Whose language? Whose experiences? Examining the language of organizing among LGBT (Indian subcontinent-origin) groups in the US and India

Drawing upon Adur's research in the US and India, this paper examines some the terms used by groups described as LGBT groups in the US.  We will focus on three themes.  We will discuss the linguistic conventions expressing ‘sexuality beyond maleness and femaleness’ along with the social location of people who are identified by these terms.  Second we will discuss the renewed usage of “traditional” terms by contemporary groups in the US and India as they attempt to create more mainstream spaces for themselves within their specific ethno-religious groups as well as the majority society.  We will comment on the ways in which these terms help to maintain transnational linkages and sustain queer communities across the two countries.  Third, we will trace some of the juxtaposition of non- English terms with English terms to trace the simultaneous transnational linkages with non Indian-origin groups.   Overall the aim of this paper is to highlight dynamic forms of queer-ness in multiple geographic sites , and highlight the ways in which these terms reflect diverse social locations within shifting structural contexts.