REIMAGINING LGBTQ+ ACTIVISM THROUGH INTERSECTIONALITY: ADDRESSING RACE, GENDER, AND CLASS INEQUALITIES

LGBTQ+ activism has undoubtedly greatly shaped global discourse around issues of equality and non-discrimination in moving away from discrimination towards an equitable approach. As such, it is necessary to note that despite such substantial movement in India, it has failed to recognize the complex realities stemming from intersecting identities such as race, caste, gender, social class, disability, and religion, with mainstream lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, plus activism failing to address intersectionality as an integral part of an effective movement towards addressing issues of inequality in India. This paper will thus delve deeper into exploring intersectionality in line with moving forward in activating an effective LGBTQ movement with reference to theoretical foundations provided by Crenshaw, where individuals have faced substantial issues of discrimination in line with moving away from inequality in society, particularly about “queer persons of color, transgender individuals, as well as those from less affluent social backgrounds.”The significance of this study also lies in its emphasis on the impediments encountered in fields such as healthcare facilities, job opportunities, housing, legal protection, etc., which become a hindrance with the compounding nature of the challenges received by different segments of society. To this end, the article uses various examples and mentions grassroots movements to accentuate the importance of giving space to the voices of marginalized sections of society so that uniform and productive advocacy can be carried out. The article also achieves the conclusion that without intersectionality, LGBTQ+ liberty cannot be achieved by any means possible.