Category: Commentary | Varta Trust

This is a close-up shot of a feedback board put up at the ‘Rongdhonu Mela’, an inclusive queer-trans and disabled flea market and festival organized at Taltala Ground, Kolkata by Sappho for Equality on November 22-23, 2025. On a large white chart paper pasted on a wooden wall structure, people attending the festival have written appreciative comments or drawn rainbows and flowers as a symbol of their This is a close-up shot of a feedback board put up at the ‘Rongdhonu Mela’, an inclusive queer-trans and disabled flea market and festival organized at Taltala Ground, Kolkata by Sappho for Equality on November 22-23, 2025. On a large white chart paper pasted on a wooden wall structure, people attending the festival have written appreciative comments or drawn rainbows and flowers as a symbol of their appreciation. The feedback board itself looks like a colourful installation at the festival. The comments include statements like “This carnival is so fun”, “Wanna come back next year”, and “Thank you for giving us wings”. The feedback provides a glimpse of sorts into what queer worldmaking looks like. Photo courtesy Sappho for Equality and Nilanjan Majumdar

Commentary Nov '25

On queer self-determination (part 4)

By Meera, Aritra C.

Mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. conclude their conversation on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures

Quote: Transgression of boundaries in 'Aamis' sets the protagonists as well as the audience on a path of realization that nothing is off limits. What can be eaten, what cannot be eaten, who can be desired, and who cannot be desired are just some of the questions that the film explores. The appetite of humans for food and desire cannot be contained. The garb of respectability within the confines of morality leads to suppression of desires. The intimacy that the protagonists craved between themselves was never expressed in words or actions. Instead, their forbidden desires found a release in food.

Commentary Sep '25

Liberation in sin

By Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy

Questioning the so-called morals around desire can set us on the path to a more accepting, less judgmental life, says Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy

Quote: I am reminded of my training days where queerphobia, casteism, and ableism were so rampant that it was hard for me to gulp it down day after day and pretend as if there was nothing wrong. At this time, there was no singular event to signify the change I experienced. But it was life-changing for me in the sense that I stopped looking at the training curriculum as unbiased. I could zoom out and look at the curriculum critically, which is often difficult as we remain strongly enmeshed within the training system.

Commentary, Insight Sep '25

On queer self-determination (part 3)

By Meera, Aritra C.

Mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. continue their conversation on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures

This image is a combination of a photograph with text extracted from the accompanying article superimposed on the photograph. The photograph shows a dusk-time long shot of a sunset. The sun, a golden yellow sphere, can be seen gleaming at the bottom edge of the photograph. Some building tops and TV antennae silhouetted against the sunlight can also be seen along the bottom edge of the photograph. The rest of the photograph shows a wide expanse of a mauve sky speckled with light clouds. The text is presented in a typeface resembling handwriting and says: “When we talk of the pain and trauma of conversion therapy, this is also an area where I feel compelled to intervene and stop this horrific practice. Aritra, we both know people who have gone through this, and we have learned from them about the torturous outcomes and consequences. It is heartbreaking to think that wanting to live as who we are is still considered to be something to be ashamed of and to remain hidden. So, as someone older, I also want those younger to know that it is possible to not just survive, but to thrive, to find love, to create a chosen family, and to also continue to strive for change.” Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary, Insight Jul '25

On queer self-determination (part 2)

By Meera, Aritra C.

The e-conversation between mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures continues

This illustration is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph shows a scene from the dialogue ‘Queer Worldmaking in the Face of Conversion Therapy’ that took place at Kalinath Angan, Kolkata on January 18, 2025. Moderator Meghjit Sengupta (centre) and panellist Aritra C. (to Meghjit’s left) look on as panellist Meera Dhebar makes a point during the dialogue. Meera refers to a file on her laptop as she speaks. The laptop is kept on a centre table placed close to the three speakers. A Progress Pride Flag can be seen mounted on the wall behind the speakers. A phone mounted on a tripod stand for recording the dialogue is placed a couple of feet from the speakers. The scene captured in the photograph can also be seen on the mobile phone screen. The accompanying text says: “Because sometimes in this very cis-heteronormative and heteropatriarchal world steeped in discourses of othering, a few moments of solace in being seen can provide enough joy to carry us through the moments of isolation and disconnection.” Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary Jun '25

On queer self-determination (part 1)

By Meera, Aritra C.

An e-conversation series between mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures

This horizontal rectangular image is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph is to the left and it shows the flame of a fire burning in the dark. The flame is emerging from pieces of firewood. The rising flame is a yellow-orange in colour, while reddish embers can be seen below the firewood. Nothing else is visible as the darkness surrounds the fire. The accompanying text says: “If rules, heteronormative or any other kind, are to apply to desire, whom to desire, how to desire and furthermore, how to act on that desire, then the very essence of desire is stripped away. It restrains the fluidity of desire. However hard one may try, our desire in its unrestricted form cannot be wished away. It is there, sitting, waiting patiently, simmering beneath the surface, making its presence felt; waiting for the person to take cognizance.” Photo credit: László D. on Unsplash

Commentary, Insight Oct '24

Meandering desire

By Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy

Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy asserts that our desires run like a subterranean river and can survive all forms of censorship

This graphic is a word cloud created from key words extracted from the accompanying article. The cloud is in the shape of an abstract representation of a switch. Two isosceles triangles are placed vertically such that their bases face each other, but with a significant gap between the two triangles. The triangle on the right side is designed like a set square from a geometry instrument box and symbolizes ‘switch on’, while the triangle on the left side symbolizes ‘switch off’. The triangles are filled up with terms and expressions like BDSM, dominant, fluidity, kink, kink play, self-realization, spectrum, submissive, switch, slash and so on in different typefaces and colours. The triangles, themselves coloured in light pink, are placed inside a large square shape filled up with a light blue and white bokeh effect. The gap between the two triangles and the blur effect symbolize that kinkiness is more about fluidity than about binaries like dominant and submissive, which is the central argument of the accompanying article. Graphic credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary Jun '24

Why I am not a switch

By Lipikor, Jia Mata

In kink, ‘switch’ is something you do rather than what you are, argue Lipikor and Jia Mata

Quote: Rape is a non-consensual act. There is no iota of enjoyment in the act. When one is asked to ‘enjoy’ rape in case of its inevitability, the ground on which the definition of rape stands, collapses. It no longer remains rape. It becomes an act of sexual intimacy where the parties involved feel safe and respected, and work with each other in harmony to derive and provide pleasure from the act and from each other. None of these conditions hold true for rape.

Commentary Jan '24

Stop trivializing rape

By Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy

Dr. Sankalpa Satapathy questions regressive social attitudes around sexual assault that persist even in ‘progressive circles’

This illustration is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph shows a midrange, semi silhouette shot of the author standing barefoot on a sea beach during sunrise. She has her back to the camera, looking out at the open sea. The sea water laps at her feet. Barring a small wave at some distance from the author, the surface of the sea is a calm golden, reflecting the light of the sun still low on the horizon. The sea water seems to extend indefinitely and one cannot make out where it merges with the sky. The accompanying text says: “Despite everything, I’m hopeful about the upcoming 10 years. Our community is resilient and deeply engaged in the resistance against oppression. In 10 years from now, we may yet be able to have better queer representation at the government level. We may yet succeed in pushing gender and sexuality education at the school level, and gain horizontal reservation for the trans community in the spheres of education and employment. I believe that the process of queer inclusion will be gradual but it can’t be stopped or reversed.” Photo courtesy Meghna Mehra

Commentary Oct '23

Wishlist for queer pride and asexual visibility

By Meghna Mehra

Meghna Mehra believes that the future will be queer, along with freer expressions of asexuality becoming a reality in India and elsewhere in the next 10 years

This illustration is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph shows the author Rituparna Borah participating in the ‘Delhi Queer Pride’ in 2009. She is walking under a mammoth six-coloured rainbow pride flag, holding up the flag with her hands, smiling and looking sideways towards the camera, though not at the camera. The sunlight filtering through the flag is lighting up all the colours. In the background, towards the bottom left edge of the photograph, several other pride walkers can be seen. The accompanying text says: “I am not claiming here that there will be no fights or power dynamics, yet I hope that we can solve our issues not by calling out but with chai, samosas, tears, hugs and then some drinks! I still believe that we can create a reality where intersecting marginalized identities are part and parcel of queer-trans feminism(s), and no one has to prove how marginalized they are to get the rights they deserve.” Photo courtesy Voices Against 377

Commentary Aug '23

In loving memory of discourse

By Rituparna Borah

Rituparna Borah wishes for yesterday once more in debates and dialogues around gender and sexuality – her thoughts for the future on ‘Varta’ webzine completing 10 years

This photograph shows a scene from a march held in Kolkata in 2013 to protest against the violence faced by women and queer communities in India. The photograph is an evening-time close-up shot of a poster held up by a participant in the march. The poster, in large blue and red lettering on a yellow background, simply says “Not labelled”. The poster seems to indicate at the silence around the existence of queer people in society and their experience of violence. The participant holding the poster is not visible in the photograph. Only their hands and arms holding the poster are visible. Glimpses of several other people walking in close vicinity of the participant can also be seen. Photo credit: Kaushik Gupta

Commentary, Insight Jan '23

Being queer – the key or the cage?

By Tanya Kole, Kaushik Gupta

Tanya Kole elaborates on the ‘queer conundrum’ as it relates to day-to-day life

Quote: ‘Nupi Maanbi’ cannot be dismissed as a ‘creation’ of modern law or as an identity imported from a foreign context. The existence of multiple genders in Manipuri society is reflected in the historical records written in Meitei Mayek (pre-modern Manipuri) script . . . Thus Nupi Maanbis have the right to identify themselves as women or trans women not only in the context of post-colonial Indian law, but also in terms of the existence of gender plurality in traditional Manipuri society. The quote text is superimposed on a faded photograph of a Manipuri newspaper article to provide context and a design element to the illustration. Artwork credit: Pawan Dhall.

Commentary Sep '19

Attempts at erasing trans cultures in Manipur

By Santa Khurai

Santa Khurai on trans women in Manipur being denied their traditional space in the Lai Haraoba festival

The photograph shows the main entrance to the campus of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. This institute is not only one of the key government hospital cum medical colleges in Manipur, its psychiatry department is also considered to be one of the few queer-friendly options in the state in terms of mental health services. The photograph is a day-time picture and it shows the imposing entrance stand out against a cloudy sky. The entrance consists of a central column with a pagoda like rooftop, with an arch on either side of the column sloping down to the ground. There are iron gates on either side of the column through which vehicles can be seen moving in and out. The background consists of a building under construction and several trees inside the RIMS campus. Photo credit: Bonita Pebam

Commentary, VCR Diary Jun '19

Queer lives matter!

By Sadam Hanjabam

Sadam Hanjabam on the unaddressed mental health needs of queer youth in Manipur

The photograph shows a close up shot of a poster with a message on gender diversity and equity at the ‘Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk’ held on December 11, 2016. The message says “I am not what happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” The text is accompanied by the drawing of a double-face – the masculine and the feminine elements mirrored in a single human face. The feminine elements have been symbolized by a red ‘bindi’, red lips and a golden nose bangle. The person carrying the poster is not visible. There are other people around carrying more posters. Photo credit: ‘Hidden Pockets’.

Commentary Sep '17

Inclusion of transgender community: Status of NALSA judgement implementation?

By Brindaalakshmi K.

Brindaalakshmi K. provides a low-down on where the much celebrated apex court verdict on transgender identities and rights has reached

The photograph shows a collage of a few newspaper and magazine articles on queer issues. Two of the prominent ones are headlined ‘LGBT Andolan Je Bhabe Mool Strotay’ (Growth of LGBT Movement) and ‘Who Said it Was Simple’. The first written by Pawan Dhall was published in the newspaper ‘Ei Samay’ in December 2012, and the second by Sthira Bhattacharya was published in the ‘Kindle’ online magazine in July 2013. Visuals in the articles include a photograph of participants in a queer pride walk in Kolkata, and another one of an individual clapping their hands like often Hijras and other transgender persons do (such clapping is termed as ‘thikri’ in Bengali and often signifies assertion and protest). Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary, From the Archives Aug '17

Memories in media outings (part 4)

By Pawan Dhall

In 'Kolkata’s Queer Movement: A Recollection of Media Outings – Mid-1984 to Mid-2013' Pawan Dhall remembers his personal queer-story over the years (concluding part)

This main photograph shows a collage of copies of the ‘AIDS Sex Knowledge’ or ‘ASK’ column published for young people by Kolkata-based social communication NGO Thoughtshop Foundation in 1996. The interactive column was published in the ‘Voices’ youth supplement of ‘The Statesman’ every third Thursday. Four editions of the column from February to April 1996 dealt with queer issues with inputs from Counsel Club, one of India’s earliest queer support groups. The photograph shows snippets of the column from these four editions – reader questions, myths and realities pointers, and reader comments on gender and sexuality. The full column name is displayed prominently – ‘AIDS Sex Knowledge for Young People’ with the tag line “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know, will you?” The ‘Voices’ masthead is also prominently visible. Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary, From the Archives Jul '17

Memories in media outings (part 3)

By Pawan Dhall

In 'Kolkata’s Queer Movement: A Recollection of Media Outings – Mid-1984 to Mid-2013' Pawan Dhall remembers his personal queer-story over the years

Tagged Under: Commentary

On queer self-determination (part 4)

Liberation in sin

On queer self-determination (part 3)

On queer self-determination (part 2)

On queer self-determination (part 1)

Meandering desire

Why I am not a switch

Stop trivializing rape

Wishlist for queer pride and asexual visibility

In loving memory of discourse

Being queer – the key or the cage?

Attempts at erasing trans cultures in Manipur

Queer lives matter!

Inclusion of transgender community: Status of NALSA judgement implementation?

Memories in media outings (part 4)

Memories in media outings (part 3)

Queer Friendly Resources

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