The paper investigates the formation and evolution of virtual social identities, politics, and cultures, of Indian queer individuals and communities within the domains of Indian digital media and contemporary Indian Indie cinema. It explores how advancements in Internet technologies, digitalization, and cyberspace in India have provided LGBTQ+ individuals with unprecedented opportunities to challenge homo/transphobia, express and embrace their non-binary gender and sexual identities and create awareness about gender and sexual fluidity. The research will delve into how queer individuals and communities expand their acts of resistance against homo/transphobia in cyberspace, particularly focusing on contemporary digital media. Digital platforms serve as critical online spaces for queer self-expression, identity formation, and form connections with others who share similar experiences and perspectives. These virtual spaces facilitate the exploration and affirmation of diverse sexual and gender identities that might be marginalized or outright rejected in offline contexts. The emergence of these virtual spaces poses significant challenges to traditional notions of Indianness, which are often steeped in heteronormative and patriarchal values. By creating and participating in online queer communities, individuals challenge and renegotiate these norms, fostering a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be Indian. This digital activism encourages a reassessment of national and local identities, pushing the boundaries of cultural and social acceptability. This research is a timely and significant exploration of the digital landscapes that are transforming queer identities in India. By bridging the gap between online and offline worlds, digital platforms play a crucial role in fostering acceptance and activism.

Authors:

Darshana Chakrabarty, Queen's University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Darshana Chakrabarty is a doctoral candidate in Film and Media at Queen’s University, Canada. Her research interests are Indian queer politics and culture, Indian digital media, Indian Indie cinema, Indian film industry, gender and sexuality studies.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanachakrabarty/

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