FEMINIST & QUEER LIBRARY
The library is imagined as a physical space. A comfortable and welcoming space, open to all. A space to gather, to read, discuss, debate, banter and bicker about books and authors. A library that recognises and celebrates the contribution of women and queer writers. In its completed form, it will house everything from philosophy and poetry to romance and pulp fiction, as well as zines, comics, and listening stations. In short- quick access to material by women and queer writers that may not be found at mainstream bookstores. The library will also feature curated programs-Talking Gender that includes talks, book clubs, book launches and conversations with authors. While we wait for this dream to be realised, we continue with our pop-up versions of the library at the Gender Bender Festival and discussion on books and authors both on and offline.
GENDER JALEBI:
We imagined the podcast as a series that focused on women, gender non-conforming and trans persons.
It looks at sharing stories, highlighting and archiving the voices of a community that otherwise goes unheard. Gender Jalebi features people from different walks of life and tries to capture different layers and nuances within the gender discourse. The podcast series was initiated in collaboration with the local Community Radio Channel, Radio Active.
GENDER AUDIT
While it is true that a large number of women work in the arts, it is also true that there is an acute shortage of women and all minorities in positions of power with decision making capacities. We hope to conduct a gender-based survey and audit of all arts organisations in India, taking into account gender, sexuality, caste and class. The research methodology will survey and analyse the results with facts and figures that will be made public. The basic questions we hope to address are: The ratio of men versus women in the organisational structure with reference to power, remuneration and decision making.
Phase 1 will comprise collating facts and figures.
In Phase 2 we will ask for public accountability and more (gender) diversity with a public manifesto.
