Explore identities, spaces, intimacy at Zine Bazaar
that focus on modern dating, intimacy, body positivity, ideas of personal space and of course, life in the LGBTQ community.
There will also be sessions on what it takes to run a zine and talks by writers, activists and graphic artists. “We wanted to bring in voices from across India and from different communities, and give them a platform to showcase their content,” said Sakshi Juneja, co-founder of Gaysi Family. “It was important to have a theme that would unite all these communities, and so we chose identity.”
Day one will see workshops on mythology and popular culture, the politics of aesthetics, and the themes of storytelling and resistance. Day two will see workshops on inclusive design, and erotica, followed by a panel discussion on the future of zines. Poornima Sukumar, founder of Aravani Art Project, a collective that looks at using public spaces to create space for transgender activity, will conduct a talk with Mumbai-based Queer feminist and writer, Shals Mahajan. “I will be sharing stories on how we get the transgender community to paint on walls as a way of reclaiming public spaces,” Sukumar said.
Juneja said the bazaar will be “a good mix” of art and activism as people can engage with artists or pick up quirky volumes, including Gaysi’s annual zine. The Zine Bazaar will be held at G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture, Mahalaxmi on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. The entry fee is ₹200.