Communities
The Paradox of Principles
I do not feel the need to fight the feminist war within these spaces all the time, now that it has become my home. I have come to terms with the idea that certain contradictions can co-exist peacefully like the yin and yang. But still, sometimes, my mind is roiled in conflict, with me cautiously trying to balance my two identities – the feminist and the army officer’s wife. Nevertheless, I am unwilling to give up one for the other (even if I might be perceived as being less of one of them). So I continue to be an individual with two seeming contradictions: a feminist army-officer’s-wife!
By Ramya Anand
July 1, 2017
The Editorial: Communities and Sexuality
To belong or not to belong? Some people define themselves through commonalities. There are some who define themselves through difference and then seek to find others who share that difference. They find commonality in a shared difference. Commonality is what makes for a community. To keep that commonality becomes an unwritten rule. What lets you in? What keeps you out? Every community tries to keep its members together. There are expectations, rules, impositions and, for the dissidents, punishments. Ironically, even communities of people who do not conform to mainstream norms of sexuality or gender have their own norms.
By TARSHI
July 15, 2017
Review: Khamosh Pani – What heaven is there for me?
Who fights, who flees and who flows with the tide? Branching off from the community, with all the comforts that it offers, can become a true test of character.This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Partition of India – a significant chapter in our history when millions of people were faced with this dilemma.
By Surbhi Dewan
July 1, 2017
On Being Gay and Muslim
My entire life has been a struggle of confused identities. I stood at the intersection of gay, Muslim and economic privilege.
By Aersh
July 15, 2017
Issue in Focus: Memory and Sexuality – A Methodological Approach
A methodological approach to the study of memory and sexuality helps delineate interesting connections between the two: memory as a methodological tool for the study of sexualities, memory as an object of study, and the role of personal memory in the formation of individual sexualities.
By Varsha Chitnis
INTERVIEW: PAWAN DHALL ON HIS OWN JOURNEY OF BUILDING COMMUNITIES – PART 2
Shikha Aleya: What are some of the biggest barriers you have faced in your efforts to create dialogue and visibilise…
By Shikha Aleya
Interview – Poornima Sukumar
We advocate the idea of reclaiming spaces in society by creating large wall-mural projects to raise awareness and to create a voice for the community. We are now finding more innovative ways to engage the community to come out in public spaces, also using the Internet and social media, to feel confident, safe and a sense of belonging.
By Shikha Aleya
August 14, 2020
Hum Aapki Hain Samdhan*
Let me begin with a confession. I have always loved the idea of marriage. What is one to do when…
By Manak Matiyani
January 13, 2025
Hum Aapki Hain Samdhan*
Let me begin with a confession. I have always loved the idea of marriage. What is one to do when…
By Manak Matiyani
July 1, 2017
Community and Sexuality: Learning a Politics of Unbelonging
After writing the words “Community and Sexuality” as the working title of this piece, I attempted to begin writing many…
By Chayanika Shah
Brushstrokes: 9 Simple Ways to Become the Perfect Sanskari Woman
In many societies, women are assigned the role of ‘protecting’ or upholding tradition and culture. Their movements, behaviour and conversations…
By Curated Content