THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF SEXUALITY AND RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS IN RAKESH SATYAL'S QUEER NOVEL “BLUE BOY”

Abstract

This article explores the intersectionality of sexuality and religion in Rakesh Satyal’s queer novel “Blue Boy” (2009). The study aims to examine the literary representation of queer themes within the religious and cultural context of 1990s America. It outlines the historical background and cultural tendencies that contributed to the emergence of early interpretations of queer and Asian American identities in U.S. literature. Key theoretical concepts such as “queer” and intersectionality are defined and contextualized through the lens of Indian and Indian American cultural, artistic, and religious experiences.The article examines the notion of intersectionality and its function within academic discourse. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the novel’s narrator, Kiran Sharma – a young American of Indian descent living in Ohio – who seeks self-identification by exploring both his queer identity and Hindu faith. In the novel, Kiran achieves a symbolic reconciliation of spirituality and sexuality through his transformation into the Hindu god Krishna. The study addresses central motifs such as corporeality, gender expression (makeup, dresses, etc.), discriminatory practices (bullying, shaming), and religious traditions. It also examines the cultural codes and artistic dimensions of Kiran’s self-identification, including representations of family relationships, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the literary interpretation of self-discovery. The findings reveal how queer and religious identities intersect through the framework of intersectionality.The article outlines the theoretical boundaries and potential of the concept, while rethinking religion as a means of embracing, rather than denying or excluding, queer identity. Prominent literary tropes – folkloric, Hindu, and pop cultural – are identified, illustrating the narrative’s diversity. The representations of embodiment and gender expression are analyzed as core elements of the queer narrative and as part of the protagonist’s inner journey.Ultimately, the study demonstrates that the literary representation of sexuality and diverse identities in Asian American queer fiction constitutes a unique site of intersectional relations that warrants deeper scholarly engagement.