A woman’s space for movies, debate and acceptance

A year ago, India's oldest queer women’s collective started a film club, and the response has been phenomenal

Last Saturday evening, in an apartment in Santacruz, a group of around 15 women — from teenagers to senior citizens — bonded over cups of chai. They had gathered to watch a movie on gender identity, an event that was organised by a women-only movie club, CineLabia. On the third Saturday of every month, CineLabia organises movie screenings, the themes of which centre on women, gender identity and other such issues.
Under the umbrella of the mother group, Labia (Lesbians and Bisexuals in action) — India's oldest autonomous queer women's collective started in 1955 — CineLabia aims to bring gender issues to the fore by screening films and holding debates.

Meena, who has been a member of this group since its inception, says, "In those days, a few of us got together and started this group. There was a need for us to come together; the need to fight for our rights." When Labia first started, it went under the name, Stree Sangam.

The movie club is, however, a relatively new undertaking, and was introduced a year ago. "CineLabia started out of the need for a space for women to interact, to socialise, and to talk about issues that we have to deal with. Movies are an interesting and effective medium when it comes to tackling such issues," says Sophie, a member of Labia.

Often, movies made by women, or those that deal with women's issues — on both, a social and cultural level — are screened. This month, a German movie, Working On It and a Spanish short film called 1977 were screened. As it's a women's collective, the screenings are open only to women.

"There is a value in keeping certain spaces open only for women", says Meena. Georgina, another member of the group, concurs: "There are very few spaces that are open to women. Men own public spaces and tend to dominate conversations. Many women get conscious to open up in front of men. We felt the need to have a space where women could talk freely."

The organisation also works with feminist groups, queer groups, and other marginalised groups. "We are a part of the women's movement, and believe in the fight for all women's rights," says Meena. Over the years, Labia has initiated a series of campaigns, the more recent one was the campaign against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which was part of Mumbai's gay pride parade.

Labia also has a helpline — 9833278171. "If the situation demands it, we put the callers on to counsellors. But often, people just need to talk to someone who can understand their problems. They're simply looking for assurance and comfort," says Georgina.

With more people coming out of the closet and talking about their identity and their sexuality, things seem to be changing for the better.  Members believe that groups such as these, spaces that understand and accept differences in sexuality, religion and culture, are the order of the day.
s_surekha@dnaindia.net