Pakistan Desires: Queer Futures Elsewhere

Pakistan Desires explores the meanings of queerness in Pakistan through various disciplines, highlighting how desire can be a tool for queer future-making. The contributors analyze gender transgressive performances, piety in the transgender rights movement, the use of Grindr, homoerotic subject matter in art, and the story of a Sufi saint who fell in love with a Brahmin boy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

Drawing on a rich tapestry of disciplines such as history, anthropology, literature, law, art, film, and performance studies, the contributors to Pakistan Desires invite us to contemplate the profound meanings associated with queerness in the context of Pakistan. They vividly illustrate how, amidst the prevailing heterosexual norms, desire emerges as a powerful tool for envisioning a queer future. Within these pages, the contributors delve into a diverse range of topics, including gender-defying performances in Pakistani cinema, the role of piety in the transgender rights movement, the prevalence of Grindr among men, the exploration of homoerotic themes in the art of contemporary Pakistani artist Anwar Saeed, and the captivating tale of a sixteenth-century Sufi saint who fell in love with a Brahmin boy. Spanning from the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir to the tumultuous events of the 1947 Partition and the enduring resonances of South Asian gay subjectivity in the diaspora, the contributors attentively explore narrative and epistemological possibilities for queer lives and loves. By embracing forms of desire that diverge from or often defy dominant Western frameworks of queerness, this volume gathers a diverse array of ways of being queer across the globe.

Ahmed Afzal, a prominent scholar, delves into the historical and cultural nuances of queerness in Pakistan, highlighting the complexities and contradictions that shape its expression. Asad Alvi, another esteemed contributor, explores the intersection of religion and sexuality, shedding light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in seeking acceptance and equality. Anjali Arondekar, a literary critic, examines the role of literature in shaping queer identities and narratives, highlighting the ways in which literature can challenge dominant narratives and provide a platform for marginalized voices. Vanja Hamzić, a filmmaker, explores the representation of queerness in Pakistani cinema, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of this representation. Omar Kasmani, a legal scholar, examines the legal and social implications of homosexuality in Pakistan, advocating for greater legal protections and social acceptance. Pasha M. Khan, an artist, explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and identity in her work, challenging traditional notions of femininity and masculinity. Gwendolyn S. Kirk, a historian, explores the historical roots of homosexuality in South Asia, tracing the evolution of queer identities and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities throughout history. Syeda Momina Masood, a social activist, examines the role of religion in perpetuating discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach. Nida Mehboob, a researcher, explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan, highlighting the challenges they face and the efforts they make to create a safe and inclusive environment. Claire Pamment, a scholar, examines the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in popular culture, including television shows, movies, and music, highlighting the ways in which these representations shape public perception and attitudes. Geeta Patel, a lawyer, explores the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan, advocating for greater legal recognition and protections. Nael Quraishi, a writer, explores the complexities of queer identity and sexuality in the context of Pakistani society, highlighting the challenges and rewards of coming out and seeking acceptance. Abdullah Qureshi, a historian, examines the historical and cultural significance of Sufism in Pakistan, highlighting the ways in which Sufi teachings have provided a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to express their identities and find spiritual fulfillment. Shayan Rajani, a poet, explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan through the lens of poetry, capturing the beauty, pain, and resilience of their lives. Jeffrey A. Redding, a professor, explores the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in the United States and Pakistan, highlighting the similarities and differences in the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals across these two countries. Gayatri Reddy, a researcher, examines the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in India, highlighting the similarities and differences in their experiences with those in Pakistan. Syma Tariq, a scholar, explores the role of art in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, highlighting the ways in which art can challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, Pakistan Desires offers a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of queerness in Pakistan, shedding light on the diverse meanings, experiences, and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in this complex and diverse country. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the contributors provide a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights, challenging our understanding of queerness and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025238