Hoshang Merchant
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199465965
- eISBN:
- 9780199086962
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199465965.003.0019
- Subject:
- Literature, 20th-century and Contemporary Literature
Before we discuss sexuality in the Indian context, we have to define Indian terms for homosexuality that can be used in the international discourse. Most of these words are abuses or derogatory but ...
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Before we discuss sexuality in the Indian context, we have to define Indian terms for homosexuality that can be used in the international discourse. Most of these words are abuses or derogatory but just like the word ‘queer’ or ‘black’ in the West, these old words are used proudly by India’s liberated gays to gain self-respect. This section introduces the words yaraana, ardhanarishwar, koti/panti, hijra, laundébaaz, and positions them in modern queer narratives.Less
Before we discuss sexuality in the Indian context, we have to define Indian terms for homosexuality that can be used in the international discourse. Most of these words are abuses or derogatory but just like the word ‘queer’ or ‘black’ in the West, these old words are used proudly by India’s liberated gays to gain self-respect. This section introduces the words yaraana, ardhanarishwar, koti/panti, hijra, laundébaaz, and positions them in modern queer narratives.
