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Negotiating Transgressive Identities in a Criminalized State: Law, Community, and Human Rights among Gay, Nachchi, CD, and Transgender Individuals in Sri Lanka

Fri, Nov 17, 9:30 to 10:50am, Marriott, Franklin 1, 4th Floor

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” “gross indecency with another person” (Penal Code Sections 365 and 365A), and “cheating by personation” (Penal Code Section 399) are criminalized acts that target the everyday lives of LGBT community members. Despite this, gay, nachchi, CD (“cross dressing”), and transgender individuals construct both visible and public identities to promote their own and others’ right to exist. Drawing from in-depth interviews and focus groups with members of these communities, we explore the ways they transgress and challenge the symbolic boundaries that define them as the “other” and exclude them from equal protection under the law. Specifically, we describe how they work together to build community, resist marginalization, and seek acceptance within a criminalized state.

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