Disha
Abstract: This article examines the complexities of navigating multiple marginalised identities in India, focusing on Dalit, Queer, and Muslim identities. It explores how these identities intersect, clash, and coalesce within the socio-political landscape, questioning whether a hierarchy of identities exists or should exist. Through a personal and academic lens, the article explores the challenges of identity assertion, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of balancing different aspects of oneself in a society that often imposes rigid norms. The concept of “identity hierarchy” is critically analysed, questioning whether life should be defined solely by identity assertion or if a more holistic understanding of self is possible. The discussion also emphasises the importance of solidarity and allyship among marginalised groups, advocating for a fluid and context-dependent approach to identity. Ultimately, the article calls for an embrace of the multiplicity of identities, recognizing that each contributes to a fuller, more nuanced understanding of oneself and the world.
Introduction: Identity in India is a complex and multidimensional concept, shaped by centuries of social, cultural, and political dynamics. This article explores the complexities of identity through the lens of three marginalised identities—Dalit, Queer, and Muslim—each representing a unique struggle for recognition and acceptance. While my research primarily focuses on queer identity, my association with a Centre that studies Dalit and minority issues has deepened my understanding of the intersections between these identities. This article examines how these identities intersect, clash, and coexist within the socio-political landscape of contemporary India. By examining the challenges faced by individuals who navigate multiple marginalised identities, the article raises crucial questions about the hierarchy of identities and whether one identity should take precedence over others. Ultimately, this reflection seeks to understand whether life can move beyond the assertion of identity, embracing a more holistic approach where multiple identities coexist without hierarchy. The foray is not just an academic exercise but a deeply personal journey, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of navigating the complexities of identity in a world that often demands simplicity and conformity.
Exploring the Complexities of Identity
In this article, I focus on three identities—Dalit, Queer, and Muslim—not because they are the only significant identities, but because while my research is exclusively on queer identity, my association with a Centre that studies Dalit and minority issues often compels me to reflect on these areas as well. However, it is important to acknowledge that identity in India transcends these three categories, encompassing a vast array of experiences and realities equally deserving of attention.
When I first applied for my Ph.D. at the Centre for Dalit and Minorities Studies, I was asked why I chose to research queer identity at a centre primarily focused on Dalit and minority issues. My response was that the concept of ‘minority’ extends beyond religious or caste-based identities; it also includes those whose identities are systematically marginalised, overlooked, or stigmatised, such as queer individuals. My research is specifically centred on queer history, which, while often excluded from mainstream narratives, represents a significant part of the broader discourse on identity. This intersection of queer identity with other marginalised identities reveals the complexities and challenges of identity assertion in a society that frequently imposes rigid norms and boundaries.
Identity is not a static or singular concept. For instance, Dalit identity in India is rooted in a long history of caste-based discrimination, which has relegated Dalits to the margins of society. The assertion of Dalit identity is a powerful act of resistance against the entrenched caste system, a system that has perpetuated inequality and oppression for generations (Guha, 2009). This assertion is not just about reclaiming dignity but about challenging the narratives that have silenced and marginalised Dalits (Hans, 2013). Yet, as important as Dalit identity is, it is only one among many identities that individuals must navigate daily.
Queer identity in India, similarly, represents a struggle for recognition and acceptance. The decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018 marked a significant legal victory for the LGBTQIA+ community, but the fight for social acceptance and dignity continues, including the struggle for recognition for same sex marriage. Queer individuals often find themselves at odds with societal expectations, making the assertion of their identity an act of defiance. This identity, much like that of Dalits, intersects with other aspects of an individual’s life, such as caste, religion, and gender, further complicating the process of identity assertion. For instance, a queer Dalit or a queer Muslim faces a unique set of challenges, navigating multiple layers of marginalisation in a society that often demands conformity.
The Muslim identity in India, particularly in the current socio-political climate, is another example of how identity can be both personal and political. Muslims in India often find their identity scrutinised and politicised, especially in public spaces where religious expressions are sometimes met with suspicion or hostility (Ryan, 2013). This public scrutiny can lead to a sense of alienation, while in private, Muslims may grapple with the pressures of maintaining their religious identity in a society that increasingly favours assimilation. Like Dalit and queer identities, Muslim identity intersects with other aspects of an individual’s life, adding layers of complexity to the experience of being Muslim in India.
Reflecting on these three identities—Dalit, Queer, and Muslim—highlights the broader concept of identity itself, which is not confined to any single label or experience. Identity is a mosaic of overlapping struggles, where each aspect of who we are adds a new layer of complexity. In my research, I focus on queer identity, but it is clear that this is only one part of a much larger conversation. There are countless other identities—regional, linguistic, tribal, and more—that are equally important in understanding the full spectrum of human experience in India.
The assertion of identity, regardless of which one, is a fundamental act of resistance and empowerment in a world that often seeks to impose uniformity (Basistha, 2017). As I continue my research on queer history within the framework of Dalit and minority studies, I remain mindful of the diverse and complex realities that define identity in contemporary India.
Navigating multiple marginalised identities often feels like walking a tightrope—balancing different aspects of oneself while the world tries to pull you in conflicting directions. The confusion lies in the fact that identity is not monolithic; it is a knotty web woven from various threads—caste, religion, sexuality, and more (Cerezo et al., 2019). Each thread holds significance, but when they intersect, the complexity intensifies. The concept of “identity hierarchy” emerges from this intersection, raising a poignant question: Is there one identity that demands precedence (Scheuringer, 2016)?
In a society that frequently forces individuals into neatly defined categories, the pressure to prioritise one identity over others can be overwhelming (Kulich et al., 2017). A Dalit queer Muslim, for instance, may find themselves in situations where their caste identity demands assertion, while their queer identity is simultaneously called into question. This tug-of-war can lead to an internal struggle, where asserting one identity feels like a betrayal of another (Rodricks, 2021).
Societal expectations often exacerbate this dilemma, as they impose rigid norms about which identities are more “valid” or “urgent” to assert in particular contexts. The pressure to conform to these norms can be suffocating, leaving individuals feeling as though they must choose one part of themselves at the expense of others (Antonsich, 2010).
The emotional and psychological toll of navigating multiple marginalised identities is unfathomable. It can lead to a sense of fragmentation, where one’s identity feels like a puzzle with missing pieces. This fragmentation can foster feelings of isolation, as the individual deals with the fear of not fully belonging to any single community. The journey of asserting multiple identities is not just a social challenge but a deeply personal one, demanding resilience and a constant renegotiation of self in a world that often fails to recognize the weight of many selves (McNair, 2017).
Identity Assertion: Is There a Hierarchy?
The question of whether there exists—or should exist—a hierarchy of identities is both complex and deeply personal. For individuals navigating multiple marginalised identities, the pressure to prioritise one aspect of identity over another can feel like an impossible choice, akin to trying to determine which limb is most essential. In different contexts, whether social, political, or personal, the need to assert a specific identity may be more pressing (Adams, 2013). For example, in a hostile political climate, asserting one’s Dalit identity might be crucial for challenging caste-based discrimination, while in a different setting, one’s queer identity might take precedence due to immediate concerns about safety or acceptance.
However, the notion of a hierarchy implies that one identity is inherently more significant or valid than the others, which risks diminishing the richness and complexity of lived experiences. Intersectionality, as a theoretical framework, challenges this hierarchy by emphasising how multiple identities intersect and interact in inseparable ways (Corlett & Mavin, 2014). Rather than viewing identities as isolated or competing, intersectionality encourages us to see them as intertwined, shaping and reshaping each other in every moment of lived experience.
Yet, in practice, societal pressures often force individuals to choose. This forced prioritisation can lead to feelings of internal conflict and fragmentation, as if one is required to amputate parts of the self to fit into narrowly defined societal categories. The challenge lies in resisting this pressure and acknowledging that each identity contributes to a fuller, more nuanced understanding of oneself and the world.
Ultimately, the act of prioritising one identity does not necessarily diminish the others; instead, it may reflect the fluid and context-dependent nature of identity assertion (Phinney, 2008). The key lies in embracing the multiplicity of identities and allowing them to coexist, without forcing a rigid hierarchy upon them.
Moving Beyond Identity Assertion: Is There More to Life?
As we navigate the complex terrain of multiple marginalised identities, an essential question emerges: Should life be defined solely by the assertion of these identities? While identity assertion is undoubtedly crucial in combating systemic oppression and achieving recognition, it can also become an all-encompassing endeavour. When we allow identity to dictate every aspect of our lives, we risk becoming ensnared in a cycle where the struggle for validation overshadows the pursuit of fulfilment and peace.
The possibility of living a life where multiple identities coexist without hierarchy offers a pathway to transcend this cycle. Instead of constantly prioritising one identity over another, there is value in embracing the fluidity and interconnectedness of our various selves (Kulich et al., 2017). Like a symphony where each instrument contributes to a harmonious whole, our identities can coexist without one overshadowing the others. This approach not only honours the complexity of who we are but also allows us to engage with the world from a place of wholeness rather than fragmentation.
Finding balance in this process requires ongoing reflection and self-awareness. It involves recognizing that the demands of society to prioritise one identity may not align with our internal sense of self. By cultivating spaces where all aspects of our identity are acknowledged and valued, we can create a sense of inner peace and coherence.
Solidarity and allyship among marginalised groups are vital in this journey. By supporting one another and acknowledging the multifaceted nature of identity, we build a collective strength that resists the forces that seek to divide us. Ultimately, moving beyond identity assertion is not about diminishing the importance of our identities but about expanding our understanding of what it means to live fully and authentically in a world that often demands simplicity.
Conclusion
In reflecting upon the journey of navigating multiple marginalised identities, this article has explored the complexities inherent in asserting identities such as Dalit, queer, and Muslim within the socio-political landscape of contemporary India. Each section has explored the specific challenges faced by individuals who belong to these communities, shedding light on how these identities intersect, clash, and sometimes coalesce. The core issue remains: Is there a hierarchy of identities? Is there a singular, most important identity that one must assert, or is there more to life beyond this constant negotiation? These narratives illustrate the weight of many selves—each identity a burden, a shield, and a banner all at once.
As a PhD scholar from Uttar Pradesh, I find myself navigating a fluid landscape of identities, each shifting and evolving depending on where I am and who I’m with. I don’t have a single, fixed identity. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I initially believed that my academic achievements would be the cornerstone of who I am. In my hometown, they certainly are—my educational successes become my defining trait, something that sets me apart. I’m recognized for what I’ve accomplished, and in many ways, my identity is shaped by this acknowledgment.
But when I return to the city where I live and work, my identity shifts again. Here, it’s not just my education but my publications, conferences, and academic contributions that shape how I’m perceived. My intellectual output and academic recognition become the center of my identity, and it’s almost as if my sense of self adjusts to fit the academic world I inhabit.
With my friends, however, this academic identity falls away. When I’m with them, what I’ve published or presented doesn’t hold value. Instead, I focus on understanding their perspectives, being present in our shared experiences. My identity here is fluid, shaped more by connection and empathy than by intellectual pursuits.
When I’m among members of my caste group, yet another version of my identity emerges. In these spaces, I am seen as an excellent marriage prospect, a symbol of upward mobility and success. Despite not wanting caste to define me, I can’t escape how this part of my identity is viewed by others. It’s a role I neither embrace nor reject, but simply acknowledge as part of the complex interplay between my personal life and societal expectations.
With my family, my identity is entirely different. To them, I’m still a child navigating the uncertainties of life. My education, my career, all of it fades into the background, and I’m simply someone trying to make sense of the world and my place in it. There’s comfort in this, in being seen not through the lens of accomplishment but through love and familiarity.
And when I’m alone, everything shifts once more. In solitude, none of these identities define me—my caste, my gender, my education, my work—none of it takes precedence. In those moments, I feel as lost as anyone else. What defines me in those quiet spaces is my belief in myself, a belief that doesn’t hinge on societal labels or external validation.
None of these identities dominates or takes precedence over the others. They change, depending on the time and place, and none of them fully encompasses who I am. My identity, if anything, is in this constant flux, shaped by where I am, who I’m with, and what I believe in at any given moment. In this way, I am more than the sum of these parts; I am the space where they all intersect, where they shift and evolve without ever fully defining me.
This personal context underscores the broader question at hand: Is there truly a hierarchy of identity? Must one identity always take precedence over others, or can they coexist without the need for prioritisation? The concept of identity hierarchy suggests that some aspects of who we are may be more pressing or significant depending on the context. Society often pressures individuals to conform to specific roles or expectations, leading to a constant internal battle over which identity should be at the forefront. However, must we allow society to dictate which part of ourselves we should prioritise?
Perhaps, the answer lies not in choosing one identity over another but in embracing the full spectrum of who we are. Living a life where multiple identities coexist without hierarchy may seem idealistic, but it is a goal worth striving for. It allows us to acknowledge the richness and diversity of our experiences, recognizing that each identity contributes to the whole. Furthermore, it invites solidarity and allyship among marginalised groups, fostering a sense of unity in diversity.
In concluding this reflection, I leave you with an open-ended question: Is there a hierarchy of identity? Is asserting your caste, sexual, or religious identity more important than everything else? Or can we move beyond these assertions, embracing a more holistic understanding of self, where all aspects of our identity are valued equally? The answer, perhaps, is not fixed but fluid, varying with time, context, and personal growth. The journey of navigating multiple marginalised identities is ongoing, and maybe, just maybe, the destination is not about choosing one path but finding peace in walking them all simultaneously.
References
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