India has had a complicated history with queerness, to say the least. Admittedly, there isn’t a lot of indigenous literature that is commercially available and well-known either. So, we’ve curated a list of some emotional, inspiring and beautiful books. These will help you understand and feel at one with the triumphs and struggles of queer life in India.
The Truth about Me – Revathi
An unapologetic and marvellously courageous autobiography. This book by Revathi narrates the turmoil of being in the wrong body and fighting for her life. The book describes the struggles faced by transsexuals and of the ensuing prejudice, scorn and fear. This book is equal parts courageous and heartbreaking.
The Man who would be Queen – Hoshang Merchant
A collection of charming vignettes by the author on his life. This book full of lyrical essays is heartfelt, romantic and wistful. Full of anecdotes and powerful narrations, this book is an extraordinary recollection of him trying to make sense of the world he was part of and discovering everything within it.
Queeristan – Parmesh Shahani
A book essentially based in business practices, Parmesh Shahni, the head of Godrej’s India Culture lab highlights the importance of the private sector in the post-377 era and how inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace is not only important but also essential to break the barriers of prejudice and conservatism.
Me Hijra, Me Laxmi – Laxmi
Me Hijra, Me laxmi traces the life and journey of Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the first trans woman to represent Asia Pacific at the UN. To her, this book is her life. A beautiful representation of her battling confusion, feelings of helplessness, loneliness and the fight for finding a life full of grace, dignity, fame and love.
The Pregnant King – Devdutt Patnaik
Tracing the story of Yuvashana, a childless king, this book dives into highlighting the instances of gender fluidity, queerness and acceptance signified in Hindu mythology. This book outlines gender-fluidity with an ease while also raising uncomfortable questions of forcefully dictated rigid gender norms.
