In a groundbreaking move, India’s leading literary institution has opened its doors to LGBTQ poets, inviting them to participate in its celebrated Festival of Letters held in New Delhi. This inclusive decision marks a significant step for the Sahitya Akademi, which has traditionally mirrored the government's cultural landscape.
For the first time, LGBTQ poets were welcomed to share the stage at the high-profile poetry reading event in Rabindra Bhavan. They joined more than 700 writers representing over 50 languages, showcasing a wide array of literary talents from across the country.
Cultural Celebration at the Festival of Letters
The Festival began with an inauguration by Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside celebrated playwright Mahesh Dattani, known for his thought-provoking works. Dubbed as Asia’s largest literary gathering, this year’s Sahitya Akademi was themed “Indian Literary Traditions” and spanned across six vibrant days.
The 2025 Festival of Letters celebrated a diverse range of voices, including young writers, women authors, Dalit storytellers from marginalized castes, poets from Northeast India, tribal authors, and importantly, LGBTQ poets. This diversity has cemented the festival's status as a vibrant literary mosaic.
Spotlight on LGBTQ Voices
A key highlight was a session chaired by Kalki Subramaniam, a renowned transgender rights activist and author. Held on March 9, the session titled “Discussion on Literary Works of LGBTQ Writers in the 21st Century” focused on contemporary queer voices, featuring notable figures such as A. Revathi Amma from Tamil Nadu, Reshma Prasad from Bihar, Sanjana Simon from New Delhi, and Devika Devendra Manglamukhi and Shivin from Uttar Pradesh, along with Aksaya K Rath from Orissa.
Subramaniam emphasized the enriching experience of listening to profound thoughts shared by LGBTQ writers from various parts of India. She discussed how global politics influence gender rights and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by trans individuals, calling for a unified effort to support LGBTQ voices in literature.
Historical Context and Progress
The Sahitya Akademi was established on March 12, 1954, aiming to advance Indian literature and uphold high literary standards. It has been a beacon of literary excellence for seven decades.
In a significant milestone, the Akademi hosted its first exclusive gathering of trans writers in 2018 in Kolkata, acknowledging the importance of queer voices in Indian literature.
During this year’s festival, Hoshang Dinshaw Merchant, a pioneering openly gay poet and a leading figure in India’s gay liberation movement, performed his poetry, which resonated with his long-standing quest for queer recognition. His participation highlighted the festival’s commitment to embracing diverse voices.
Award-winning writer K. Vaishali, honored in 2024 with the Yuva Puraskar for her memoir “Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India,” shared her experiences of navigating queerness and neurodivergence amidst India’s conservative social landscape. Her award signifies an important acknowledgment of her personal journey and contribution to literature.
Challenges and Opportunities
The inclusion of LGBTQ writers in the Sahitya Akademi’s main program contrasts with the conservative stance of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which opposed same-sex marriage in 2023. However, under Minister Shekhawat’s leadership, the festival's focus on queer voices indicates a potential shift, albeit gradual, towards greater acceptance.
The festival also featured a translators’ meeting, highlighting P. Vimala’s award-winning Tamil translation of “Autobiography of a Sex Worker” by Nalini Jameela, a work embracing marginalized voices including queer narratives.
Support from the BJP-led government included a budget increase for the festival, despite ongoing tensions in Tamil Nadu over language and identity issues. The festival’s inclusive approach seeks to transcend such barriers, promoting a culture of diversity and understanding.
“The Akademi is very inclusive and has a friendly festival ambience,” Subramaniam remarked, reflecting the positive atmosphere that permeated the event.
As the festival continues to evolve, it serves as a beacon of hope and progress for the LGBTQ community, highlighting the invaluable contributions of queer writers to India’s rich literary heritage.
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