In this powerful episode, author, activist, and festival curator Sharif D. Rangnekar joins Mohua Chinappa for a deeply personal and political conversation on queer rights in India. They discuss the slow implementation of the NALSA verdict, the stigma behind the blood donation ban, and the challenges queer communities face in accessing public spaces. Sharif reflects on his own journey of surviving sexual assault, the importance of creating inclusive literary platforms like the Rainbow Lit Fest, and the dangers of cancel culture. With references to activists like Santa Khurai, Harish Iyer, and artist Lady Gaga, this episode blends courage, critique, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Caste remains a significant issue within LGBTQIA+ spaces in India.
• Safety and the right to live freely are central to queer rights.
• Equity is a more nuanced goal than mere equality.
• Bisexuality faces misunderstanding and invisibility in queer politics.
• The ban on LGBTQ+ blood donation is rooted in stigma, not science
• Transgender rights are progressing slowly, with many challenges ahead.
• Corporate allyship often lacks genuine commitment beyond Pride Month.
• Cancel culture can hinder constructive dialogue within queer communities.
• Legal barriers still exist for blood donation by LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Creating inclusive literary spaces is essential for diverse voices.
• Survivors of sexual assault, especially queer men, face unique challenges in speaking out.
• True inclusion requires a 360° approach, involving politics, law, corporates, and community engagement beyond symbolic gestures.
• Representation in media and literature is growing, with queer narratives now visible in poetry, films, fashion, and public spaces.
• Queer joy, community, and cultural expression are vital, offering safe spaces and solidarity in an often hostile environment.

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Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/

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Connect with Sharif D Rangnekar

Sharif D Rangnekar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharif-d-rangnekar-3867208/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Caste, Queerness, and Inclusion
06:47 Marriage Equality vs. Safety
12:11 Equality vs. Equity in Queer Rights
17:30 Understanding Bisexuality in Queer Politics
25:50 Trans Rights and Slow Legal Progress
31:13 Corporate Engagement with LGBTQ+ Rights
35:19 The Complexities of Cancel Culture
39:22 Challenging Stigmas in Blood Donation Laws
45:06 Creating Inclusive Literary Spaces
52:25 Courage in Sharing Personal Trauma
58:02 Imagining a Joyful Future for Queer Communities

Disclaimer

The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our podcast and its associated platforms.

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