OUT OF CLOSET: WILL LITERATURE PAVE THE WAY?

Indian authors on the importance of allowing LGBTQIA+ subjects to find space in literature and their quest for equality

The Supreme Court’s 2018 landmark ruling on Section 377 heralded a new era for the LGBTQIA + and did change the meaning of being queer in India. The struggle for acceptance and equality became mainstream. And over time, even in literature, queer experiences have come out of the closet of anonymity. But is that enough?

LACK OF DIVERSITY

The queer literature scene has visibly exploded in the last decade. In his memoir, So Now You Know: Growing Up Gay in India, author Vivek Tejuja talks about the time when homosexuality was outrightly looked down upon. What inspired him to pen his story was a mix of catharsis and “a need to inspire young people”. Tejuja says, “The SC verdict changed the queer literature scene, but not enough. There is a lack of diverse voices. We don’t have enough literature on bisexuality, trans people, and more.”

150-YEAR HITCH

Some believe that India’s queer literature has already come of age, but the language and reach needs to be addressed. Ruth Vanita, author of Memory of Light, opines, “Before the mid-19th century, Indian writers and artists depicted same-sex desire in the same way that they depicted other aspects of life. After more than 150 years, these depictions have begun to flourish again... Writers now feel free to depict this dimension of reality and imagination. But the creation of such literature can, and must, extend beyond the confines of the community.”

LITERATURE DEFINES PLURALITY

Sharing his thoughts, Sharif D Rangnekar, who has written Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man, says, “We need more books that document our lives, history, time, the barriers, the strife, hopelessness and bravery that many a queer person lives with. This will create not just a category or genre for studying and learning, but will give us a way to share our stories and feel free at least while speaking for ourselves. After all, literature was meant to reflect the plurality of lives.”

For LGBT children, knowing about the contributions of people like themselves is crucial. It will help them realise that they can do anything without shame or guilt. RUTH VANITA, AUTHOR More books on queer lives, history, time, the barriers, the strife, hopelessness and bravery that we live with, will give us a way to feel free while speaking for ourselves. SHARIF D RANGNEKAR, AUTHOR