Embodied Inequalities: Caste Hierarchies in Transgender Autobiographies of Tripathi and Vidya

Abstract

This research paper entitled Embodied Inequalities: Caste Hierarchies in Transgender Autobiographies of Tripathi and Vidya critically explores the intersection of caste and transgender identity through a comparative analysis of two Indian autobiographies—Me Hijra, Me Laxmi by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and I Am Vidya by Living Smile Vidya. While both works document the struggles and resilience of transgender individuals, they also reveal the hidden experiences shaped by caste hierarchies. The research article underlines how caste, an enduring structure of social stratification in India, intersects with gender nonconformity to produce complex forms of marginalization and privilege. Tripathi’s account, emerging from an upper-caste background, contrasts sharply with Vidya’s Dalit experience, highlighting differential access to social mobility, visibility, and empowerment. By employing an intersectional and subaltern theoretical framework, this paper examines how the embodied experiences of caste influence self-representation, social inclusion, and political agency. Ultimately, this study contributes to the growing discourse on Dalit queer politics, challenging normative narratives and advocating for a more inclusive and caste-conscious approach to gender and sexuality studies in South Asia.