The Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition, a group individuals and organisations working for sexuality and gender minorities in the state, is hosting the ‘Seven Colors: The Chennai Rainbow Art Festival’ in Chennai on June 16, Saturday.
Facilitated by the Tamil Nadu LGBTIQ Movement, the event, in its tenth edition this year, brings together an art exhibition, cultural events, panel discussions on issues faced by the community, and Vellai Mozhi, a mono play by renowned actor and activist A Revathi.
In addition to their advocacy work, the coalition has involved committed stakeholders and public through their media campaigns. They also conduct media sensitisation workshops.
According to a statement by the organisers, “Revathi was the first ever Indian trans woman writer to shine spotlight upon the obstacles and ostracism faced by trans women in their day-to-day lifestyle through her words… Under the directional aid of A Mangai, the poetic influence of trans woman Kalki Subramaniam and the musical enchantment of trans man Shyam, actor, writer and activist A Revathi is ready and all set to perform her play "Vellai Mozhi" at Chennai for the first time ever.”
Revathi, who originally hails from Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu has previously performed the play in Coimbatore and Mysuru.
The movement aims to give adequate support to LGBTQIA+ persons and also bring related issues and activities to the attention of mainstream society. The activists emphasise on creating awareness in society regarding LGBTQIA+ issues, and focuses on removing the taboos surrounding same-sex relationships.
The event is scheduled to take place on June 16, 2018 at the ICSA, Egmore, Chennai.