Diverse Genders and Sexualities
Subtopic 2: Negotiating Spaces – An Introduction 

Gender and sexuality, as we know are evolving concepts. Genders and sexualities are dynamic and fluid, subject to change. Are the identities and labels associated with these something that we acquire at birth or something we ourselves choose eventually? How much of it is what we perceive ourselves to be and how much the roles and expectations thrust upon us by society?

Even though society has strict norms regulating sexuality these are hardly talked about openly. However, the messages, sometimes subtle and at other times not so subtle do manage to reach people. For example, very early on in our lives, we do learn that sexuality is not something that should be talked about openly or that we are not to speak about body parts such as the penis, vagina, breasts etc in public. There appear to be strict boundaries around how we can manifest gender and sexuality.

But there are also spaces to negotiate within and around these. Let's explore what these are. Are some processes of negotiation more valid than others? Are the rights of some people more compelling than that of others? Who gets included and who gets left out? Are we ready to include more people, more behaviours, more expressions, or do we fear something will be at stake if we do this?

So let's focus on these questions and begin our discussions.

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