The month of June is associated with the LGBTQ+ Pride movement.
Commemorating the Stonewall riots in New York, this month is significant in history as the time when the queer movement had come to be recognised globally. In India, the first Pride walk took place in 1999 in the city of Kolkata.
Now you may wonder, why are we talking about the Pride month on The Telegraph Online Edugraph?
We believe that while parades and celebrations may, apparently, seem like a world away from our students’ daily hub of activity – the classroom, some life lessons can be learnt beyond the scope of academic syllabi as well!
Growing up, particularly passing through adolescence, is a critical phase in a student’s life. This phase is often marked by questions regarding identity, orientation, etc. Therefore it is important that we provide them with a more inclusive worldview.
To that purpose, we have handpicked a list of books by renowned Indian authors that will tell our students more about the Month of Pride.
Non-Fiction Masterpieces: Real Stories, Real Impact
A. Revathi's Our Lives, Our Words is a powerful compilation of autobiographical stories from the experiences of the marginalised Aravani transgender community in Tamil Nadu. Revathi, an activist and writer, spins heartfelt narratives shedding light on their struggles for identity, acceptance, and fight against societal ostracisation.
Pawan Dhall, a pioneering LGBTQ+ activist, provides a comprehensive account of queer mobilisations in Out of Line & Offline. This non-fiction work recounts the grassroots activism and personal stories that shaped the LGBTQ+ movement in Eastern India during the 1990s. This book documents the pivotal moments and unsung heroes of the LGBTQ+ movement, including the first pride walks, underground meetings, and the gradual emergence of queer narratives in public conversations.
Shahani, a prominent advocate for queer rights and the head of the Godrej India Culture Lab brings a unique blend of personal experience and scholarly insight to Queeristan – a trailblazing work that delves into the landscape of LGBTQ+ inclusion in corporate India. His book is both a memoir and a manifesto, aimed at transforming the Indian workplace into a space of inclusiveness and equality.
Literary Champions: Fiction with a Message
Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is a sprawling tale that weaves together the lives of several characters, including Anjum, a transgender woman, and Tilottama, a rebellious architect. Through Anjum’s journey, Roy challenges readers to question their notions of identity, community, and belonging, offering a deep exploration of the struggles and resilience of transgender individuals.
Vikram Seth, a revered Indian author, beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships in The Golden Gate. The novel is set in the vibrant city of San Francisco during the 1980s and revolves around the lives of a group of young professionals —John, Liz, Phil, and Ed.
Ed's character, in particular, grappling with his queer identity, is found seeking acceptance and love. Seth delves into the intricacies of Ed's emotions and experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by queer individuals in their journey towards self-acceptance.
Amruta’s debut graphic novel, Kari is a groundbreaking piece that delves into themes of identity, love, and self-discovery through the lens of a young queer woman in urban India. The novel explores Kari’s struggles with her sexual orientation, societal expectations, and challenges stereotypes in her search for a place where she truly belongs.
As students and adolescents delve into these books, they will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of coming of age in a diverse world. By encouraging our readers to reflect; these stories will teach them valuable lessons in openness, broaden their horizons, and help shape compassionate individuals in their journey to adulthood.