Gendered Limits

Gendered Limits explores the issues relating to LGBTQIA peoples in South Asia and on the South Asian internet (or really on the world-wide-web, but particularly interacting with others in South Asia). Most queer individuals in South Asia have trouble being open in their communities, as social stigma is still very strong against queer people there. The internet has become a safe haven for these people to talk to one another, organize meet-ups, and feel a sense of belonging. There is something innate to the human condition that needs to be able to express one's identity to feel secure. This is noticeable in the way we dress, talk, interact, and create art. It's not necessarily a need to throw our beliefs in other's faces (though it may seem like that at times), but rather a need to low-key project "hey this is a little bit about who I am" and not be attacked, thus demonstrating security for that part of your mind. Even if someone is to find your pro-queer posts on Facebook, it's not really feasible for them to go find you and shame you in person. Mean messages and chats can be ignored, and positive ones welcomed. The internet in this way can be a self-screening safety net for people to establish a feeling of safety in their identity, helping to relieve the feelings of being on edge or being unsafe in their communities and with their peers.