“I am different”: Navigating Queer Identity in 1980s Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper studies the portrayal of queerness in Shyam Selvadurai’s novels, Funny Boy and Swimming in the Monsoon Sea, focusing on the theme of homosexuality and character development. Further, the study delves into the significance of mother figures and female relationships in their lives, as well as their love for literature and art, which serves as a platform for introspection and self-expression. Drawing upon the method of textual analysis, the research examines the external and internal confinement experienced by the protagonists and their emotional journeys as they grapple with their identities. It explores how societal norms, family expectations, and internal struggles contribute to their need to hide their true selves. The paper also investigates the characters’ evolution from childhood to maturity, as they learn to accept and embrace their sexual orientation. Additionally, the research addresses the novels’ broader context, considering the historical and cultural setting of Sri Lanka in the 1980s. It examines the societal and familial pressures faced by closeted individuals during that time, shedding light on the challenges and emotional turmoil experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The analysis further reflects on the impact of the novels on readers and the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in literature. It underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in nurturing an inclusive and diverse literary landscape. The research contributes to a deeper comprehension of the complexities of queerness and self-acceptance in a conservative society.