LGBTQ+ Books by Indian Authors for a fresh, new perspective
It has been a year since the Supreme Court scrapped part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalized homosexuality, decreeing that consensual sex between same-sex partners is not criminal. It is but one step, and there is a long road ahead in the direction of equal rights. Still, it was a big victory that changed the lives of many.
Unfortunately, laws cannot change society or people's perception. That change is slow and often reluctant and the only way to bring it about is if people understood what they were fighting against. While the ruling was an answer for the LGBTQ+ community, it opened up many questions to those outside it. Here are some books both on and by people from the LGBTQ+ community of India to get a glimpse of their stories:
Sex and the Supreme Court: How the Law is Upholding the Dignity of the Indian Citizen by Saurabh Kirpal
For those wishing to understand the legal perspectives of gender, sexuality, and sex along with examples, this is the best book. It contains insights from several legal authorities such as, Justice M.B. Lokur, Justice B.D. Ahmed, Justice A.K. Sikri Mukul Rohatgi, Madhavi Divan, Menaka Guruswamy, Arundhati Katju and Saurabh Kirpal, the book gives readers the real picture of why change is needed and how those who can are fighting for it. It also has personal accounts from those not in law, to give a more rounded perspective.
Photo: Hachette
So Now You Know: Growing Up Gay in India by Vivek Tejuja
This slim book is a great glimpse into the life of a gay man in India. It's a memoir in which the author tells, how he realised he was gay young but when he discovered the social perception of what he was, how he tried to be anything but. We follow him as he grows into becoming who he is today and all the experiences that shaped him. Though it's a small book, it contains great insight into what many go through.
Photo: Harpercollins India
Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion in the Indian Workplace by Parmesh Shahani
Both a memoir and a guide for better business, this book tells the story of the vice president at Godrej Industries Ltd, Parmesh Shahani, who has been out of the closet for over a decade. He writes on why the office culture in India needs to be more open to diversity, giving examples of the benefits companies like IBM, Wipro, Godrej, Tata Steel, the Lalit group of hotels etc have gotten since they made such changes. He also provides a guide on how to shape office culture to make it as such. Filled with personal and professional stories this book is a great take on the importance of diversity.
Photo: Westland
Gay Icons of India by Hoshang Merchant and Akshaya K. Rath
This book celebrates twenty-two great Indians from the LGBTQ+ community and looks into their contributions to various fields. Depending on your areas of interest, you might recognise some of them. With all the stereotypes about the community, it's good to see the various fields they have contributed to.
Photo: Pan Macmillan
Me Hijra, Me Laxmi by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi
While the T of LGBT is often looked over abroad, it's a part of Indian culture to accept that there are more than 2 genders. Still, it is not without stigma as this memoir illustrates. We follow Laxminarayan Tripathi, who was identified a boy at birth but over time realised their true gender identity. We follow the story of this icon from self-acceptance to speaking internationally about mental and physical abuse.
Photo: Oxford University Press
Loving Women: Being Lesbian in Unprivileged India edited by Maya Sharma
In a country where a woman's sexuality is suppressed, stories like this are important. This book tells the story of 10 women from the working class who are lesbians. Their perspective and struggles show that one's sexuality is not just a product of the western influence in those exposed to it but innate.
Photo: Yoda Press