London introduced itself in the incarnate of Betsy. A 22 year old run-way model
returning from NYC fashion week, sat next to me on the Tube. While listing off
London’s must-sees and skips she noticed how her gold medallion caught my
attention. An ornate heirloom she inherited at her high-school graduation along
with the discovery of her full blooded Gypsy heritage. Knowledge she now also
keeps private.
This shroud of secrecy was her true legacy and despite her: unique features,
gregarious nature, and being internationally coveted, she remained quietly
afflicted by this.

Similarly years ago, in Chicago, mid- conversation my building’s security pulled
up a sleeve revealing tattooed tarot cards along his forearm; something rarely
exposed at work. For even in 21sth century America, Gypsies carried the stigma
of being thieves, tracing back to the time of Christ. During the crucification there
were two others on crosses, a murderer and a thief. The latter overwhelmed for
being in the same league as Jesus was given a boon by God. Decreeing theft by Gypsies would be absolved. I learned this folklore is imprinted in the psyche of every Gypsy child. The Hijras (Eunuchs) too, like the Gypsies inserted themselves in the religion. In the Ramayan, after abdicating the throne Ram heads to exile. At the brink of the
forest he appeals to his people to return home. Fourteen years later he re-
emerges to find some subjects still remaining . Reminding them of his request
they responded, “only men and women were asked to leave”; being eunuchs
afforded them no clear distinction in either group. Moved, Ram bestowed upon them
the gift of a ‘black tongue’. Even today people submit to a Hijra’s extortion for
fear of being cursed.

Universally, the marginalized are determined to be seen, to assimilate on their
terms. Emboldened by centuries of mistreatment and neglect, they create their
own narrative.

top (L) @aravaniartproject (M) Hasheel is a Toronto based artist trained in, Indian classical vocals and Bansuri (Indian flute) www.hasheel.com (R) photograph by, Nandini Valli Muthiah, from The Definitive Reincarnate collection. Ram’s avatar, Vishnu has been “sorta updated” looking forlorn on a bed bottom @aravaniartproject, the mural proposes to remind people of the inherent acceptance of gender fluidity. Using geometric shapes forming a gender fluid face that refuses to look away with Hibiscus flowers-known for having both male and female parts.