The last few years have been an absolute win for queer literature in the subcontinent; here’s some of the most captivating recent LGBTQ+ novels, short story collections, and non-fiction publications from India
By Sharan Sanil
In recent years, the landscape of queer literature in India has witnessed a significant transformation, propelled by the courageous voices of Indian authors who have brought queer narratives to the forefront. This wave of literary innovation has not only amplified the visibility of LGBTQIA+ experiences but has also challenged entrenched societal norms, offering a richer, more nuanced portrayal of queer lives. The Indian publishing industry has played a pivotal role in this evolution, embracing and promoting works that explore diverse facets of queer existence, from the intimate and personal to politically charged, introspective works that reflect society as a whole.
Authors have ventured beyond the mere depiction of struggle and trauma, delving into stories of love, desire, and identity that resonate on a universal level, characterised by a blend of candid realism and imaginative storytelling, reflecting the complexity of queer experiences in contemporary India; here’s some of our favourite picks to add to your bookshelf this Pride Month:
The Remains of the Body (2024) By Saikat Majumdar
The Remains of the Body is a nuanced tale of friendship and intimacy among three Indian immigrants in North America. Two childhood friends, now in their mid-thirties, face a turning point as one’s marriage deteriorates due to clashing ambitions. An unexpected affair forces the single friend to confront his own unspoken desires. The story explores themes of desire and identity, questioning whether a man’s intimacy with a woman can conceal his deeper, inexpressible longing for someone beyond his reach.
Cockatoo (2023) By Yashraj Goswami
Cockatoo is a collection of twelve captivating stories that explore unforeseen encounters, blurred friendships, and teetering marriages. Each story, bound by a desire for liberation, offers a twist ending that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Yashraj Goswami skillfully captures unspoken desires and societal demands. The narratives feature a young man yearning for escape, an older woman revisiting memories, a student grappling with love and friendship, and two men navigating their uncertain desires. These interweaving tales delve into the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, and longing while characters confront their deepest fears and inhibitions.
On the Edge: 100 Years of Hindi Fiction on Same-Sex Desire (2024)
Translated and edited by Ruth Vanita On the Edge … is a groundbreaking anthology of short stories and novel extracts that explore the theme of same- sex desire, translated from Hindi. Featuring sixteen compelling stories published between 1927 and 2022, the collection includes works by notable authors such as Asha Sahay, Premchand, Ugra, Rajkamal Chaudhuri, Geetanjali Shree, Sara Rai, and Rajendra Yadav. This important anthology shines a light on characters and narratives that have long been overlooked, bringing them into prominence and fostering greater visibility and understanding.
It Has No Name (2021) By Payal Dhar
It Has No Name by Payal Dhar is a poignant coming-of-age story about Sami, a queer teen who moves back to Chandnisarai, the town where she once faced severe bullying. Despite her fears, Sami’s new school proves to be unexpectedly accepting, and she finds solace in the cricket club and the world of streaming television. Sami builds new friendships with Laila, Murad, Vidhi, and an online friend, Gaybe. However, as she begins to settle in, old secrets and forgotten memories resurface, forcing Sami to make dicult choices that could threaten her hard-won friendships and sense of belonging.
Queersapien (2022) By Sharif D Rangnekar
Queersapien challenges the notion that queerness is solely about sexuality, presenting it instead as a state of existence rooted in nature’s diversity and freedom. The book argues that true queerness embraces individuality and rejects conformity, much like nature’s varied forms. Rangnekar, a gay man, delves into themes of love, freedom, identity, and dignity through his lived experiences, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of life beyond societal norms. This searing reflection on life, media, and politics underscores that becoming ‘queersapien’ is an evolution, not a revolution, of self and society.
Reproduced with permission from Mansworldindia.com
