Digital Landscapes and Subaltern Queer Identities: Intersectionality, Caste, and Cyber-Activism in Contemporary India

Abstract (English)

In the digital age, subaltern intersectional queer identities are significantly shaped and empowered by online platforms. Gender identity and sexuality find new expressions through mediums like Facebook and Grindr, which become crucial in representing cyber-sexual culture within the subaltern queer community. This digital performative expression has amplified queer voices, fostering cross-border movements in Bengal and beyond. The visibility of queer movements in India, marked notably by the 1999 Kolkata Friendship Walk, has been crucial in challenging hetero-patriarchy and exposing the entrenched caste system. This historical event laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy and visibility, transforming public perceptions and acceptance of queer identities. To explore these intersectional LGBTQ issues, an experiential-netnographic approach is essential. This method immerses the researcher within the community, fostering a reflexive and emotional connection that transcends traditional methodologies. By becoming an active participant, the researcher gains deeper insights into the lived experiences of queer individuals. This paper illuminates the complex interplay of intersectionality, caste, and patriarchy, revealing the emergence of Brahminism in urban and cyberspaces from a queer perspective. It specifically highlights the experiences of Dalit-trans-queer individuals in these environments, using visual storytelling to vividly depict their narratives. Key concepts explored include "Gaytiarcy," which addresses hierarchical structures within the gay community; "Trans Exclusionary Radical Binary Transgender (TERBT)," critiquing exclusionary practices within the transgender community; and "Trans-Patriarchy," examining the perpetuation of patriarchal norms within transgender circles. These terms articulate the exclusions and hierarchies present even within marginalized groups. Through a queer anthropological lens, this study reveals the multifaceted layers of identity, power, and resistance in digital spaces. It provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized queer individuals and underscores the need for inclusive and intersectional approaches in advocating for queer rights and recognition in contemporary India.