1. Dim Lights and Safe Spaces: Inez Dullas’ Ode to Queer Parties
This week in Daak:
Although queer communities are more visible and vocal now, they have always managed to create and occupy a space away from social censure and disdain. In her final piece, our returning intern, Fiza Mishra, uncovers a lovely poem by journalist Inez Dullas, who was among the first to write openly about lesbianism.
Check out our new line of quirky and sturdy tote bags with Kalighat prints.
And finally, check out Daak Recommends for some rare delights.
1. Dim Lights and Safe Spaces: Inez Dullas’ Ode to Queer Parties
A few decades ago, queer people in India could only meet each other at parties hosted in absolute secrecy. Those who spent eight hours a day in office shirts buttoned up to their throats would dance their hearts out to the latest Bollywood-song-turned-queer-anthem. By the time they left, their lips were sealed.
Deprived of virtually any neutral representation in the media or pop-culture, these parties were safe spaces where queer individuals could articulate their desire without its predictable companion — shame. One of the first few journalists in India who wrote openly about lesbianism, Inez Dullas wrote an ode to these gatherings in her poem, “Back Bay Tower”. Interestingly, she was once the editor of the typically heteronormative Eve’s Weekly, beloved by generations of urban middle-class women in Bombay for its beauty advice, recipes and marriage counseling. The only other available piece of information about her is that she lived for over forty years with her friend, Erna Vatchaghandhy.
Back Bay Tower
The topmost tower, it soars above
the diamond-prickled crescent sweep
caressing steel-smooth bay...
The gay, the lone, meet here to drink,
bemused with music, word-beguiled,
from seven-storied height
take flight to a world that denies
the square, the normal, and the straight,
for the most blatant queer
is here at home. The curious glance,
the prying question and knowing leer
are absent. Only friends
whose trends, like yours, are unconcealed,
make talk intriguing, laughter flow
in stimulating stream;
the dream of attic Greece come true
and Plato lives. Stubs glow; lights dim,
and mouth approaches mouth... By Fiza Mishra
2. Kalighat Art Print Tote Bags
Have you seen our new line of tote bags with Kalighat prints? These quirky and sturdy bags are perfect for those who like to carry all their bobs and bits with them!
3. Daak Recommends
Read this fascinating article on the history of homosexuality in Indian culture.
Also, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of MF Husain, read our article on his life and work.
Beautiful poem