From: Robinson, Jen (robinsj2) [mailto:j.robins...@lancaster.ac.uk] Sent: 16 March 2012 20:54 To: modera...@gaybombay.in Subject: Research Project 2013 To whom it may concern, I am writing to you in regards to a potential study of Hindu same-sex love in India. I am currently studying for a Masters degree in Religious Studies at Lancaster University, UK. Through my studies, I have become aware of the problematic situation many same-sex individuals face within India, and the lack of understanding afforded to same-sex individuals by the wider society. Due to the importance of this issue, I am focusing my final Masters thesis on the issue of same-sex love in India, the oppression that many individuals face in their daily life. This is being explored through media representations of same-sex love in film, both male and female, are received within wider society, noting the important and influential aspects religion, caste, and gender play regarding the formulation of same-sex oppositional attitudes. I am applying for a PhD for the next academic year to continue my studies in this area. For this work, I am particularly interested in entering discussion with same-sex individuals themselves, both male and female, in regard to their experiences within society. For example, I am interested in discussing where, and in what forms, such individuals feel unsupported and oppressed by society, as well as how such individuals are attempting to rectify their love either within Hinduism, within wider society, or both. I would be grateful if individuals it supports, would be wiling to discuss the issues outlined in the above paragraph. Such study will improve understanding of the experience Hindu same-sex individuals face in India, and give such individuals a platform for their voice to heard at an international level. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Jennifer Robinson
