17 July,2009 08:10 AM IST | | Jayita Bandyopadhyay
Homosexuals in the city are talking aloud about their needs
Conformist Delhi is stepping out of its shell. Finally, the closet doors are being squeezed open and conversations about men's corsets, specialised back waxing strips for gays and shapely darts in formal men's shirts, which till now were closeted under cautious whispers, are becoming louder.
At a recent party in an uptown city hotel, fashion designer Suneet Varma was overheard complaining about the poor quality of wax strips.
"When are they going to give us the good ones which are available abroad?" he was heard asking. Interestingly, quite a few guests were listening in and suddenly the party was abuzz with talks about accessories for gays and how Delhi lacked them. And it wasn't even past-midnight!
"Even till a few months back, tu00eate-u00e0-tu00eates like these would have been restricted to private gay parties. Or would be blamed on an alcoholic slip-up. Today, the new community's needs are being highlighted, thanks to the High Court verdict decriminalising Article 377 of the IPC," said a guest at the do.
Public show
While the public show of homogenous strength happened with the Gay Pride Parade and the impromptu celebrations when the court decriminalised Article 377, the ripples of the verdict is being felt now, slowly, but being felt nonetheless across the city's social circles.
"Delhi has a huge population of homosexuals yet has nothing to offer to the community. Even parlours and salons look down upon us when we approach them for regular beauty treatments. But now we can demand better service," says Pankaj Parasher, a budding fashion designer.
If Parasher and his partner Sunny are to be believed, the buzz for gay salons, gay clubs, and exclusive spas for homosexuals is gaining volume. "Most days spas in Delhi refuse entry to same sex partners. It's so disgusting.
Now we can hope to have the law on our side and challenge the practice," said celebrity stylist Jojo.
The grand coming out party, if it could be termed that, is taking place tonight, hosted by gay rights supporter socialite Ramola Bachchan. Bachchan, the brain behind the premium restuarant Manre, is throwing a gay party at her joint with support from the rainbalcohol brand Absolut.
u00a0"We wanted to celebrate in grand style this joyous occasion, with true respect. Manre chose to partner with Absolut, a brand that has supported the cause since 1981 internationally," said Bachchan.
