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Geeta Kumana -Giving An Arm To Trust By - Tarannum Manjul Live for today, for yesterday has gone and tomorrow still has to come. With this motto in life, this 24 year old young journalist gets going everyday. A through bred Delhite, this graduate in English honours (and several diplomas) went onto to become a journalist working for a leading National daily in Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh) from the past 4 years. A true gemini to the soul, she loves meeting people and issues related to the underprivileged, women and children touch her the most. a budding development journalist, Tarannum loves writing about the feat achieved by her key areas, and can go anywhere to do that, with nothing stopping her.

When she started Aanchal Trust in Mumbai in 1999, Geeta Kumana was rebuked for talking openly about her sexual preferences. One of the most front running lesbian and homosexual groups in the country, Kumana's Aanchal Trust is trying to make people understand that homosexuality is neither a disease nor a mental disorder. During her visit to the city to look for options to set up a support service for similar people in Uttar Pradesh, Kumana spoke to SAWF's gender and development writer, Tarannum Manjul.

"This is a sensitive human rights issue," says Geeta Kumana

Q: It has been always believed that homosexuals, like lesbians and gays, are mentally sick and pounce on the same sex people the moment they see them?

A: (laughs) In that case, I would have had a gala time during my visit to Lucknow because I am here for three days and I have met seven women so far. I would have been eating, drinking and sleeping sex (laughs again). This is a very wrong notion. We too have our likes and dislikes just like hetrosexuals. Do you pounce on everyone?

Q: So why is homosexuality always looked upon as having unnatural sex with a person of the same sex?

A: (takes a deep breath) There is a difference between sexuality and sex. Lesbian or same sex relationships should not be looked upon only as having physical relationships. We also go out, watch movies and enjoy life. Come on, we are humans too and are not into a relationship just to have sex.

Q: Another myth that is attached to homosexuality is that women who are abused or are disgruntled with the opposite sex end up being lesbians? What's your opinion on it?

A: These are nothing but stereotypes, which have been deeply embedded in the society. You don't have to be sexually abused or beaten up to be of homosexual preference. It's a matter of choice and assault, abuse or any such incidents don't change your preferences in life.

Q: Aanchal trust is involved in counselling apart from supporting Lesbians. How do you deal with such cases?

A: Well, we do not counsel people telling them that they are doing something wrong or are sick. We just try to make them understand their own sexuality and come to terms with it. Like once there was this father who came with his daughter. He asked me to treat his daughter because she 'liked women'. I tried to convince that this was normal and it was not unnatural, but he was adamant. I finally told him that ok, I will counsel your daughter but I would like to change your sexual preferences too. He was totally shocked and never came back. I felt sorry for the girl but atleast I made the man realise that this was natural.

Q: Why did you think about initiating a support service in Uttar Pradesh?

A: Recently I have come across cases like that of two girls in Kanpur, who tried committing suicide, and another one from Allahabad. Cases like these should not be blown out of proportion or rebuked. Instead, they need strong support and help. By setting up a support service, we may be able to prevent such suicide attempts and actually, help such women. I am here to look out for organisations and individuals who can contribute in setting up this support service.

Q: Do you think that films like 'Girlfriend' and 'Men not allowed' should be banned? Don't they promote the stereotypes attached to lesbianism?

A: On the contrary, let the people decide. Surprisingly, everyone asks me about these movies, but no one talks about 'My Brother Nikhil', where Nikhil's sister tells his gay friend “I know what you are, but I love you'. Please stop making movies where you just want to titillate. This is a sensitive human rights issue and one should not play around with it.

Q: What do you think is the primary factor when it comes to admitting the fact that you are a lesbian?

A: See, first of all a girl or a woman has to say it herself and admit it without any fears. Be prepared to go back home in a hostile environment, because even after so many years, I am still isolated. But it's for you to speak out and fight for your rights… your human rights. I know it's a lonely journey, but once you start walking on your path, you'll surely find friends.

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