The Weight Of Silence: ‘Trauma’ And Its Echoes In Selvadurai's Selective Queer Narratives

Abstract

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing and disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope and results in feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror, leading to the symptom of long-lasting anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other kind of psychological distress and making an individual question their identity, impacting their sense of self, their relationships, and their mental and emotional health.  Queer theory is employed as a theoretical framework to emphasize that trauma is not solely an individual problem but rather a product of societal and cultural factors, including homophobia, transphobia, and heteronormativity. The concept of intersectionality recognizes that individuals can experience multiple forms of discrimination, and this is especially true for Queer individuals who face a unique set of challenges in society. The question of how Queers experience trauma requires examining power dynamics and the ways in which voices and experiences of such individuals are recognized and valued within society. Despite this, there has been limited research on the discussion on Trauma of a Queer individuals and its impact on their self and society. This research paper explores the confluence of queer theory and trauma theory, shedding light on how conventionalism and expectations related to gender and sexuality contribute to exclusive formation of identity of LGBTQ+ individuals against the heteronormative rhetoric while investigating the traces in Selvadurai’s writings. Secondly, it attempts to create space for Queer individuals to speak out and be heard, while also recognizing and addressing the structural barriers that limit their agency and power. Lastly, this research paper aims to highlight the ways in which experiences of trauma can be transformative and serve as a catalyst for change, leading to new and more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality.