How Kerala's Digital Pulse Beats for Some, But Not All

In the heart of Kerala, India, a digital battle is unfolding. Conservative Muslim voices are using YouTube to spread messages against LGBTQ+ rights. This isn't just about opinions. It's a structured way of thinking. They take religious beliefs and present them as scientific facts. They also paint LGBTQ+ identities as a big danger. All this started after India made same-sex relationships legal in 2018. These speakers use a four-step method. First, they claim moral and religious certainty. Then, they stir up fear among the public. Next, they use science to back their religious views. Finally, they point to government policies as proof of a so-called "gender ideology" threat. This is all done to exclude LGBTQ+ people from society. But it's not all bad news. Queer Muslims are fighting back. They use the same digital platforms to build supportive communities. They create new, accepting theologies. This is their "architecture of resilience. " It's a way to stand strong against the negative messages. The study looks at 15 Malayalam-language videos. It shows how digital platforms can be used to spread exclusionary ideas. But it also shows how the same platforms can be used for good. It's a reminder that the internet is a powerful tool. It can be used to divide or unite.