Trapped in Hegemonic Binaries: Performing the Body

This paper critically explores the constructs of binaries while taking into account the politics of the body. It delves into how these constructs gets fashioned and recreated while performing the same across normative and non-normative discourses. While it may be almost mundane and commonplace to see the performance of body within binary constructs across the normative discourses, this is to a great extent also true for those queer discourses that have challenged the conventional/normative. The paper challenges this performativity from a queer feminist perspective that also engages with the subtle nuances of blurring the borders of gender markers. The problem with this polarization within binary constructs is that there remains a tendency to reinstate patriarchy within queerness. To substantiate this argument further, the paper will draw from narratives and accounts from the hijra gharana, the transgender men and trans-sexual identities. While a comparative analysis between the hijra gharana and transgender men (in partnership/companionship) will be attempted from the perspective of relationship-dynamics, transsexual identities will be analysed from the perspective of the individual. An attempt shall be made to raise and problematise this hegemony within queer discourses and also to locate choice and understand the extent of acceptance of fluidities. The paper will thus present an argumentative perspective of challenging queerness and normativity within queerness.