CONFORMING TO DIFFERENCE: CULTURAL AND LITERARY EXPLORATIONS OF SAME- SEX RELATIONSHIPS (A STUDY BASED ON SELECTED SOUTH ASIAN AND EUROPEAN LITERARY WORKS AND INDIAN CINEMA)

This research paper explores the cultural and literary representations of same – sex relationships, focusing on selected South Asian and European literary works and Indian cinema. It investigates how societal norms, cultural constructs, and historical frameworks influence perceptions of Gender and sexuality, particularly with in the context of same – sex relationships. The study examines the pressures exerted by heteronormativity, drawing parallels between real – life events such as the Kerala High Court’s landmark decision supporting Adila Nasreen and Fathima Noor’s right to cohabitate and literary works like Kamala Das’s Chandana Marangal . Through these, the paper uncovers the yearning for acceptance and the struggles of same – sex couples navigating a heteronormative society.