Last evening, at Lok Kala Manch, I revisited a younger version of myself. The play was “EK MADHAV BAUG”, written by the late Chetan Datar and organised by the Delhi-based queer collective “QConnect”. On stage stood Mona Ambegaonkar – alone, luminous, carrying an entire universe in her pauses. Eleven years ago, I watched the same…
Tag: Mental Health matters
The Hanging Sword of Layoffs
Some years feel like storms. This one feels like standing under a sky full of swords—each one glinting, dangling, humming with possibility and threat. And yet we still show up to work, swipe our cards, sit at our desks, smile at Teams calls, and hope we’re not next – the hanging sword of layoffs. It…
NUMB
There’s something creepy crawling inside me.No, it’s not a ghost. It’s worse.It’s slowly eating away at my emotions, empathy, and will to feel.I think it started small – a moment here, a moment there.A forgotten phone call. A hug that didn’t land. A message left on read. And now?I feel… NOTHING.Yes, I’m NUMB. No, I’m…
I’m toxic. Period!
The past year has been nothing short of a whirlwind. It’s been a year of deep reflection, painful realizations, and, surprisingly, growth. As I write this, I want to make one thing clear: this is my side of the story. Not the absolute truth, but my truth – a story of love, labels, and letting…
All of Us Strangers
The idea of six degrees of separation is enchanting. This thought suggests any two people in the world are connected through just six acquaintances. It suggests that the world may feel vast. Still, we’re only a few handshakes away from one another. Yet, within this comforting notion lies a quiet question: what about the people…
A Table for One
My heart is yellow,The thoughts are deep,A table for one,Is all I need. The world spins fast,It voices loud,But here I sit,Away from the crowd. No masks to wear,No roles to play,Just me, myself,At the end of the day. This quiet moment,So rare, so true,A space to breathe,The life renew. It’s not escape,It’s a loving…
Embracing Bad Luck: The Art of Pivoting
I once caught a line from a movie that really stuck with me: “It’s one of the benefits of bad luck. It teaches you to pivot.” There’s definitely some truth there. Life can throw us off track, and sometimes it feels like it does so over and over again. As a middle-aged Indian gay man,…
Being Queer in the Corporate Jungle: Challenges and Thriving Tips
Navigating the corporate world as a Queer person isn’t easy. Challenges like stereotypes and microaggressions exist, but self-acceptance and advocacy can lead to thriving and change.
Unapologetically Queer: Prioritising Mental Health in 2024
Hey there, beautiful people! Let’s prioritise our mental health in 2024, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Embrace self-care, find support, and celebrate your wins. Cheers to a fabulous year!
Invisible Burdens: Mental Health and Indian Gay Men
Hey there, my friends! It’s that time of year again: World Mental Health Day. This year, let’s shed light on a subject that often remains in the shadows: the mental health challenges faced by gay men in India. Life has its ups and downs for all of us, but for gay men in India, it…
ANKUR MONDAL 