There’s nothing like exploring a complicated, muddled, taboo subject through the lens of fiction.
‘Queer Chronicles’ by Dr. Tanushree Ghosh is a solemn example as the author tries to dissect an often (purposely) misunderstood subject as gender identity and sexual orientation. Taking the route of fiction, more so, short fiction, where the reader can ruminate and grasp the diverse dollops of the rapidly evolving landscape of gender identity and sexual orientation, all while being entertained in process, couldn’t have been a smarter choice.
I’d read Dr. Tanushree Ghosh’s earlier book, ‘Beyond #MeToo,’ which is a deeply researched non-fiction book. It blasts several myths around the movement and is my go-to credible reference book on everything that’s related to women’s rights in contemporary India. My point being Ghosh is a stellar power writer in non-fiction, with stark evidence and equally more stark opinions.
Why ‘Queer Chronicles’ is a delicious delight for its readers
‘Queer Chronicles’ got me thrilled that it’s a short story collection exploring this taboo subject. What’s a common underlying thread among these stories, apart from its subject, is that they all come up with a tiny twist at the end. If the short stories are the cake in this collection, then the twist is both your icing and cherry on top. Delicious!
The short stories book opens with ‘Gay Hoga Sala’ that feels like a slice-of-life from your home or the online world. This is an extremely relatable story where we’ve either been part of or a witness to sly, crude, mocking jokes on one’s sexuality. I’m not exaggerating when I say I hear the ‘gay’ slur, in various dialects, on social media, especially on X, where all the sweet, sophisticated masks drop to reveal an ugly, latent beast inside all of us.
‘Humaare Hockey Main’ is one of my personal favourite stories in this book for two main reasons. One, it reveals Ghosh’s pure intent for writing this book, even though she acknowledges at the start “that these are not her stories to tell”. She also states in the same breath with conviction, “But stories are better told, even with no understanding and by the wrong person, than untold.” However, ‘Hamaare Hockey Main’ is a proof of both Tanushree’s big heart and guts. To step into the shoes of the marginalized, privileged or unprivileged, and to feel the bite, is no small feat. Then, to analyze and call out a much-loved movie like ‘Chak De India’, for propagating negative stereotypes about transgenders so boldly and eloquently deserves a cackling round of applause. It’s high time we held filmmakers and artists accountable for their art, as they influence millions of people around the world.
‘After the Wedding’ explores a subject, that’s highly fetishized among men – Lesbianism. This is a refreshing, tender, sweet love story written from the female gaze, and ending in a potentially ‘happily ever after’. However, not all love stories have a happy ending and ‘Love in a Limbo’ is a grim reminder of same-sex couples, who’re rendered helpless by the apathetic laws around their rights in our country.
‘Sulekha & Rukshana’ has an investigative Bollywood tabloid-like vibe to it. I had a fun time playing detective in my head for this one, trying to find any real-life similarities to the characters. On a serious note, it highlights how there’s fear and shame attached to even celebrities for being in their natural sexual skin, amidst public gaze and scrutiny.
‘The Mother-in-Law’ is another personal favourite tale of mine in this collection. It gently unwraps the several layers there are to femininity, and also masculinity, from a higher spiritual lens.
What could have been bolder
Let me state emphatically that ‘Queer Chronicles’ is bold, just like the author. However, I wish some stories had taken bold turns around sex and intimacy from the female gaze. For example, ‘After the Wedding’ and ‘Love in a Limbo’ offered the plot to explore sexuality in its rawest forms. I don’t know if this was an intentional choice of the author to tone it down, or not to explore the deeper aspects, potentially being fetishized somehow again by the men. I think it would have made a powerful statement, if handled well. I’m confident Ghosh has the mettle to pull it off with panache.
The second missing link is probably the lack of clarity about how the stories were researched and written. While there are vague references in the author’s note, it would lend more credibility had the author listed her approach to writing these stories of the marginalized. While there’s no doubt whatsoever of the intent, more light thrown on the background research on the subject would add more gravitas, like her previous book, ‘Beyond #MeToo’. This can be tackled in the interviews perhaps, and in the coming editions.
Why you should read the book
In a world that’s becoming more open, diverse, and autonomous, it’s vital to understand the changing landscape of gender identity and sexual orientation. We don’t talk enough about it, and so, children and adults alike, are confused about the subject.
When you have problematic celebrity figures like Andrew Tate and the likes, it’s the need-of-the-hour to discuss masculinity and femininity norms and the surrounding sexuality, openly in our homes, schools, colleges, corporates, online…everywhere.
By hushing these taboo subjects under the carpet, we’re only giving more fodder for potential crime cases, as seen in unfulfilling relationships and marriages. Then, there’s the inclusion of those marginalized because of gender and sexuality in academic institutions and the workplace.
Ignorance is not bliss in the digital age. It’s about time we get a grip on the subject before it does us more harm than good.
You can purchase your copy of ‘Queer Chronicles’ by Dr. Tanushree Ghosh: https://www.readomania.com/shop/book/queer-chronicles-stories
