National Coming Out Day: A message of strength

Happy National Coming Out Day, KhushDC! On this coming out day we would like to share with you a message from a former KhushDC board member, Keshav Khanijow, and all-around wonderful person on the strength needed to come out as a double minority:

I remember my most favorite "It Gets Better" video...the one where a lady said "it doesn't get better, but you get stronger." As I've grown older, I've become more comfortable with being out, but I still feel uncomfortable in gay settings: ironically, it's not conservative pressure from my South Asian identity (in fact, that community has been a source of strength), but rather from the LGBT social community. It's not like one of those movies where you go to a bar, befriend people, and find support. I'm constantly reminded of my different upbringing through missed cultural references, my genetically wider hips, and seeing my acquaintances getting 5x more Grindr messages than me. Coming out as a [gay Indian] nerd from an immigrant family was really hard, and the repercussions of the process still affect me today. Luckily, community organizations like KhushDC and Trikone provided me a haven to recharge and empower me to confront the world outside in Mt. Vernon, DuPont Circle, and the Castro, but coming out as a double minority requires strength: make sure you have some people to fall back on, and most importantly make sure you can fall back on yourself. -Keshav Khanijow

Keshav's note reminds us of the importance of strength and community when coming out of the closet. Please know that we're here for you whether it's just to listen, help figure things out, or, well, to Jalwa in all your fabulousness to the latest Madhuri Dixit cameo! Also, you can always turn to our community's anonymous helpline, Desi Queer Helpline (DeQH), if you don't feel comfortable reaching out to us. You can learn more about DeQH here: http://deqh.org/.

Best wishes,
KhushDC
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National Coming Out Day Resources:

• National Coming Out Day [Wikipedia]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coming_Out_Day
• History of National Coming Out Day [HRC]: http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/the-history-of-coming-out
• Straight Ally resources [HRC]: http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/straight-guide-to-lgbt-americans
• Transgender Ally resources [TransWhat?]: http://transwhat.org/allyship/
• Desi Queer Helpline: http://deqh.org/
• Satyameva Jayate/Truth Always Triumphs:” NCOD Reflections on Loving Yourself [HRC]: http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/satyameva-jayate-truth-always-triumphs-ncod-reflections-on-loving-yourself

KhushDC's Fall Womyn's Brunch

Want to get to know your fellow South Asian queer women better? Are you a fan of DC's time honored tradition of brunching?

Then this is the event for you. KhushDC is organizing a fall LADIES' BRUNCH :)

The Details:

Who: Members of KhushDC and South Asian LBTQQ (Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) women interested in KhushDC
What: Brunch!
When: Sunday, October 20th at 11 AM
Where: You will be emailed the location once you RSVP.
Why: Because what could be better than brunch (did we mention bottomless bloody mary/mimosas?!) and LBTQ South Asian ladies?

Must RSVP:

Please RSVP by emailing board@khushdc.org by Tuesday, October 15th.

Thank you to Pooja for organizing this event!

NOTE: To maintain this gathering as a safe space, attendance is strictly limited to South Asian Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning women and their partners.

Peaceful Counter Protest to Westboro

The Westboro Baptist Church has announced their plan to picket in front of Ford's Theatre this Friday, Oct. 11 because of the theatre's performances of the "The Laramie Project." Ford's Theatre is inviting the entire DC community to come out for a peaceful counter-protest from 6:30-7:30 p.m in front of the theatre (511 10th St. NW).

"The Laramie Project" tells the story of the brutal attack and death of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998 because he was gay. In October 2009, Congress passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and on October 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law.

Following the protest, Ford's will hold a special 7:30 p.m. performance of “The Laramie Project” at First Congregational Church and all proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. After the performance, join us for a public candlelight vigil at 10:15 p.m. Details and schedule for Friday are below. We hope you can be there for all or part of the night!

Friday, October 11

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Counter Protest

In front of Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St. NW)
The Westboro folks are scheduled to protest outside of Ford’s Theatre from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. We would like to have a peaceful counter protest from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Our counter protest will consist of holding Erase Hate signs and an Erase Hate banner. We will not engage with the protesters verbally or physically. To participate in the counter protest, please email llorenz@fords.org by 5 p.m. Thursday, October 10.

7:30 p.m.: The Laramie Project

At First Congregational United Church of Christ (945 G St. NW)
Matthew Shepard died on October 12, 1998. Fifteen years later, we honor his legacy with a fundraiser for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Ford’s Theatre will donate all proceeds from the October 11 performance of The Laramie Project to the Foundation. Tickets are only $25.

10:15 to 10:45 p.m.: Candlelight Vigil

In front of Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St. NW)
Following the performance, we will host a candlelight vigil outside of the theatre in honor of Matthew Shepard and National Coming Out Day. Matthew’s father, Dennis Shepard, will make remarks. Garrison Gibbons, one of the students from the Ole Miss production of The Laramie Project, will be there. Rev. Dwayne Johnson of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington will lead an interfaith moment of silence. Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, directed by Dr. Thea Kano, will sing. If you would like to attend the vigil, please rsvp at http://mattshepardvigil.eventbrite.com/


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For those that don't know about The Laramie Project or Matthew Shepard, we encourage you learn more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Laramie_Project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard
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PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO HELP US BUILD A WALL IN FRONT OF THE WESTBORO CHURCH.

Lincoln Legacy Project: Laramie Project Discussion

KhushDC board member will be speaking on a panel discussion on hate crimes during the Ford Theater's Lincoln Legacy Project, which will focus on the Matthew Shepard case.

We'd like to invite the KhushDC community and our friends to join us at this free-to-attend event at the Ford Theater (UPDATE: Due to the federal government shutdown, the location has been changed to 514 10th St.) on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7pm. Also, we encourage you to watch the production of The Laramie Project, which runs at the Ford Theater from Sept. 27 - Oct. 27.

Details

Date: Monday, Oct. 7, 2013
Time: 7pm
Location: 514 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cost: Free

The Discussion

To gain perspective on hate crimes that continue to plague our country, Ford’s Theatre will host a panel discussion that focuses on and draws lessons from incidents connected to gender, sexual orientation, racial or cultural bias. Featured speakers included:

Dave O’Malley: Dave O’Malley is a Wyoming native who, after graduating from the University of Wyoming, joined the Laramie Police Department. O’Malley was the lead investigator into the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. Following the murder investigation, a journey of personal awakenings occurred in his life. Since 1999, O’Malley has worked diligently with Judy Shepard and the Human Rights Campaign through the evolution of the Matthew Shepard Act/James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. O’Malley is currently Sheriff of Albany County, Wyoming.

Billy Rowles: Billy Rowles is a fourth generation East Texan. He joined the Marines after high school and served two tours in Vietnam. He attended state college and, shortly after, began his career as a Trooper in Jasper County Texas. Rowles was elected Jasper County Sheriff in 1996 and held this position during the 1998 murder of James Byrd, Jr. Among his awards, Rowles is the recipient of the Exceptional Service Award from former Attorney General Janet Reno.

Moderator Jonathan Capehart: Capehart is a member of The Washington Post editorial board and writes about politics and social issues for the PostPartisan blog. He also appears regularly as an MSNBC contributor. Previously, Capehart was deputy editor of New York Daily News’s editorial page and prior to that was a member of the Daily News editorial board. Capehart and the Daily News editorial board won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.

The Lincoln Legacy Project

The Lincoln Legacy Project is a multi-year effort to create dialogue in our nation’s capital around the issues of tolerance, equality and acceptance. Each fall, through a series of cornerstone theatre productions, educational programs and special events, Ford’s takes a closer look at racial and religious intolerance, social injustice and civil rights in American history and contemporary society. Through a diversity of programming, the Lincoln Legacy Project is designed to encourage people of differing viewpoints to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue about tolerance and understanding.

The Laramie Project

To watch the The Laramie Project production on stage, please visit: http://www.fords.org/event/laramie-project.

KhushDC's 2013-2014 Elections Information

We invite the D.C. area's larger South Asian LGBTQ for KhushDC's 2013-2014 Elections. We'd like to have others in the community step up and be part of the leadership also - keeping KhushDC a safe space for DC's LGBTQ community is a responsibility we all share.

Eligibility requirements to run for a position

• 21 years or older
• Self-identified as South Asian LGBTQ in the D.C. metropolitan area

How to nominate yourself or someone you think would make a fabulous board member for the community:

• Email elections@khushdc.org by FRIDAY, Sept. 6 at 5pm the following items:
• Your name
• Position you're running for
• 1-2 paragraph bio about yourself and why you'd be good for this position

• Your email will only go to the elections committee and then they will let everyone know who is running for what position by Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3pm.

How to vote:

• Voting will take place on September 7, 2013
• Unlike previous years, you do not need to pay dues to vote -- ONLY show-up to the meeting. :)
• Self-identified members of the South Asian LGBTQ will be eligible to vote
• Partners/significant others will be allowed to attend, but unable to vote
• Long-time KhushDC community member Daniel Phoenix Singh will lead the elections committee
• Must RSVP to board@khushdc.org to attend by Saturday, September 7 at 5pm. The Community Get-Together, Townhall, and Elections get started at 6pm.

Positions available

President:  The President’s duties shall be provide overall leadership and direction to KhushDC, and other duties deemed necessary for the proper.

·       Must be willing to give 5 hours a week to the organization

·       Must be willing to plan, participate, and engage in KhushDC events

·       Must be willing to represent KhushDC in DC area community events

·       Organizing experience in LGBT community helpful, but not necessary

Vice President: The Vice President’s duties shall be to support the President’s goals and to perform the President’s duties in his/her absence.

·       Must “self-identify” as South Asian

·       Must be willing to give 5 hours a week to the organization

·       Must be willing to plan, participate, and engage in KhushDC events

·       Must be willing to represent KhushDC in DC area community events

·       Organizing experience in LGBT community helpful, but not necessary

Secretary: The Secretary’s duties shall be to maintain written records of KhushDC’s activities, event posting (e.g. web, social media, email, etc.), and outreach to community members.

·       Must be able to engage in email, social media, and other forms of electronic outreach

·       Must be willing to plan, participate, and engage in KhushDC events

·       Must be willing to give 5 hours a week to the organization

Treasurer: The Treasurer’s duties shall be to manage KhushDC’s internal and external financial responsibilities.

·       Experience in financial planning and management helpful.

·       Must be willing to plan, participate, and engage in KhushDC events


If you have any questions or concerns about the elections, positions, or voting process, please let email elections@khushdc.org PRIOR to the meeting so that we can ensure everything runs smoothly.

Annual Community Get-Together, Town Hall, and Elections - Sept. 7

Join us for our annual community get-together with the entire KhushDC community on Saturday, September 7 at 6pm.

This is a great time to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Also, we're going to try something new this year -- this is where elections will be held, so your attendance is all the more important for the continued growth and nourishment of our community. If nothing else, grab a plate of delicious food (it will be a potluck) and tell us what you like about KhushDC or where we could do better. We'd like to have others in the community step up and be part of the leadership also - keeping KhushDC a safe space for DC's LGBTQ community is a responsibility we all share.

RSVP on Facebook or by emailing board@khushdc.org.

ELECTIONS INFO:

We'll post more information about the elections (on how to nominate yourself or a friend) very soon! In the meantime, please start thinking about getting involved on the Board officially. It's an extremely fulfilling experience that' you'll remember for the rest of your life. :)

NOTE: We'd like to keep this a space for South Asian LGBTQ individuals and their partners/significant others only.

Community Get-Together and Town Hall - Sat. Sept 7

Community Get-Together and Town Hall

Saturday, September 7 at 6:00pm
Location is TBD

Please save the date to get-together with the KhushDC community. This is a great time to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Also, we're going to try something new this year -- this is where elections will be held, so your attendance is all the more important for the continued growth and nourishment of our community. If nothing else, grab a plate of delicious food (it will be a potluck) and tell us what you like about KhushDC or where we could do better. We'd like to have others in the community step up and be part of the leadership also - keeping KhushDC a safe space for DC's LGBTQ community is a responsibility we all share.

Manil Suri Reading - Sat. August 3

KhushDC is co-hosting an event with the DC Center's Outwrite LGBT Book Fair on Saturday, August 3 at 7:30pm. Manil Suri, author of The City of Devi, will be speaking about his new book! Manil is an out gay South Asian man and accomplished novelist and mathematician.

Manil Suri was born in Bombay and is a professor of mathematics and affiliate professor of Asian studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is the author of the novels The Death of Vishnu, The Age of Shiva, and The City of Devi, his most recent novel. His fiction has won several awards and honors and has been translated into twenty-seven languages.

He will be reading from his book The City of Devi, released last February. The City of Devi tells the story of Sarita, who journeys to find her husband Kuran among the ruinedstreets of Mumbai, joined only by his lover Jaz. As they avoid danger, Sarita and Jaz are drawn to Devi ma, the patron goddess who has appeared - reputedly - to save the city.

Find out more info here: http://www.thedccenter.org/blog/2013/07/manil-suri-reading-at-outwrite.html 

See the full OutWrite schedule at: http://thedccenter.org/outwritedc/schedule.pdf

PRESS RELEASE

KhushDC Stands in Solidarity with Indo-Caribbean Community After Gay-Bashing Incident

June 26, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shivana Jorawar, shivana.jorawar@gmail.com

Washington, D.C., June 26, 2013 – KhushDC joins other LGBTQ organizations in denouncing the recent targeting of and attack on an Indo-Caribbean activist in New York. On Sunday June 23, Mohamed (Zaman) Amin was attacked in a hate crime at Players Restaurant and Bar in Queens. Following the release of photos and videos of Amin after the attack, community leaders across the Northeast have condemned this violent attack and reiterated a commitment to combating homophobia and hate crimes.

These organizations have helped put together a rally in front of Players Restaurant and Bar (129-06 Liberty Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11419) to be held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Community members, elected officials and organizations are encouraged to join the rally against violence directed at Amin and the LGBTQ community.

The organizations Chutney Pride, the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Jahajee Sisters, the Rajkumari Cultural Center, Sadhana, Sangam- Indo-Caribbean Queer Voices, and KhushDC released the following statements:

“This disgusting violence is unacceptable. It is high time for us to be addressing the real issue of anti-gay hate that plagues our community and makes it an unsafe place to be. Chutney Pride is here to support Zaman and help uproot homophobia in the Indo-Caribbean community.” – Mohamed Q. Amin, Chutney Pride

“We are distressed to learn of the attack on Zaman, who has been a leading activist for LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean community. This kind of violence follows other recent violent attacks we have seen against gay men in NYC. Fortunately, we are determined to show that there are far more of us who stand in solidarity with Zaman than those would rather see the LGBTQ community silenced again.” – Richard David, Indo-Caribbean Alliance

“What happened to Zaman is deplorable. We as a community can no longer refuse to confront cultural biases against LGBTQ persons and the violence that it promotes. LGBTQ people are our friends and family members and, if they are not safe, this is a problem that affects us all.” – Rohan Sooklall, Sangam

“This is a disgusting act of violence based on rigid gender norms that result in the persecution of LGBTQ people. For too long, we have been silent about the way our culture denigrates people based on their sexual orientation. The time for creating change is long overdue. We stand in solidarity with Zaman.” – Shivana Jorawar, Jahajee Sisters

“Zaman is the most beautiful, respectful, gifted and talented young person I’ve met in a long time. He has worked and supports the Rajkumari Center and performed for many fundraising events in our community. During Sandy, Zaman, his family and friends distributed food and supplies to victims. I call on all business owners, community and religious leaders to stand with us to STOP the abuse to our sons and daughters!” – Pritha Singh, Rajkumari Cultural Center

“We at Sadhana believe in the principle of ahimsa and condemn all forms of violence. As a progressive coalition of Hindu Americans, we condemn the violent attack on Mohamed (Zaman) and demand that the Ozone Park and Richmond Hill residents strongly condemn this act of violence as well. Zaman is a human being and should not be seen as any different from any other human in this world. ” – Rohan Narine, Sadhana

“It is disheartening and disappointing to see such violence being perpetuated without recourse or reason in our community. We hope our religious and cultural communities from South Asia, the Caribbean, and the diaspora stand with us as we continue to educate, share the stories of LGBTQ individuals, and build within our communities. Only two years ago, we saw a similar attack against a South Asian LGBTQ member here in Washington, D.C., one where the person unfortunately did not survive the attack. It is high time we rise to the occasion and speak louder.” – Puesh Kumar, KhushDC

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KhushDC is a social, support and political group that provides a safe and supportive environment, promotes awareness and acceptance, and fosters positive cultural and sexual identity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) and additional gender or sexual minority South Asians in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. KhushDC represents a broad array of nationalities including those of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Click here to view this press release on our Scribd page or download a PDF version.

2013 Capital Pride - Logistical Information

***We are continually updating this post with important information. So check back the day before the parade!***

KhushDC would like to invite DC's South Asian LGBTQ community and our straight allies to the 38th Annual Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8th.

The Pride Parade is an opportunity to showcase the diverse faces of the LGBTQ community and stand proudly for those South Asian LGBTQ individuals who are not yet able to be out. We stand as friends, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters to celebrate, but also remember the struggles we’ve fought collectively to reach this right to be equal.


Important Info:

• Truck decorating and sign-making party: 6:00pm on Friday, June 7. RSVP to receive address: https://www.facebook.com/events/581073398593629/.

• Meeting location: 2:00pm on Saturday, June 8 at Larry's Lounge (1836 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009). We'll meet there and then head over to our place in the parade. Please be on time (no desi standard time!).

• Attire for the parade: South Asian clothing is encouraged, but feel free to wear anything you'd be comfortable in. It is expected to be 83 degrees, so make sure you wear something that'll keep you cool as we march. We plan on bringing water bottles with us, but feel free to bring your own also.

• DJ Harsh will be spinning Bollywood, Bhangra, and more during the parade to keep us going! Feel free to suggest songs he should play in the comments section below.

Website: KhushDC.org

Contact: board@khushdc.org