Queer Spaces in South Asia: Who Gets to Belong?

Queer spaces are not just places. They are political statements. They show who is welcome and who is not. In South Asia, these spaces can be physical or digital. Physical spaces might be parks, cafes, or movie theaters. Digital spaces are online communities. Both types have rules. These rules decide who can be safe and visible. But here is the catch. Not all queer people can access these spaces. Class and money play a big role. Wealthier queer individuals might have more options. Poorer ones might be left out. This is a problem. It shows how capitalism affects queer lives. South Asian queer poetry tells us more. It shows how these spaces are made, watched, and sometimes erased. It also shows how neoliberalism shapes these spaces. Neoliberalism is an economic system. It can turn queerness into a commodity. This can lead to more exclusion. So, what does this mean? It means queer spaces are not just about being queer. They are about power, money, and politics. They are about who gets to belong and who does not.