An exhibition of Indian gay icons featuring some of the true leaders of the queer struggle who also spell excellence in their profession.
Exhibition presented first at the World Social Forum 2004 in Bombay, India

Credits:

Conception:
Yunus Mohammed

Design:
Sridhar Rangayan
Saagar Gupta

Research:
Yunus Mohammed
Nitin Karani
Keith Fernandez
Vivek Anand
Abhijeet Aher
Ernest Noronha
Saagar Gupta

© Bombay Dost, 2004


No part of this series can be reproduced without prior permission from Humsafar Trust. Please write to Humsafar Trust

Until recent history, queer people have been essentially invisible, and in the case of the intersexed and hijras, marginalized. Homophobia survives, even thrives, on keeping invisible our sexualities. The queer person in India is caught in the vicious cycle of ‘the closet’: Pervasive bigotry makes most of us hope SOMEONE ELSE will come along and create an atmosphere conducive for us to lead unshackled, honest lives.

There are some though, a growing number, who are unafraid of the price we pay for our liberation. We are proud to feature here some of these true leaders of the queer struggle. We are especially proud of them, not only because they have probably had to bear more being public figures but also because they spell excellence in their chosen calling. Their iconic eminence is of course an inspiration to the queer community in more than one way, but they are also models for youth at large, for their hard slog, integrity and accomplishment.

This celebration and chronicle of our queer icons is neither comprehensive in its list of personalities featured nor in the profile of the lives they have led. Yet, it is a good starting point. We not only hope to make it larger, for there is a lot that remains to be made visible, but also make it a touring exhibit. And to make it even more accessible and interesting, the intent is to transform it into a multimedia event. Something we can be proud of. Like the people you are about to encounter....

The ‘Bombay Dost’ team
January 2004