The days of holding gay events in an atmosphere of fear and worry may soon be over, but It seems like it has made the residents of The Bohemian suburb quite wary of the new trend
The days of holding gay events in an atmosphere of fear and worry may soon be over, but It seems like it has made the residents of The Bohemian suburb quite wary of the new trend
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Last month, a fashion store and a queer bar opened in the suburb. An Azaadi Mela was held at Candies, a popular hangout for youngsters.
Madhu Poplai opines that gay events have a negative impact on the youth
The festival celebrated gay life with live music, folk dance and book reading sessions. And this does not seem to be going down well with the residents.
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"It especially influences young and impressionable minds. Young people want to go to these joints and hang out with such people. There is a possibility they might get into wrong things," said Madhu Poplai, secretary, Pali Hill Residents Association (PHRA).
Bryce D'Silva, whose family has been in Bandra for the last 50 years, is a concerned parent. "As parents, we can't turn a blind eye to these changes. My school-going 11-year-old kid tells me that he knows this gay man.
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When I ask them if they even know the meaning of the word, they tell me that two men who sleep together are called gay," he said.
"Can you imagine the negative impact such things can have on them?" he fumes.
Dereyk Talker, a Catholic from Bandra (W), said that he too is opposed to homosexuality.
He says, "My religion doesn't approve of it, but it's an individual's decision." According to Poplai, gay-specific stores come up where there are no ALMs (Advance Locality Management). "With no associations around, there is no resistance," adds Poplai.
However, everyone doesn't seem to oppose the gay culture. "We are quite liberal and broad-minded. I don't think we should be bothered," says Suzie, a Bandra resident.
Psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria also believes that it is time for people to open up and accept this section of society. "We must understand that the gay community is part of our society and they need acceptance," she added.
Shobhana Kumar, founder, Queer Ink, an online queer bookstore, sums it up saying, "The place is centrally located and easily accessible for everybody. Hence, most of the events are held here."
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