Reimagining Queer Narratives: Exploring LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Cinema and Literature
Organization: Journal of Comparative Literature and Aesthetics (JCLA)
Call for Paper
Reimagining Queer Narratives: Exploring LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Cinema and Literature
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diverse representation in cultural productions, particularly concerning LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. However, within the context of South Asian cinema and literature, queer representation remains a complex and underexplored terrain. South Asian cinema and literature offer rich and multifaceted depictions of LGBTQIA+ identities, reflecting the region's diverse cultural, religious, and social landscapes. From mainstream Bollywood films to independent productions, queer characters and narratives have gradually found their place on the screen, challenging normative representations and sparking debates on gender and sexuality. For instance, digital productions like Made in Heaven (2019) and commercial Hindi films from India, such as Ek Ladki ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) and Badhai Do (2022), have proved critical in ushering in the discourse in the mainstream media. Similarly, South Asian literature, spanning a wide array of languages and genres, has produced notable works exploring the complexities of queer experiences, from intimate personal narratives to broader social critiques, notable among which include Funny Boy (1994) by Shyam Selvadurai and This House of Clay and Water (2017) by Faiqa Mansab, among others.
One of the central themes of this issue is the examination of queer narratives within their socio-political contexts. South Asia is marked by diverse cultural norms, legal frameworks, and historical legacies that shape the representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in media and literature. For instance, in countries like India, where Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized same-sex relationships until recently, queer representation in cultural productions often intersects with debates on human rights, citizenship, and social justice. Through nuanced analyses of specific texts and films, contributors to this issue will explore how socio-political factors influence the portrayal of queer identities and shape audience reception.
This proposed journal issue seeks to address this gap by critically examining the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ individuals in South Asian visual and literary arts. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing film studies, literary analysis, cultural studies, and queer theory, the issue aims to unravel the intricacies of queer narratives and their socio-political significance in the South Asian context. Furthermore, this issue aims to interrogate the role of queer representation in challenging or reinforcing existing power structures and stereotypes. While some South Asian films and literary works offer progressive and inclusive portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters, others may perpetuate stereotypes or exoticize queer identities for sensationalist purposes. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as queer theory, postcolonial theory, and intersectionality, contributors will critically assess the politics of representation in cultural productions, highlighting instances of resistance, subversion, or complicity. Moreover, this issue seeks to highlight the diversity of queer narratives within South Asian cinema and literature, encompassing a range of identities, experiences, and genres. From coming-of-age stories to historical dramas, from urban narratives to rural landscapes, LGBTQIA+ representation in South Asian cultural productions is as varied as the communities it seeks to depict. By showcasing a breadth of texts and films, this issue aims to foreground marginalized voices and challenge monolithic understandings of queer experiences.
This journal issue, therefore, endeavors to offer a comprehensive exploration of LGBTQIA+ representation in South Asian cinema and literature, shedding light on the complexities, contradictions, and possibilities inherent in queer narratives. By bringing together scholars, filmmakers, writers, and activists, this interdisciplinary dialogue seeks to enrich the prevalent understanding of gender and sexuality in South Asia and contribute to ongoing discussions on representation, identity, and social change. Through rigorous analysis and engagement with theoretical frameworks, this issue will attempt illuminate the ways in which LGBTQIA+ individuals are portrayed, perceived, and contested in the cultural landscapes of South Asia. By interrogating the politics of representation, the issue further aims to foster critical conversations on inclusivity, diversity, and social justice in the realm of cultural production.
The proposed issue intends to focus on the following topics (but not limited to):
· Socio-political influences on LGBTQIA+ representation in South Asian cinema and literature.
· Intersectionality and the portrayal of queer identities in cultural productions, including adaptations of queer literature on celluloid.
· Analysis of specific texts and films, examining audience reception and socio-political implications.
· Critiques of progressive versus regressive portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.
· Digital boom – LGBTQIA+ influencers, queer representation on digital platforms, role of social media in the construction and reception of queer identities/individuals.
Submission Guidelines:
· Abstracts should be submitted by July 31, 2024 and should not exceed 300-350 words, along with 4-5 keywords.
· Authors will be notified of acceptance by August 31, 2024.
· Full papers should be between 6,000 to 8,000 words (including references) and should adhere to academic standards and conventions.
· All submissions must be original and not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Submission Process:
Please submit your abstracts and inquiries to Srija Sanyal at srija.sanyal@ronininstitute.org and srija.sanyal@gmail.com (Please share your respective submission to both the email ids). Upon acceptance, full papers should be submitted via email by November 30, 2024.
Contact Information:
For further information or inquiries, please contact Srija Sanyal at srija.sanyal@ronininstitute.org/srija.sanyal@gmail.com.
Edited by: Srija Sanyal, Research Scholar, Ronin Institute for Independent Research, NJ, USA
Editor’s Bio:
Srija Sanyal (ORCID id 0000-0002-0121-7944), a Research Scholar at the Ronin Institute, Montclair, USA, explores the intersection of literature with gender studies, particularly focusing on Indian and South Asian contexts. Holding dual Masters’ degrees in English Literature from the University of Delhi and IGNOU, Sanyal has a Certificate in Feminist Dissent from the University of Warwick. A prolific researcher, she has published in reputable journals, curated Gender, Sexuality, and Indian Cinema: Queer Visuals (2023), and serves as a respected Reviewer for esteemed journals of international repute. Sanyal has received grants and scholarships from esteemed institutions. She recently joined the Editorial Board of the Critical Gender Studies journal and is currently collaborating on projects examining queer representation in Bengali cinema and Feminism in Bengal.
Srija Sanyal
