Desis shine on at Sydney Mardi Gras 2009

Desi participants in the Mardi Gras want to send a message home.

The theme for Mardi Gras 2009 couldn't have been more appealing for the desi GLBT community in Sydney—'Nations United'. Under a theme that celebrates diversity, the Mardi Gras Pride Parade will be an opportunity for the community to express their pride in their sexuality, and their cultural heritage.

"There are about 25-30 South Asians marching in the parade with ACON (AIDS Council of New South Wales)," says Roopali Pandey, director of Trikone—a social support group for GLBT community of South Asian descent in Australia. "We will dress in traditional, flamboyant costumes and carry the flags of all the representative nations—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal. Imagine, India and Pakistan can't stand each other back home, but here we will all unite," she says laughing. "We are marching as South Asians."

While asserting the South Asian identity in the mainstream GLBT community, they also aim at making a point to governments and conservative groups back home. "We are trying to send a message back home. We will be carrying banners against Section 377," says Pandey. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code identifies homosexuality as a punishable offence. Trikone was also present at Fair Day—the official launch event of the Mardi Gras held at Victoria Park on 15th February.

Meanwhile, Mardi Gras regular, Visakesa Chandrasekaram brings a theatrical dance piece to the stage as part of the Mardi Gras. Gods in War is based on a mythological tale—"a South Indian legend, prominent in Kerala," says Chandrasekaram.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu transformed into a woman, Mohini, to fight demonic enemies. Lord Shiva fell in love with Mohini, and their love bore the child, Ayyappa, who refused the company of women. "The story of Ayyappa is a very pluralistic one. In Hinduism there is a clear place for people of different sexualities," says Chandrasekaram.

More than the allure of a mythological tale, replete with opportunities for dramatic presentation and traditional costume, there was a deeper reason for Chandrasekaram to pick this tale for the Mardi Gras. "A lot of homosexual people don't have any spiritual guidance. Many believe that religions create hatred against homosexuality, and they turn atheist," says Chandrasekaram. "However, every religion teaches love of all humans. Hinduism doesn't refute homosexuality, but accepts it through characters like Mohini—a transsexual."

Chandrasekaram with two other dancers will incorporate Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Kandyam (a Sri Lankan dance form similar to Kathakali), with English dialogues. "These works also create an interest about our subcontinent, Hinduism, Buddhism," he says. His last play, Butterflies in the Mughal Garden, played to houseful audiences and was loved for its ethnic elements.

"Mainstream Sydneygroups started to find out about our group. We have built respect in the community as a talent. South Asians also bring some depth and new perspectives to the discussion (about sexuality)," says Chandrasekaram, about the South Asian community's growing visibility in mainstream GLBT events like the Mardi Gras.

He also recently directed a short film, Finding Kamal, about a South Asian gay man, living with transgender men. The 15-minute film, produced in association with Salaam Namaste, another South Asian GLBT group in Australia, was launched last week.

"There are always South Asian events happening in our community that don't always get mentioned in mainstream media," says Chandrasekaram. He has also finished writing a new play about Phoolan Devi, which his group is hoping to develop as a community project, rather than a professional one. "There are a lot of talented people within the community, and we want to give them a chance. So the actors will be selected from the larger community," says Chandrasekaram.

Similarly, Trikone held their inaugural film festival, Gulmohar: South Asian Queer Film Festival in Sydney over three days from the Indian Independence Day last year.

Both Chandrasekaram and Roopali Pandey agree, that the South Asian community within the larger GLBT one in Australia, has its own peculiar challenges. "As a gay migrant, you are a minority, within a minority," says Sadhana Jethanandani, another Trikone director. "Culturally there is so much pressure and guilt, especially with the concept of family," she adds. The Aussie can easily walk away from family, if they refuse to accept his/her homosexuality, she believes. "For a South Asian, saying f*** off to the family is the last option."

Groups like Trikone and Salaam Namaste aim to reach out, and create a forum for South Asian homosexuals. Trikone meets monthly to share their stories. "Our aim is to provide a space where they can be comfortable even for an hour," says Jethnandani.

Yet, the organisation offers full confidentiality to those who are not comfortable coming out. "We offer a non-judgmental environment, and maintain confidentiality if required. Members can come out in their own time," says Pandey.

The groups also act as a support group for new immigrants. Trikone is currently helping a young Indian who fled from Delhi after his neighbours beat him up. "We are applying to Amnesty to help him with his Permanent Residency as well as helping him find a job. This is what we are here for," says Pandey. "We want to be a support group, not just a social group," adds Jethnandani.

Of course it isn't all work and no play for these groups. Trikone's next event on the cards is a Pink Bollywood party. "We have found a gay-friendly DJ and we are planning the party for end of April—enough time to recover from the Mardi Gras," she laughs.

Gods in War, 25-26 Feb, 6.30pm Riverside Theatres, Parramatta and 1 March, 7pm Factory Theatre, Marrickville
Mardi Gras Pride Parade, 7 March, starting Oxford Street, 7.45pm