Sure, Suri

“Corporates are capitalists. And capitalists have no heart for queer issues re” one of my queer dosts said in a very resigned kind of tone. I didn’t get into any discussion with her. I simply said “lets discuss later, just tell me are you coming to the event at Kitty Su... yaar Drag Queen Alaska 5000 is going to be there”. She readily said yes. I made a point without making a point. 

Kitty Su, is the brainchild of Keshav Suri, the executive director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.  I had a chance to attend an event at Godrej where I heard Keshav’s views on issues. He was unabashed about the fact that he is a capitalist. However, he completely busted the myth propagated with dallops of cynicism -that all corporates are insensitive to societal needs. He does care. And he cares enough to say “my community” rather than more philanthropic  “let’s support this cause. These people are suffering so much”. The LGBT Community is his community. 

In keeping with his views, he had introduced the Drag culture at Kitty Su. He has a major role to play in drag queens being celebrated in India. Drag queens are people who are men dressed in unabashedly and overtly  feminine roles. 

On Friday 10 November, he is getting international drag queen Alaska 5000 to perform in Kitty Su, Mumbai at The Lalit. On Sunday 12 November, Delhi Queer Pride Day, Alaska would be performing at Kitty Su, Delhi. 

I have already received ek-ke-baad-ek messages on my whatsapp. Everyone is inviting everyone for the event. Which is funny and lovely at the same time. In a world that is highly prejudiced against men who are overtly feminine, safe spaces that celebrate femininity are like a breath of fresh air. There are venues in Mumbai and  Delhi that are accepting of people of different genders and sexualities. But sometimes we need to give them an extra pep talk on LGBT lives, sometimes we need to explicitly tell venues that there could be transgender persons and friends from the Hijra community attending. It is sometimes quite frustrating to tell people “hum achey log hai. Humaara community hai. Koi discrimination nahi hona chahiye”.  We assume that discrimination is the norm and acceptance is a reason for celebration.  But seriously, aisa nahi hona chahiye.  Initiatives by Kitty Su is a step in the right direction. They are helping in changing the narrative and are challenging our idea of normal. Thanks to Keshav Suri. 

Not just that, Keshav Suri helps in the treatment and employs Acid Attack survivors. It is not so often that you would find a wheel chair bound DJ. You will find him here. Food wastage? They have tied with Robinhood Army to minimize food wastage by distributing excess food to the economically challenged. 

Keshav Suri tells me,  “My vision is to make the country Inclusive.”

Sure, Suri. You are already making waves in that direction. Ho Naah?

(Activist Harish Iyer shares his entertaining adventures through Mumbai’s landscape)

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