Itanagar: Day two of the recently concluded Arunachal Literature Festival-2023 (ALF) witnessed a compelling focus on inclusivity, featuring the vibrant ‘Queer and Allies Session’.
This segment provided a secure haven for the marginalized community to express their narratives and experiences through the profound mediums of poetry and performances.
The event, evoking memories of last year’s impactful gathering in Namsai, drew an enthralled audience, with many attendees visibly moved to tears by the powerful sessions presented by the participants.
Guiding the discussion was the trailblazing Manabi Bandyopadhyay, the first openly transgender Indian college principal. The panel comprised distinguished LGBTQIA+ writers, including Sanjana Simon, A Revathi, Partha S Majumdar, and featured local queer figures and their allies such as Wanggo Socia, Moge Basar, Raju Ghising, Babuilu Towang, among others.
Closing the session, Padmashri Y D Thongchi extended honors to all the queer participants from different states, sharing valuable insights into his work on queer topics. Thongchi affirmed ongoing support for the community through the realms of art and literature.
Expressing gratitude, queer activist Sawang Wangchha acknowledged the Department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) and Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) for providing a vital platform for his community.
He specifically recognized Thongchi, prominent writer Jamuna Bini, and the IPR officers for empowering the marginalized and neglected community to share their stories and become visible. Wangchha passionately emphasized the need to dispel the stereotype that LGBTQIA+ individuals are only present in mainland or foreign lands, asserting their significant presence in Arunachal Pradesh and challenging the prevailing belief that everyone in the state adheres to heteronormativity.
The ALF, conceived with the aim of providing a platform for local authors and poets, proved itself once again as a catalyst for literary expression. Beyond its local focus, the festival invites national and international authors, fostering meaningful discussions on literature. It also serves as a conduit for local youths to interact with both established and emerging publishing houses, unraveling the intricacies of the publishing world.
This edition of the festival captivated diverse audiences, drawing attention from notable figures such as Anuja Chandramouli, recognized for her contributions to fantasy and historical fiction, along with writers from various states.
Also read: Stigma faced by queer community discussed in 5th AP Queer Station meet
