Trans-becoming: decoding interactionist trans identity in Nagarkirtan (2019) and Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish (2012)

This study investigates the unique aspects of Indian trans identity, differentiating it from Western counterparts. It explores the interactionist perspective of gender identity, emphasizing the role of social interactions in shaping an individual's gender identity within the diverse Indian context. The research focuses on two Bengali-Indian films, Nagarkirtan and Chitrangada, which depict the journeys of individuals embracing their trans identities. The introduction highlights the evolving stance of Indian state policies on transgender rights, noting inconsistencies and the resulting tensions between the transgender community and the government. It also discusses the significant influence of media, particularly cinema, in shaping societal perceptions of transgender individuals, noting the historical trend of negative and stereotypical portrayals in Hindi cinema, in contrast to more nuanced representations in recent South Indian films and a shift, albeit with criticism, in Hindi cinema. The introduction emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in cinema and its impact on real-world transphobia, highlighting the need to move beyond stereotypical and heteronormative worldviews. Finally, the introduction positions the selected Bengali films as significant examples for studying trans representations, contrasting with the existing literature's focus on Hindi films.

The literature review summarizes existing research on the portrayal of transgender characters in Indian films. It cites studies examining the portrayal of love and affection in Indian trans films, changes in trans representations across different regional cinemas, themes of adoption and motherhood among hijras, and historical portrayals reflecting heteronormative prejudice. The review focuses on the two selected Bengali films – Nagarkirtan and Chitrangada – highlighting studies analyzing body, desire, and sexual identity in Nagarkirtan and comparative analyses of Chitrangada with other works exploring self and performativity. It underscores the limited exploration of regional films compared to mainstream Hindi films and emphasizes the need for further exploration of various perspectives beyond binary gender theories, particularly using the interactionist perspective to analyze trans-becoming.

This qualitative research employs a descriptive analysis of Nagarkirtan and Chitrangada as primary sources. The methodology involves a close reading of dialogues to reveal the impact of social interactions on the protagonists' journeys. The theoretical framework integrates Symbolic Interactionism, the Looking-Glass Self, and Sexual Scripting to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex transitioning processes. The analysis delves into the micro-level interactions within the films to uncover how social and cultural contexts shape the development of trans identities.

The key findings are structured around three theoretical lenses: Mead's concept of 'I' and 'me', Cooley's Looking-Glass Self, and the concept of sexual scripting. Regarding 'I' and 'me', the analysis demonstrates the internal conflict between the individual's instinctive self ('I') and the socially constructed self ('me'), particularly concerning sexual digression. The films depict the tension between conforming to societal expectations and embracing one's authentic self. Cooley's Looking-Glass Self is used to explore how the protagonists' self-perception is shaped by others' perceptions and reactions, highlighting the importance of external validation in the process of trans-becoming. The analysis demonstrates how the protagonists' attempts to mirror their desired identity are influenced by the responses of significant others. The concept of sexual scripting analyzes how the protagonists 'do' their trans-identity, revealing the complexities and challenges of navigating social interactions and adhering to or challenging societal gender norms. The analysis contrasts the experiences of the protagonists in the two films, showing how class and social position impact their ability to successfully perform their desired gender. The study demonstrates that the success of this 'doing gender' affects the individual's self-perception and experience of acceptance and belonging. The findings highlight the profound emotional toll of societal rejection and the significance of self-acceptance and the role of self-interaction in establishing a meaningful sense of self.

The discussion section synthesizes the key findings, linking them to the research question of understanding the interactionist perspective on trans identity within the Indian context. It underscores the complexity of trans-becoming, influenced by both internal conflicts and external social interactions. The discussion emphasizes the significant impact of societal pressures and expectations on the protagonists' journeys, and how these pressures vary based on factors such as class and social status. It explores how the films challenge heteronormative assumptions and offer insights into the diverse experiences of trans individuals in India. The discussion highlights the limitations of societal gender scripts and the need for more inclusive and accepting social structures.

The study concludes by summarizing the main contributions of the research, emphasizing the unique insights gained from applying an interactionist lens to the analysis of trans identity in Indian cinema. The conclusion highlights the complexities of trans-becoming, influenced by internal conflicts and external social pressures. It underscores the importance of societal acceptance and the need to move beyond binary gender scripts. The conclusion suggests potential future research directions, including exploring cyber self and comparing Indian trans representations with those in other nations.

The study's limitations primarily stem from its focus on two specific Bengali films, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other regional contexts or the broader Indian experience of trans identity. The study's reliance on cinematic representations also implies a certain level of constructedness, potentially not fully reflecting the lived realities of all trans individuals. Further research incorporating interviews or ethnographic studies could enrich the understanding of trans experiences in India.