Circles of sexuality
cATH sLUGGETT
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Discussions on the wide range of human sexuality have begun in Southasia, albeit only in certain circles – universities, NGOs and within specifically interested communities. For the rest, alternative sexuality exists the way it always did, mostly clandestinely, at other times through rigidly defined ‘communities’. However, as television and film producers, authors and journalists continue to try to push certain envelopes, and appeal to additional (and younger) audiences, these discussions are inevitably cropping up with greater frequency within the mainstream.
But just how realistic is all of this talk? More importantly, just how pertinent is it to the lived experiences of Southasians, particularly long-oppressed sexual minorities? In the end, the drive to ensure rights for a particular group of people necessitates defining that group – its characteristics, who ‘belongs’ and who does not. As the articles in this issue of Himal repeatedly point out, perhaps sexuality is, in fact, a topic too vast and complex to submit to the donor-driven process of top-down definition. Perhaps what we need instead is to hear a rising chorus of voices from the ground, in order to
complete the circle. |
