Tag: Queer Pride | Varta Trust

This mid-range indoor photograph shows the author of this article Kheya Barai and the curator of the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition Rishav Thakur standing on either side of the author’s exhibits ‘Breasts 1’ and ‘Breasts 2’ mounted on a wall in a well-lit corner of the exhibition hall. Rishav is leaning casually slightly against the wall. The first exhibit is vertically rectangular in shape and has a black wooden frame. A white cotton vest worn by a trans man is pasted on to a red background. Two flower-shaped 3D objects resembling human breasts are pinned on the chest area of the vest. The objects have been created from crumpled pink crepe bandages used by two trans masculine individuals as binders. The crepe material is marked with silvery glitter. The second exhibit is a mid-sized circular and flat object, dark brown in colour. The brown colour comes from lush embroidery threads. The exhibit has been created from a vest worn by a trans woman pre-gender transition and a crepe bandage used as a binder by a trans man, also pre-gender transition. Two silvery flower-like objects resembling human breasts have been pinned on the chest area of the vest. Photo credit: Bhaskar Jyoti Rabha

Textured titties

By Kheya Barai

Kheya Barai writes the fourth and last in a series of articles by the artists who participated in the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition held in Guwahati in late 2023

This is a mid-range photo that shows the author of the accompanying article performing ‘Chrome’, their live durational performance-installation at the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition that took place in Guwahati in late 2023. The author is seated in a brightly lit corner of the exhibition hall. Their face is hidden by a golden ‘mekhela’ garment hanging above them, with only some of their black tresses visible on their right shoulder. The author has pasted ultrasound images of their pelvis and CT scans of their lungs on the garment. They are wearing another golden garment like a wrap-around, with their shoulders and arms bare and their feet also bare, visible from below the wrap. They are holding up a small chrome-plated container in their right hand just a little above their lap. Their left hand rests on their lap. The chair or stool they are seated on is covered with a flowing drape with blue and white floral patterns. To their right, a small round mirror with a patterned wooden frame is placed on the floor, and their footwear is placed just next to the mirror. Also to their right, a curator’s note titled ‘Chrome’ is pasted on the wall, with the name of the author Mwdai. Photo credit: Anubhav Deka

Creations, Insight Aug '25

Objectified

By Mwdai

Mwdai writes the third in a series of articles by the artists who participated in the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition held in Guwahati in late 2023

This photograph shows a mid-range shot of the author of the accompanying article seated in a brightly lit corner of the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition hall. She is in the process of opening a crocheted tote bag, her own creation, to begin a demonstration of her crocheting art. She smiles as she looks down at the bag, a mobile phone in her left hand. A golden ‘mekhela’ garment hangs above her head, partially draping her head. Interestingly, a set of CT scan images of someone’s lungs are pasted on the garment. Another golden garment covers the author’s lap, with her tote bag placed on it. To her right, a small round mirror with a patterned wooden frame is placed on the floor. The walls around her are painted white in colour. To her right, a curator’s note titled ‘Chrome’ is pasted on the wall, with the name of the artist Mwdai. The author is seated in the same space where Mwdai had earlier presented their durational performance. Photo credit: Bhaskar Rabha

Creations, Insight Jun '25

The oasis

By Hima

Hima writes the second in a series of articles on the experience of the artists who participated in the ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ exhibition held in Guwahati in late 2023

This photograph shows a mid-range shot of a collective display of the five zines made by the author Mekuriiko for the exhibition ‘Queer Objects 1.0’ organized in Guwahati in late 2023. Several copies of each of the zine are placed, somewhat casually, on a low box-like display stand. The display is just next to a blank white wall of the exhibition hall. The covers of the zines read ‘Love is Love’, ‘The Queer Manifesto’, ‘Queer Objects’, ‘Queer Revelations’ and ‘You Will Die, And So Will I’. A sticky note next to the zines urges the viewers to flip through the zines. Photo credit: Mekuriiko

Creations, Insight May '25

Storytelling through zines

By Mekuriiko

Mekuriiko writes for the first in a series of articles on the experience of the artists who participated in ‘Queer Objects 1.0’, a one-of-its-kind exhibition held in Guwahati in late...

This indoor mid-range photograph shows drag artiste Ahon Gooptu acting out a scene from the show ‘Item’. The performance space is a room painted white, with wooden furniture, a door and two windows polished brown; the room has a tiled floor and a high ceiling with beams running criss-cross. The room has a blue and white, staid ambient light. A lightly bearded and moustachioed Ahon is dressed in a light-coloured saree, full-sleeved blouse, light jewellery on his neck, wrists, fingers, and ears, and designer footwear; his shoulder-length hair is curly and untied. Ahon is seated at a wooden table, one leg over the other. The table top is cluttered with a table lamp illuminating the wall next to it, a painted flower vase with artificial flowers, a small wooden case, a couple of Japanese hand fans, and four sets of blingy goggles. Ahon has a pensive, far-off look as he mouths some dialogues. A few greeting cards and cutouts are pasted on the wall next to the table. One of them, with rainbow hues, says “Fab Yule Us”, while another says “You’re a cut above the rest.” A little distance behind Ahon is a full-length, wooden-framed mirror placed in a corner against the wall. Two windows, their shutters closed, can be seen on the walls next to the mirror. A pink dupatta and a blanket with two shades of green hang from a beam on the ceiling adding to the colourful but restrained ambience. Photo credit: Abhilasha Das

Insight, Vartanama Apr '25

Zenia, ‘Item’ and the future of the (western) queer dream

By Mihir Seth

Mihir Seth fears the dream of being oneself is crumbling as queer and transgender rights face setbacks globally

This daytime photograph shows 13 of the pilot Queer Kolkata Heritage Walk participants, a mix of genders and ages, posing for the camera below a gazebo at the Park Circus Maidan in South Kolkata on July 2, 2024. The gazebo was the starting point for ‘Friendship Walk ‘99’ on July 2, 1999, the 25th anniversary of which was observed through the heritage walk. Most of the participants, four of them ‘99ers’, are wearing bright yellow t-shirts designed for the occasion with the slogan “Bound by friendship, united in pride” emblazoned on the front side. There are brights smiles and laughter on their faces as they stand on the marble steps and platform of the gazebo, and look at the camera or at each other. Blue jeans, shorts, shoes, shoulder bags, and colourful umbrellas of the walkers compliment the bright green of the grass and shrubs behind the gazebo. The asbestos roof of the gazebo has an interesting pattern of blue, gray and rust, which stands out against the overcast sky. The pillars of the gazebo holding up the roof are coloured bottle green. Someone’s bedding and other personal possessions, possibly a street dweller’s, can be seen on the platform behind some of the walkers. Photo credit: Partha Banerjee

Happenings, Vartanama Sep '24

Where do we go to look for queerness in Kolkata?

By Mihir Seth

Mihir Seth reflects on the pilot Queer Kolkata Heritage Walk held on July 2, 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of ‘Friendship Walk ‘99’

Quote: News channels air yoga shows to promote positivity. Harness your inner potential, says your favourite superstar. Universities are asked to present the shining glorious history of the nation state to inculcate positivity about the country. Health gurus ask you to consume avocado and chia seeds and quinoa for unleashing your inner efficient innovator. Therapy speak has become commonsensical. The joke goes I am ready to date you if you can pay for my therapy post our breakup. The catalogue is never ending, but scratch the surface only slightly and the edifice falls apart like your nearest shining airport or the Parliament.

Vartanama Jul '24

On the compulsion to be happy

By Sayan Bhattacharya

Amidst the unending stream of ‘happiness’ being thrust on us from every quarter, Sayan Bhattacharya strikes a necessary discordant note

This photograph shows a scene from the re-enactment of the skit ‘Koti Ki Atma’ at Café Adda Ghar, Kolkata on November 4, 2023. Three actors are acting out a scene before a small invited audience. The play is being performed in an open but small and intimate part of the café, lit with a few overhead lamps and other sources of light not visible in the photograph. A black cloth background and a few props form the backdrop behind the actors who are facing the camera. Some of the members of the audience visible in the photograph, half a dozen or so (of the total 40-45), are seated close to the actors on plastic chairs, and have a bemused look as they watch the play up close. A video camera can be seen on the left edge of the photograph recording the play. A photographer, with her camera in hand, is also among the audience, standing just next to the people seated. Darkened tall glass panes forming one of the walls of the café can be seen behind her. A poster of the café menu is pasted on one of the glass panes. Photo credit: Suchandragraphy

From the Archives, Insight Jul '24

Remembered sexual futures

By Diksha Sanyal

Diksha Sanyal summarizes a study on the art and cultural advocacies undertaken by queer community groups in West Bengal in the 1990s and 2000s. The study has been co-developed by...

Happenings, Vartanama Jun '24

Celebrating the magic of friendship

By Pritha Bhattacharya, Sambrita Chakraborty

Pritha Bhattacharya and Sambrita Chakraborty report on an art exhibition to mark the 25th anniversary of ‘Friendship Walk ‘99’, India’s first rainbow pride walk held in Kolkata on July 2,...

Vartanama May '24

Celebrating 25 years of friendship, pride and diversity

By 'Friendship Walk 25th Anniversary' organizing team

Extracts from a pamphlet for the 25th anniversary observations of ‘Friendship Walk ‘99’ to be held in Kolkata and other places in West Bengal primarily in July 2024

This photograph shows a mixed-gender gathering of people inside a room at the newly opened Community Art Space in Moirang Lamkhai. Around half a dozen people are seated on colourful rugs and carpets, along the walls of the room. One person, seated with folded legs on a carpet in the centre of the room, seems to be acting out a scene and rendering a dialogue while the others look on. The light grey walls of the room are lit with sunshine streaming in through a window in the far end of the room. A few posters on the Community Art Space adorn the walls. On the far end of the room, an empty three-seater wooden sofa and a foldable chair are placed along the wall. A whiteboard with some writing is placed on the ground along a wall to the left of the photograph. Photo courtesy Matai Society

Insight, Manipur Relief Apr '24

At the juncture of cultures, solidarities and differences

By Saki

Saki reports on the birth of a new creative space for queer-trans people in Moirang Lamkhai junction, which already has a rich history of bringing diverse people together

This illustration is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph shows a scene from the ‘20th Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk’ held on December 17, 2023. It shows a large number of pride walk participants holding up banners and posters in English and Bengali. Two of the posters have slogans that convey the following message – so what if they are trans or gay, they are our children. In the backdrop, behind the crowd of participants, several large trees and a blue sky can be seen. In the text extract, the author says: “Sunday’s pride walk (on December 17, 2023) reminded me of my first pride experience all the way back in 1995. I was again overwhelmed and emotional. This time though I was with thousands of brown queers – surrounded by warmth, love and family. Our proclamation ‘Love is Love’ truly signifies what we know to do for ourselves, it is what we lead with, what drives us to build our relationships and find community.” Photo credit: Meera

From the Archives, Travel Travel Mar '24

The power of a letter

By Meera

What happens when the messenger follows in the footsteps of their message? Meera talks about her first Kolkata visit and first South Asian pride walk experience in 2023

This daytime photograph shows around half a dozen parents and other family members of queer persons smiling brightly and walking behind a large banner of Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents at the ‘20th Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk’ held on December 17, 2023. The author is also among these parents. A few individuals walking behind them are holding up two placards in Bengali that translated into English say: “So what if they are trans or gay, they are our children.” The photograph has been taken at a point on Park Street, from where a part of the Maa flyover can be seen behind the walkers. A popular furniture store Wood Junction can be seen on the right side of the photograph, while several tall trees are visible on the left side. The background behind the parents is a mish-mash of hundreds of other walkers, hoardings, traffic lights, and overhead cable wires. The sky above is a clear greyish blue. Photo courtesy Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents

Vartanama Feb '24

Why I walked with the banner of Sweekar

By Mahua Seth

Mahua Seth walked as an ‘out’ parent of a queer child at the ‘20th Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk’ and loved every moment of it

Quote: It was said at the conference that sexual behaviour is ‘down there’, while sexual identity is ‘up there’. But the general perception seems to be: Never mind how much grey matter’s up there, down there it had better be big. Perhaps saying so is being unnecessarily pessimistic. Even so, in many minds the size fetish evokes a very real fear – a fear of inadequacy, of being unattractive, of being unwanted. This fear can only hinder the progress towards a healthier existence.

From the Archives, Vartanama Jan '24

Better fallible than supreme

By Pawan Dhall

There’s still time to make New Year resolutions that don’t celebrate excess, big size or Pyrrhic standards of perfection, says Pawan Dhall

This is an early evening mid-range shot of around 14 trans masculine and other queer persons associated with the Samarth trans collective of Odisha standing behind a large rainbow pride flag during the ‘Puri Rainbow Pride Walk’ held on June 13, 2023. The flag is held at chest level across several of the walkers. Some of them are also holding posters with Odia and English text or small rainbow pride flags. They are all smiles as they look at the camera, and exude happiness. A number of other walk participants can be seen behind them. In the background, to the left, are several buildings, while to the right are some more buildings, a couple of palm trees, and a handful of open sky. Photo courtesy SAATHII

Vartanama Nov '23

Dreams and demands

By Bana, Pawan Dhall

Trans masculine individuals in Odisha are speaking up louder about their aspirations for the future – Bana shares a wish list with ‘Varta’ – hopefully most of it will come...

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

Tagged Under: Queer Pride