Queer act from Marol in Sophia

Come Metro or constant rickshaw flow, some truths never change. And truth be told, Andheri east is a continent. But in this continent of sorts, filled with some film stars and companies, there is a small place with a big heart called Chimatpada. It is here that a small initiative with a big heart — Color Positive — was born. A humble initiative by Savio to further the social causes he felt about strongly through the power of theater.

Savio and his family opened their hearts and home, in the by lanes of Marol, to people from the queer community for rehearsals. His mother would spend endless time in the kitchen making chai as we used to rehearse till the wee hours. 

I have been a part of the play too and know for sure what a group of young but wild minds can do given the canvas of imagination. Color Positive soon extended from being a small play performed at a queer event to having its own variety entertainment show at Sophia Auditorium. The group has proven that it is more than just big dreams and the power to achieve them too. The show had dance performances, musicals and a fashion show that celebrated all genders. The show even showcased the work of the girls from Kranti, the non profit that works to empower girls who are from the red light districts of Mumbai. 

The play Lal Batti Express gave a peek into the everyday life of commercial sex workers and their families. The best thing about the play is that it is being enacted by those who are directly affected by it and is not “inspired” or “adapted” in any way. Who else but those who have lived the truth can re-live it in front of an audience? The phrase “re-living the truth” makes for a good headline of any intellectual academic discourse however no matter the smiles when we enact our truths, it also brings in a lot of baggage and garbage from the past that we re-ignite when we re-live those times of torment and agony. But that’s art. It transcends bodies and spaces to be one with you. 

The Color Positive event at Sophia Auditorium on Sunday was supported by the Canadian Consulate. Jordan Reeves, Consul General, Canada, in a press note, said: “To highlight the Canadian perspective on diversity, inclusion and LGBTI rights, I would like to remind everyone of the supportive words spoken by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Vancouver Pride Event in July 2016 — Everyone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination, no matter who they are or whom they love. 

Today is about ensuring that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves.”

The world needs more diversity-champions like Justin Trudeau. Ho naah

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