Deconstructing ‘Funny’: An Analysis of the Rights and Conditions of the LGBTQ Communities in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Shyam Selvadurai’s Novel Funny Boy.

Abstract

Leslie Feinberg, a famous transgender activist and author, very famously said, “Like racism and all forms of prejudice, bigotry against transgender people is a deadly carcinogen”. However, the fact is that, the members of the LGBTQ community are still victims of this discriminating carcinogen in every sphere of their lives. Different countries have straightway negated rights and sexual freedom to the LGBTQ people. In spite of the fact that to prevent the LGBTQs from enjoying a life of free choice is an out and out violation of human rights, not many countries have come forward for the rescue of this discriminated section of the people. Sri Lanka is one such country which still criminalizes homosexuality. This chapter looks into the condition of the LGBTQ communities in Sri Lanka with special reference to their representation in Shyam Selvadurai’s novel Funny Boy.

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