Bharatanatyam as a Medium of Social Change: Revisiting Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Through Dance

Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical dance forms, has always been more than just an art—it has been a path to spiritual enlightenment, social empowerment, and cultural expression. Originating as Devadasiattam, it provided women with a sacred space for self-expression and societal respect in a deeply patriarchal society. This paper explores how Bharatanatyam, with its deep philosophical roots, can play a crucial role in addressing gender biases and fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in modern times. By analyzing historical texts like the Natyashastra, the Kamasutra, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, this study highlights how Indian traditions historically acknowledged and respected non-binary identities. It examines how Bharatanatyam, with its deep philosophical and aesthetic foundations, can serve as a medium to reintroduce these inclusive perspectives into modern discourse.