The I Column
Reclaiming Intimacy: Sex Positivity and A Cultural Grammar That Values ‘Personhood’
As we move toward destigmatising the topic of sex for all genders, we should include the language of intimacy as we collectively create a new cultural grammar around sex.
By Anonymous
Confessions of a Queer man
What I can say is that I tried to be the best lover for a woman, and I am much obliged to the girls I dated then for trying with me.
By Pavel Sagolsem
February 1, 2019
एक बेमेल जोड़े की कहानी
Both of us, have recently, decided to get married and will be in a marriage that I like to call a subversive marriage. Subversive marriages are based on an uncompromising equality and negotiations that serve for the betterment of both the partners.
By Shivani Gupta
January 2, 2019
Sex in the Times of Menopause
Sashwati Banerjee is the Managing Director of Sesame Workshop in India. Ms. Banerjee leads the organisation in its mission to…
By Sashwati Banerjee
January 2, 2019
Ah, the Seductive Lure of Instagram! #OutfitOfTheDay
Personally, I don’t know if it’s because of how Instagram has evolved, or the people using it, or, well, me. Among its most wonderful sights – jaw-dropping beautiful travel destinations; delicious-looking home-cooked South Indian food neatly arranged on a stainless steel plate; doodles and handicraft – what I love about the platform is watching people, mostly women, dressed up.
By Vani Viswanathan
January 2, 2019
Is BDSM Just a New Age Fad and the Latest ‘In Thing’?
BDSM has been existent in discussion all the way from the time of the Marquis de Sade. However, the only thing that ’Fifty Shades of Grey’ seems to have done is shine the spotlight on a lifestyle that has existed and been judged for quite some time now.
By Asmi
December 3, 2018
The Unlovable Love Handles
Each time I would look into the mirror, I would see the love handles bulging through my shirt and cringe inwardly. Mills and Boon had convinced me that my body was not loveable like that of the thin, beautiful protagonists, and thus, there would no knights coming for me on horses, now or later.
By Shivangi Gupta
December 3, 2018
Sex and Me, an Intimate Affair
Loving sex has only opened doors for me to know more about the world and myself. It helps me love and appreciate myself more and also, to a fair bit, tolerate this hypocritical and violent world. It gives me hope.
By Pavel Sagolsem
November 1, 2018
Beauty Lies in Contradictions
I have been the overprotective patriarch and now it is time for me to find solidarity with my sister who will go through myriad experiences. I need to be there to support her while at the same time make her question her decisions rather than being a judgmental feminist.
By Shivani Gupta
October 1, 2018
My Complicated Love Story
Today I do not know whether I want to grow out my hair or keep it short; I am just trying to breathe and be in the moment. To enjoy the journey rather than worrying, and waiting for the destination!
By Ipsita
October 1, 2018
Acne and Attraction: An Unspoken Affair
The last few years have been a struggle in accepting myself with the possibility of always having acne and believing that I am still beautiful, even on the “outside”. This journey of believing that I can be worthy of love, attraction, expression and desire regardless of my looks continues to be liberating and empowering.
By Lamia Bagasrawala
October 1, 2018
BDSM Play – Performance and Beyond
Just like sex can be happy, sad, awkward, angry and so many other emotions, rather than the mere act of pounding, so is BDSM.
By Asmi
September 4, 2018
Sex in the Times of Menopause
I am single and successful in the city. My general health is under control. I can still pull off an all-nighter maybe once a quarter. My sexuality and desire have evolved and matured with my age. Heck, in my eyes, I am Mrs. Robinson. But the eye candy at the bar sees me as Miss Havisham.
By Sashwati Banerjee
August 1, 2018
The Ocean in My Veins
The circulation of our bodily energies potentially ushers queer futurities. A future that is yet to come, a future in which our bodies will not be imprinted with fear. A future in which newer creative economies of desire, love, and pleasure surround us like the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. I write this brief reflection in hopes of such futures.
By Debanuj DasGupta
July 2, 2018
Living with an invisible disability and seeking wellbeing
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia around July last year. For those of you who do not know what Fibromyalgia is, it is a condition characterised by chronic pain spread over some tender points across the entire body.
By Rituparna Borah