Diverse Genders and Sexualities
Subtopic 3: Hierarchies of Marginalisation – An Introduction 

For the past few weeks we have seen that in the continuum of sexuality, there are innumerable sexual behaviours that people engage in, some of which have been slotted and categorized as being specific to particular 'sexual identities', others that seem free for all and still others we are getting to know about.

Though the formation of identities or the naming of groups based on sexual preferences helps us politically to mobilize for our rights, it also carries its own constraints in terms of trying to equalize every behaviour within the framework of an identity and ends up putting people into boxes.

However, what does diversity in Genders and Sexualities encompass? What would be the language we would like to use in order not to leave people out in the process and to make it more enabling and affirmative? What would be the best way to talk about a range of genders and sexualities? Should the focus be on certain groups and communities or should we try to make the dialogue as inclusive as possible? What do we stand to gain/lose in the bargain?

Are there communities within the diverse field of genders and sexualities, which are more stigmatized than others? Does it then help to address the specific concerns of these groups? But does this then mean that we create a hierarchy of groups based on oppression and privilege? Do some groups get pushed lower down the hierarchy as other groups rise upwards? And, are there also groups that get totally left out of the hierarchy? Who determines which groups should be included or excluded? Based on what? Do our interventions perpetuate the hierarchy or do we challenge the very existence of a hierarchy?

Let's focus on these questions and begin our discussions!

Arpita Das (Moderator)
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality