Indian literature gets a queer flavour

In a nation where we continue to be dogged by questions on sexual identity, a group of individuals from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community came together to share their experiences in a book.

The book Out! Stories from the New Queer India edited by Minal Hajratwala was launched by actress Nandita Das. The book launch saw contributors Gazal Dhaliwal, Juthika Nagpal, Meher Pestonji, Raj Rao and Ashish Sawhny read excerpts from their stories. This is the first book after the 2009 Delhi High Court Ruling on section 377.

Speaking about negative attitudes and misconceptions about the queer community, Nandita said, "It is one thing for people to speak about their sexuality and debate in public spaces, but when it comes to their own family, Indians are still struggling with it. We do have some amount of double standards in the way we operate. This book has stories of personal struggles, the stigma they go through, the rejection they face... This will help the readers empathise and sensitise themselves to the LGBT community."

Minal says, "I came out as a lesbian in 1989 in San Francisco and at that time I did not know any other Indian lesbian. It was later I found other people with whom I could relate to."

Deepa Mehta’s Fire was a turning point in bringing homosexual relationships out in the open where Nandita played one of the lead characters. She says, "Mainstream cinema always wants to please too many people. When you take up a marginalised issue, there is a risk involved. But today, people want to read and see different kind of realities."