Ahead of Pride march, LGBTQI activists discuss inclusion and art

CHENNAI: Ahead of the 2019 Chennai Rainbow Pride March on June 30, the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation on Saturday organised a panel discussion - 'Celebrating Pride - Art + Inclusion' that brought together artists, activists and other members from the community, and the public.
On the panel were human rights activist and film director Malini Jeevarathnam, activist and general manager of Sahodaran, A Jaya, trans artist of the Aravani Art Project Chandri Narayan and diversity consultant for Periferry, Trishala S. The discussion delved into a series of questions on art and activism, inclusive workspaces and perceptions of society.
Talking about the evolution of LGBTQI activism and its impact over the years, Jaya said, "More than a decade ago, we worked with slum communities to sensitise them on HIV and AIDS, and touched upon homosexuality at the end of our sessions. Today, acknowledgement of gay people has increased manifold, alongside acceptance of transwomen. But there is still a long way to go in creating awareness about less touched upon sections such as transmen and the lesbians," she said. "Engaging with families remains the biggest and most crucial struggle."
The panel also observed the existence of LGBTQI members in rural areas, the challenges they face and ways to actively break through their socio-cultural restrictions by engaging families and local authorities. At the event, Malini's documentary 'Ladies and Gentlewomen', which was produced by 'Kaala' director Pa Ranjith and showcased at international festivals, was screened.
Besides setting right misconceptions about lesbian relationships, it throws light on lesbian women who gave up their lives in the struggle and probes into the history of homosexuality in rural folklore.
"It is not acceptance, but understanding that I seek for the community. For those who struggle within any oppressed community - including LGBTQI - the first and most important lesson I talk about is self-love. My personality alone has raised eyebrows and subjected me to unimaginable discrimination. But every time I conduct a gender diversity workshop or engage in activism, what makes me stand my ground with head high is self-love. The bigger change starts from within," said the filmmaker.