Sexuality and south asian women: A taboo?

Book chapter

Takhar, S (2016). Sexuality and south asian women: A taboo? in: Rehman, Yasmin, Kelly, Liz and Siddiqui, Hannana (ed.) Moving in the Shadows: Violence in the Lives of Minority Women and Children Farnham, Surrey Ashgate Publishing. pp. 77-88
AuthorsTakhar, S
EditorsRehman, Yasmin, Kelly, Liz and Siddiqui, Hannana
Abstract

Despite the difficulties associated with speaking about sexuality as outlined in the statement above (which probably resonates with many), there have been developments within the South Asian diaspora and India which have attempted to normalize sexuality and to move beyond
viewing the linked terms ‘Asian’ and ‘gay’ as problematic. The subjugation of sexual identities such as ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ has been met by resistance from a variety of organizations and individuals. Whilst this ‘road to freedom’ regarding the expression of sexuality has been bumpy and is an unfinished project, there is also a great deal to celebrate. This paper therefore traces what we mean by sexuality and the contradictory ways in which (hetero)sexuality is perceived and understood in South Asian communities. It then moves on to looking in more detail at lesbianism and the developments in recognition of alternative sexualities. It will be shown that living in the closet is preferable to ‘coming out’ for some women due to the violence of internalized oppression and reprisals within the community.

Keywordssexuality; South Asian women; taboo
Page range77-88
Year2016
Book titleMoving in the Shadows: Violence in the Lives of Minority Women and Children
PublisherAshgate Publishing
Place of publicationFarnham, Surrey
ISBN9781409433170
Publication dates
Print01 Jan 2013
Publication process dates
Accepted06 Jan 2012
Deposited08 Jul 2020
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315596198-9
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
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