Alok Vaid Menon's Journey From New York To Kochi!
- 09 Jun 2017
- Sunaya
- Features
International artist Alok Vaid Menon opened up to Kochi for the first time, capturing the audience in an emotional treat with humor, honesty and rhythm
So would I address Alok as a he or she? The question played in my mind as we made our way to watch this gender non-conforming international performance-artist and author. Benches and chairs were arranged casually at 3:1 Audio Station in Panampilly Nagar, as the audience awaited the performer. Alok Vaid Menon has an international following, and his views and performances on gender nonconformity had appeared on international media including HBO, MTV, The Guardian, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Caravan and more. I was rather nervous about talking to the artist, but little did I know that Alok would be facing butterflies of another kind.
This was not the first time that this New Yorker had been in Kochi. Alok had visited the Kochi Muziris Biennale and been clearly impressed. But this was the first time that this genderfluid artist with roots in Kerala, would be performing in front of the family. Alok walked in in high heeled black boots, a patterned pink dress with cut out shoulders and the signature bright lipstick. Dangling earrings fell close to a trimmed beard as Alok stood in front of the mike and let the artistry of performance poetry captivate the audience. We witnessed the life of this South Asian trans-performer who opened up and swept us away in an emotional tide.
Reflections
Alok’s heart was poured out on stage, remarking on the realities of a transgender’s life. Poems that talked about realizing identity, family, feeling fabulous, a masseuse that helped confront pain, abuse at the hands of the public...realities that shocks one and makes you understand how far removed our perceptions of gender in society have been. “Love a tranny’s fashion... but never love a tranny,” recites Alok on how you might talk about gender issues but never accept them. Since the age of 4, Alok had enjoyed dancing to cheesy Bollywood songs and performing for his family. Without knowing, Alok was blossoming into an artist, listening to himself and writing poetry on emotions that he was going through. Things took a turn when puberty hit. People did not seem to understand what Alok was going through, especially family, paving way to depression.
Alok started writing. About everything. What was felt, what was seen, what was to be said, about society, about love, heartbreak, abuse and promises. At the age of 21, he decided to wear a dress and use fashion the way he wanted. As he came of age, he was no longer a he. Alok would not hide behind society rules but chose as ‘Alok’ wanted. Not hiding a hairy body and keeping things real, Alok became a master of the spoken word.
Kerala, a progressive state?
In the light of all the positive news that Kerala has been making with regards to the transgender community, Alok says “I definitely consider Kerala to be progressive than other states in the country and I say that with pride. But, we have a long way to go. All of this is tolerance and acceptance is there but most of the trans people in the country is out of their family. It doesn’t have anything to do with the trans people but with the society that we live.” According to the artist, being a transgender is not about identifying as a male or female. Gender is a much fluid notion, that historically Indians had accepted, but a sort of colonial amnesia had made them despise it. “Gender is something that is not linked with our body or genitals, but rather with our social role towards the community.” Alok believes that there is always a fluidity and queerness in every gender, no matter what.
An honest recitation
A brutally honest performance, Alok didn't mince words or try to be obscure, but told it as is. There was no lack of humor as Alok shared few tips on how to win over people online and even went live on instagram during the show. Whether the author was telling us about being mocked by family, trans love, roles that women play, being beaten up in Australia after a performance, or punched in New York, the delivery was interspersed with humor that made these reflections stay with you. “I know I’m fabulous. I know I’m beautiful. But am I safe?”
My emotions see-sawed its way through the performance and I was in admiration of the honesty and courage that Alok displayed. We all go through problems, and it is definitely how we face them that make us who we are. Talking to Alok was an eye opener and the conversation went on seamlessly. He just made too much sense and I had more realizations than I had come with. I watched his grandmother from Thrissur point out to the event poster on her way out. Someone who had not understood Alok, was showing a few people that this was her grandchild and an article had come in the paper about they/them (pronouns I found that one could use to address transgender). Alok travels the world connecting to people and doing performances. His collection of poetry is available as ‘Femme in Public.’ If Alok is performing at a place near you, do not miss the show.
Interview by: Roshan D Words by: Maria John Photos from: Mukul Bhatia
