academic-insomaniac:desbianherstory:Rhea Dease and Parmarth Rai, creators of the Chand com
academic-insomaniac:desbianherstory:Rhea Dease and Parmarth Rai, creators of the Chand comic strip: “What’s a pride list without Dutee Chand? Now a household name, Chand hailed from a BPL (Below Poverty Line) family of weavers in the tiny and relatively nondescript village of Gopalpur, Odisha. She didn’t start running recreationally, but rather as a means to an end – to secure a sports quota that would grant her a decent education. But her exceptional skills on the track set her apart, earning her the moniker of ‘fastest woman in India’. She took home medals for the country in the 100m and 200m sprint in events like the Asian Athletics Championships, Summer University Games in Naples, and the National Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi. She held her head up high even as her family and village, adoring and welcoming as they were about her accomplishments on field, voiced their disapproval about her choice of partner off it. @eyolouss and I are in awe of her spirit and sportsmanship, in how she gave back to her family and village despite their reactions to her coming out, and how she continues to empower young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as closeted lgbt youth to be able to speak their truth.” Dutee Chand: “What I went through in 2014 [gender tests and ban over her elevated testosterone levels] was widely written about. Everyone got to know what was happening and how wrong it was. The awareness helped me win that fight and return to competitions. When I saw my story broken down into simple details [by Rhea and Parmarth’s illustrations], it took me back to my schooldays. We never forget those deep stories told through pictures we read as kids. [Having a comic strip] feels special. When I came out last year, I had no idea what it could lead to or whom it could inspire. But I knew I had to tell my story.” *openly QUEER athelete she never associated herself with any label I believe she refers to herself as a woman in a same-sex relationship. I have not seen her use “queer”, so it’s not more appropriate than “gay” or “lesbian” per se, particularly given the specific issues with the word. she is called “gay” in this very comic and has commented approvingly of the comic (in this post), so I don’t think she takes issue with the word. she has also said this:“My partner supported me every time and I have chosen her for my life,” Chand added. discussing how she said “coming out of the closet” was better than “hiding” her sexuality. “People may look at us differently or call us by any name like gay, lesbian, et cetera. That does not matter so far as we get to spend our lives with each other.”I believe this indicates that she’s fine with the words lesbian and gay. If she’s fine with the word “queer” as well, that’s great, but I haven’t seen it personally. -- source link