RELIGIOUSLY QUEER

Religiously Queer

Thu, Aug 26, PROG – 1

Though all formal religions preach humanity – that all are equal in eyes of God and thus we are all worthy of the same dignity and respect, only few religions and their sub-sects acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ people and practice a lenient outlook towards them. Through a mix package of four documentary and narrative films, we try to comprehend how religion and religious upbringing affect the growing up years and sexual identity formation of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

THE GAYTRIARCHY AND WHY WE NEED PRIDE-resized

Through the eyes of Australia’s three leading LGTBQI+ activists, this documentary comments on the dogma and bigotry that take place in the name of religion as well as culture across oppressive countries, and how it impacts the LGBTQI+ community. It aims to question the validity of purist versions of all religions and their application across the sexuality, and the gender spectrum across conservative cultures.

Jahan, a gay South Asian artist uses hook up culture to explore homosexual themes in his religion for an exhibit. In between two hookups he gets on a call with his traditional mother that reveals the universal duality of South Asian queer lives.

The concept of modern day gender fluidity among LGBTQ+ persons is not new, as it has existed in the ancient history & mythological philosophy of India. To rediscover this, the documentary travels to the interiors of Bengal documenting such practices and rituals existing in the secluded and reclusive indigenous communities of Baul singers. In tune with their mellifluous music, the documentary touches upon several examples of womanhood practices called Radha Vaab / Nari Vaab/ Gopi Vaab that offer clear indications of the concept of gender fluidity handed down over generations from ancient India.

Sab Rab De Bande brings forth the various challenges that LGBTQ Sikhs grapple with and the different ways in which they reconcile their faith and gender/sexual identities. Tracing the lives of five LGBTQ Sikhs and capturing their varied experiences as queer Sikhs, the documentary seeks to find answers for many pertinent questions about the correlation between them, and their religion.