Navigating the Forbidden: “Churails” and Queer Spatiality

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of queer identities within the Pakistani web series “Churails,” set against the backdrop of the country’s socio-cultural norms. Employing Halberstam’s notion of Queer Spatiality as its analytical framework, the study delves into how “Churails” creates transient spaces that challenge heteronormative structures and narratives, offering a fresh perspective on queer resistance and identity formation. The findings reveal that the series employs these spaces to subtly critique and navigate the complexities of being queer in Pakistan. Further it highlights the significance of “Churails” in contributing to broader discourses on gender, sexuality, and media representation in Pakistan in particular and South Asia in general, highlighting its role in pushing the boundaries of what is publicly permissible and sparking dialogue around queer issues in conservative societies.