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7 Must-Read Novels And Memoirs On LGBTQ+ Penned By Indian Authors
Along with the launch of ZEE5’s original series His Storyy, read these brilliant and insightful books on LGBTQ+ now! Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
ZEE5’s latest original series, His Storyy, is a brilliantly executed show that focuses on highly significant topics such as homosexuality. Similarly, various books focusing on LGBTQ+ have been penned by Indian authors. From memoirs to novels, these books have been extremely insightful of the realities and intricacies of the different sexualities that society is yet to get familiarised with. Take a look at the top seven books on LGBTQ+ written by Indian authors that you should read.
Watch the trailer of His Storyy here:
1. Kari by Amruta Patil
Written by Amruta Patil, Kari is a captivating graphic novel. The book, lets you take a glance at and understand society, through the story of Kari. Her struggles through life in a modern-day city where heteronormativity persists, after surviving a suicide attempt, takes the reader on a journey of understanding the depth of the issue in society.
2. A Married Woman by Manju Kapur
Manju Kapur’s A Married Woman is a story of a heterosexually married lady, who eventually discovers her homosexuality. An otherwise content Astha realises she is attracted to women upon meeting a young woman. The story showcases her decision to stick to who she loves instead of fearing societal standards and perceptions, making it a must-read for all! ZEE5 had developed a series, The Married Woman based on this very book.
Also read: His Storyy Review: This Priyamani-Satyadeep Misra Starrer Is Sure To Tug At Your Heartstrings
3. A Life Apart by Neel Mukherjee
A Life Apart is penned by author Neel Mukherjee. The book has several societal and time-related layers, complexities, and transversions. A Life Apart shines a light on the various problems that existed during the Colonial rule in India. This extraordinary novel by Neel Mukherjee combines multiple storylines while revealing the violence faced by homosexuals at the time.
4. Babyji by Abha Dawesar
Babyji is a sexual coming-of-age story about a sixteen-year-old Delhi girl. The novel is considered to be rather controversial, with the portrayal of the various phases of the protagonist, Anamika’s sexual awakening. Written by Abha Dawesar, Babyji is a bold depiction of modern lesbian desires.
5. The Boyfriend by R. Raj Rao
R. Raj Rao’s The Boyfriend dives deep into Mumbai’s gay subculture. It is a filter-less narration of the story of a passionate fling between an upscale journalist and a much younger Dalit boy.
6. So Now You Know: Growing Up Gay in India by Vivek Tejuja
So Now You Know: Growing Up Gay in India by Vivek Tejuja is the author’s memoir about his realisation of his homosexuality. Further, it showcases how he strives to be anything but a gay person upon discovering society’s perception of his sexuality.
7. Me Hijra, Me Laxmi by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi
Transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s memoir Me Hijra, Me Laxmi is a moving read, to say the least. It follows the journey of her sexual identity, the obstacles, eventual transitioning and activism.