Body Politics

About

Bodies perform. Performance is political. There are bodies that control and those that are controlled. While the freedoms of certain bodies is legitimized through law and society, others are labelled as deviant and admonished. Our program brings into focus bodies that speak to the political. The perspective acknowledges that the emplaced body no matter how powerless it may feel imprints historical memory and cultural politics; and by giving voice to one’s experience collectively, a struggle to remake life stories begins. This transformative understanding leads our engagement.

Our and our partner’s work visibilizes the resistance against patriarchy and heteronormativity. Strategies focus on the intersection of bodily knowledge and the politics of repression.

One more emerging aspect of our work The Body Politics of Data builds knowledge, tools and understanding on digital embodiment in an era of extractive digital technologies.

Shalini Yog Shah
Deputy Director & Programme Coordinator, Body Politics and India International (Global)

Recent

Trans* Community in Manipur, India

Podcast

In this episode we speak about the challenges faced by the trans* community in Manipur and what makes their lives unique compared to the rest of India. Santa also talks about the Amaibi community which traditionally held the roles of (queer) spiritual leaders in the region but are now being marginalized.

Feminism in Pictures: Global Feminist Pitch

“Feminism in Pictures” is the result of a collaboration with seven incredible feminist illustrators from Brazil, Iran, India, Georgia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Kenya for the Global Feminist Pitch 2023. These graphic novels are evidence of the continuing streams of feminist resistance and resilience in diverse global contexts.

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International Women’s Day: The diverse meanings of “work from home” for women in Asia

Increase in domestic violence, lay-offs, care responsibilities, restrictions on domestic and international movement, economic insecurities, psychological burdens - these are just a few of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Asia in the last two years. The gendered nature of COVID-19 impacts is obvious and has sparked large feminist responses in the region.

By Shalini Yog Shah

Trans masculinity in Indian Mythology: Misinterpreted, forgotten?

Article

References of trans masculine identities in Indian traditional and mythological stories, though not as recurrent compared with trans feminine identities, did exist

By Dr. Rima Ghosh Patranabish

Highlights

MEN SHAMAN OF MANIPUR - NUPA AMAIBI (Devotional Activities) - Heinrich Böll Stiftung Delhi

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Video: MEN SHAMAN OF MANIPUR - NUPA AMAIBI (Devotional Activities)

Nupa Amaibis/ Maibis are the men shaman of Manipur. They are seen mostly in Lai Haraoba performing dance and rituals. The Amaibi tradition has been flourishing in Manipur since time immemorial. This video is of Nupa Amaibis performing devotional activities shot in Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur. A film by Santa Khurai, supported by Heinrich Boll Stiftung, India.