Archives - Queer Ink

Am I the only one?

The Minuscule Minority

Forget the legal systems in India. Do we know who we are? Who are our queer role models? What is the LGBTHQIA+ Indian history? Who are the pioneers of queer visibiltiy in India? Where are the queer women? Do parents and siblings support their family who identify as different from them?

The Archives

The Queer India Archives stands as a significant milestone in reshaping perceptions of queer India, both nationally and globally. It acts as a platform to intertwine the diverse histories of queer Indians into the broader fabric of Indian history. Our goal is to safeguard the past, empower the present, and ensure a brighter future for queer individuals across India.

The 2011 Government of India Census statistics reveal that at least 90 million people in India may identify within the diverse LGBTHQIA+ spectrum. This substantial figure emphasises the urgency of our mission.

Change, however, is a gradual process. Yet, instead of discouraging us, it should inspire immediate action.

As a community, it is our responsibility to enrich the lives of those bravely navigating their journey towards living openly and those who may not yet have the privilege to do so. Only through collective efforts can we bring about social change.

The Queer India Archives serves as a repository of stories, struggles, and triumphs, showcasing the resilience and diversity of lived experiences of LGBTHQIA+ Indians. Together, we can shape it into a symbol of our collective future—one where every queer individual can live openly, authentically, and without fear.

We invite your contributions and urge you to join us in this transformative journey. Let’s collaborate to make the Queer India Archives a repository of the past and a beacon of hope for the future. Together, we can forge a truly inclusive future where every queer individual in India can embrace a life filled with promise, optimism, and endless opportunities.

Shobhna S. Kumar | Founder

p.s. As of October 17, 2023, as per the Supreme Court of India judgments, LGBTHQIA+ individuals in India will face challenges living authentic, open lives.

It is now imperative that we scale up documenting and publishing about queer Indian lived experiences.

The Process

01

Oral Histories

Recording oral histories involves capturing and preserving LGBTHQIA+ Indian individuals’ narratives, memories, and experiences through audio or video recordings. This valuable process allows people to share their unique stories, insights, and perspectives, often focusing on specific events, cultural aspects, or historical periods. These recorded oral histories serve as essential resources for research, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage, providing a firsthand account of the past from those who lived it.

02

Digitising Physical Objects

Digitising documents for archives converts physical, paper-based documents into digital formats, such as scanned images or electronically stored files. This transformation allows for easier access, preservation, and sharing of historical records, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials. Digitisation typically involves scanning each page or item using specialised equipment and software, resulting in high-quality digital replicas that can be organised, indexed, and stored electronically. This digital archive enhances document longevity, facilitates efficient search and retrieval, and promotes wider accessibility for researchers, scholars, and the public.

03

Documentary: research

The research phase is a dynamic and iterative process where filmmakers continuously refine their understanding of the subject matter and gather the necessary materials to tell a compelling and accurate story. It sets the stage for the subsequent phases of documentary production, including filming, editing, and post-production.

04

Collective Responsibility

Let’s pause, take a deep breath, and contemplate our roles in shaping the journey of our queer lives, whether within the confines of the closet or proudly open.

Now, let’s reflect on a crucial question: How can we collectively forge a more compassionate path for future generations?

05

Crowdsourcing LGBTQIA+ Indian Lived experiences

We encourage participation from members of the LGBTHQIA+ community and their allies to build an expansive and diverse archive that encompasses the complex experiences of queer lives in India. This collaborative effort empowers individuals to share their personal stories, experiences, and significant moments, promoting understanding, empathy, and increased visibility for LGBTHQIA+ communities.

06

Crowdfunding

We consider crowdfunding a vital resource for this project because it mobilises communities, increases financial accessibility, maintains independence, raises awareness, diversifies funding channels, and fosters participation and cooperation. It ensures the continued preservation and celebration of LGBTHQIA+ history and culture, safeguarding its longevity and growth.