Raise the rainbow cause

Dirty Talk, LGBTQS Productions, Gaysi Family, LGBTQ community, Mumbai Guide, Kailash Kher, Mona Ambegaonkar, Ek Madhav Baug, Mumbai, QAM, Queer Azaadi Mumbai, gay rights, homosexuality, Marathi Plays, Sattvic, Suhaas Ahuja, Tanishk-Vayu, Raaga Trippin, Ka

This Friday, lend an ear to the queer community and enjoy some interesting music performances at the eighth edition of Dirty Talk, hosted by LGBTQS Productions, a subsidiary of Gaysi Family, a cultural society providing a safe space for the community to share their personal stories.

Singer Kailash Kher is one of the special guests. Pic/Satyajit Desai

The line-up includes performances by actors Saattvic and Suhaas Ahuja, musician duo Tanishk-Vayu, an acapella performance by Raaga Trippin and the band Kabir Cafe. Actor Sarah-Jane Dias and singer Kailash Kher will be present as special guests. The event will help raise funds for the NGO Arpan, that works with children who have been sexually abused.

"An event like this provides a safe space for the community to gather, making the most difference to young kids who are scared about coming out. At a time when we are being branded as criminals and ‘miniscule minorities', it is essential that we show our strength and change the perception that society has of the community," says Anuja Parikh, President, Gaysi Family.

On: January 23, 5.30 pm onwards AT Hoppipola, 757, Ramee Guestline Hotel, SV Road, Khar W. RSVP gaysifamily@gmail.com
Entry: Rs 400

In order to celebrate the ongoing QAM Queer Azaadi Mumbai Mumbai Pride month, Yaariyan and Alternate Initiatives, the wings of The Humsafar Trust, have organised a free performance of Ek Madhav Baug today. Penned by the late celebrated playwright Chetan Datar, it was one of the first Marathi plays to talk about homosexuality and acceptance of the gay community. Seen from the point of view of his mother, the play tells the story of a 21-year-old youth coming to terms with his sexuality.

Mona Ambegaonkar in the play, Ek Madhav Baug

Actress Mona Ambegaonkar has translated this 70-minute soliloquy into Hindi along with Vivek Anand, and she will be performing in the play too. "This is an ideal play to take friends and family to. We wanted to encourage the community to be proud of themselves and sensitise society at the same time," says Sonal Giani, Advocacy Manager, The Humsafar Trust.

On: Today, 7 pm
At: Mysore Association, Bhau Daji Road, Matunga E.
Call: 9920560011
Entry: Free