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Negotiating Sexual 'Otherness': An Exploratory Study of Harassment on Male Homosexuals in Metropolitan Kolkata, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Dept. of Sociology, Jogamaya Devi College, Kolkata and Visiting Fellow, Dept. of Law, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 2, Issue (3), Pages 25-30, March,14 (2013)

Abstract

This empirical study explores the harassment and the negotiation of spaces of male homosexuals and to what extent harassment and negotiation affect on their lives within the context of life situations, aspirations and achievements. This research situates sexual “Otherness” as pivotal in understanding the harassment of male homosexuals. Data derive from an exploratory study among self-identified homosexual men. Result shows that male homosexuals are facing harassments from various agents of society. The homo-hetero dichotomy to the realm of sexuality makes a marginal space for male homosexuals. The repression from heteronormative society increases their mobility and makes them conscious politically. As a result, they make solidarity unit among themselves to protect their rights and privileges. However, this study suggests about the importance of structural change concerning the sexuality issues.

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