossy rock and injuring myself. The two hours spent hence can't be put in words. Even those were a little shy at the outset unshackled themselves to enjoy.
I, after an hour and a half in the water, some of which was spent under and behind the waterfall, decided to get out and take some snaps. I don't think I really needed to say anything more lest for the chance to make someone else feel sorry about what they were missing out: beautifully sculptured, near-naked bodies of handsome gay men draped in virtually nothing posing for me! Honestly, I didn't expect to be enjoying taking photos of them! But did I have fun!
Four of them (including) him, were very good at posing and I was able to take some shots worthy of magazine covers and center-spreads. The others, even a little unsure and couth in their way, posed for me. The only thing which sort of chucked away a little bit of fun was some gerontophobic comments from almost everyone in our group about a group of older men bathing nearby. I did try to vocalize my protests but soon rested my case.
Back at the farm, another wet-dream of regular gays transpired as most showered (not in common showers, ladies) and got dressed. After a very tasty lunch, I showed many how handsome they looked in the photos. Soon, we were playing 'Dumb Charades'. I realized a startling fact: gay men are really the best in such games with their intelligence, charm and talents showing through. That took us through to tea and it was time to leave.
I, by then, was feeling rather tired and moody and reclused to my phone where I spent time checking my e-mail and blogs. The energy of the group hardly feel though as I heard spasms of laughter every few seconds in the Truth or Dare and Antaakshari games.
All in all, a fantastic experience. One, in which I confirmed that gay men are tons more fun than straight men. The Friendship Day in which I made a few good friends, I wish I could mention the names to thank (to [F. C.], [D.], [S. H.], [M. R.], [N. N. R.]). And I got to know better of my already-befriended ones ([H. G.], [U. S.], [A.], [S. J.], [H. J.], [S. B.]).
And I'm already looking forward to next picnic.
(PS: A very happy and not-so-very-belated Friendship Day!)
The party
You don't often get to see/feel/know me like this; when I'm high. I'm high in the drunken sense. I don't usually drink. And I'm (well, I was at least), forcibly (by my own will), off of alcohol for the lat 4 months or so. So, make use of this wonderful opportunity.
Despite my monetary setbacks, I decided to attend the gay party arranged by GB (Gay Bombay). The party was happening at a Sports Bar next to my apartment really. That was one more reason. Actually, something positive had happened in the studio where I met my band mates and our audio engineer. I felt optimistic. I felt sure that things were actually going to go good for me. With that I mean, my band and my monetary situation. That had made me decide to ride my wave and attend the party. And boy, did it not turn out to be wonderful!
To put things in perspective, I had a torrid time at the gay party about 2 months back. Despite being gay, I don't enjoy 'dance' music or the actual 'dancing' part. So, I had a torrid time at the last party. No real 'quality' people to hang out and talk with. To summarize, I left the party before the half-way mark.
Tonight, it was different. I was one of the first persons. The confidence of the mini-success in the music field was paying off. Don't forget the beard/moustache part (I was clean shaven at the last party and thereby, got ignored as another twink!). I met a lot of new people. Very interesting people. Some old friends like this guy. New doctors. New Dads. New friends. Everything was fantastic. I even managed to dance with a cool blogger. Mind you, I never dance. I'm clumsy and a-choreotic when it comes to dancing.
I met 2 mallus and 2 people entwined with the music industry. Call that lady luck! And, I also met at least four older men, all of whom were 'in a relationship'. One of such relationships, a very, very cute couple who had flown all the way from 'Chennai' to attend the party, was one which struck me as being so ironically, coincidentally similar to mine. It was an older, American boyfriend, bald with a beard, who lived in New York who fell in love with a younger, cute, South Indian man who is a doctor!
Hello dear Goddess! I don't want such a degree of replicability! I am proud, and ergo, I need to be authentic and unique!
To top it all, I decided to go to the GB friendship day picnic, which starts in about 4 hours.
Despite my monetary setbacks, I decided to attend the gay party arranged by GB (Gay Bombay). The party was happening at a Sports Bar next to my apartment really. That was one more reason. Actually, something positive had happened in the studio where I met my band mates and our audio engineer. I felt optimistic. I felt sure that things were actually going to go good for me. With that I mean, my band and my monetary situation. That had made me decide to ride my wave and attend the party. And boy, did it not turn out to be wonderful!
To put things in perspective, I had a torrid time at the gay party about 2 months back. Despite being gay, I don't enjoy 'dance' music or the actual 'dancing' part. So, I had a torrid time at the last party. No real 'quality' people to hang out and talk with. To summarize, I left the party before the half-way mark.
Tonight, it was different. I was one of the first persons. The confidence of the mini-success in the music field was paying off. Don't forget the beard/moustache part (I was clean shaven at the last party and thereby, got ignored as another twink!). I met a lot of new people. Very interesting people. Some old friends like this guy. New doctors. New Dads. New friends. Everything was fantastic. I even managed to dance with a cool blogger. Mind you, I never dance. I'm clumsy and a-choreotic when it comes to dancing.
I met 2 mallus and 2 people entwined with the music industry. Call that lady luck! And, I also met at least four older men, all of whom were 'in a relationship'. One of such relationships, a very, very cute couple who had flown all the way from 'Chennai' to attend the party, was one which struck me as being so ironically, coincidentally similar to mine. It was an older, American boyfriend, bald with a beard, who lived in New York who fell in love with a younger, cute, South Indian man who is a doctor!
Hello dear Goddess! I don't want such a degree of replicability! I am proud, and ergo, I need to be authentic and unique!
To top it all, I decided to go to the GB friendship day picnic, which starts in about 4 hours.
Good luck with sleeping and waking up, Kris!
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