Loud and Queer

Come Tuesday,a popular location in South Mumbai will be thronged by a group of 100 people joining in for a choreographed sequence of three Bollywood songs. The performance,which will last for a total of five minutes,will culminate with the raising of a banner giving the details of the Queer Azadi March and seeking support. “A flashmob is an interesting way to get people’s attention,” says Sonal Giani,who works with the Humsafar Trust and is closely associated with the QAM activities. “The mob is aimed at garnering awareness for our cause as well as drawing straight people who want to come forward and show their support at the march.” says Giani.

The group,which has been practising for over two weeks,is expecting a turnout of 100 people on January 24. What’s interesting is that while the majority of participants are part of the LGBT community,there are also a handful,who wish to lend their support. For 21-year-old Shruti Menon and her friends,it’s also an opportunity to have fun. “Our friends are part of the community. That apart,we’ve already bonded with so many people,” says the Mass Communications student from Xavier Institute of Communications. Her friend Marina Poulose too,is quite pleased to be part of the flashmob. “I’ve already told my parents. They didn’t react to it,but they haven’t disapproved either,” says the Malad resident.

Kakkad,who had also choreographed the last flashmob at Mumbai CST,too has a lot of LGBT friends and has been involved with their activities for some years. “My sexuality is often questioned by people but I don’t care. These are my friends and I will support them.”

Abha Talesara,a business developer with Queer Ink,publishers and distributors of queer literature,believes that getting youth support is what’s bringing a wave of change in the way the community is perceived. “We have been working very hard to sensitise people about the queer community and it’s showing in the support we’ve been getting,” says the 25-year-old.