Love and equality, beyond borders

The queerness of the Mumbai Queer Pride Month spread a little on the Marathon track too, with me donning the hat of the jury of the costume round of Tata Mumbai Marathon, one of the biggest sporting events of the country that raises crores for important causes, thanks to the efforts of their philanthropy partner United Way Mumbai. Last year, my mom and aunt walked with a banner that spoke about equality for the LGBT community. 
Probably someday, we will actually have the marathon looking like a mini pride march. I am excited about it already.

Sunday 21 Jan 2018 also was when flashmob was organised. Flashmob is an important event in the pride month not just because of the public advocacy opportunity but also because it builds a very strong bond between people who participate in the flashmob. Kam, who is the lead choreographer, has been working hard in nurturing the flashmob team as one would nurture a family. This group is a formidable force for equality where everyone lifts each other up.

This week I also visited four colleges, I was at Wilson, Churchgate,  Sophias, Breach Candy, National College, Bandra and at IIT Bombay. The students in each of these colleges were extremely  friendly and they opened their minds to the idea of people from different genders and sexualities. I hardly could play “spot the homophobe” as everyone was  pro equality and pro LGBTQ. They did have some doubts about transgenders. The world is getting better by the day. Besides selfies and insta videos, the fact that many questions got answered, made all these events a great success. 

The coming week is even more exciting. On Jan 24, at the Canadian Consulate, we will have Karim Ladak reading out from his book The Cosmopolitan Nomad. Karim has been travelling across the world which includes nations where being gay is illegal, all of which he has documented in this book of his. Canada is perceived as one of the best nations for celebrating LGBTQ diversity. It would be interesting to know from a local about how it really is. 

Probably he could tell us more about truth, illusion and delusion. I am sure the country would have its own unique challenges for the LGBTQ community. Karim plays a very important part in Indian LGBTQ history. There was a time when people didn’t speak so openly about LGBTQ rights. It was Karim who opened his house for parties and discussions. He still identifies as an Indian. 

Georgraphies and boundaries divide us. Love unites us. 

And since we are close to the season of love on 14 Feb, love should be in the air. 

Love karaa, bhandan nakko!

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