Deconstructing the Socio-psychological De-queering Attempts in India in Reference to Amazon Prime’s Original Made in Heaven Series

The term “de-queering” refers to actions and tendencies that impose norms on an individual, compelling them to conform to a heterosexual identity while reinforcing traditional norms and expectations related to gender and sexuality. In Indian society, homosexuality has traditionally been a taboo topic, hindering open conversation. However, recent OTT platforms have begun initiating discussions on this previously veiled issue. Made in Heaven, an Amazon Prime Original series released in 2019, can be interpreted as a testament to the ways in which de-queering attempts occur in Indian society. These attempts manifest through both social and psychological repression. Invading the privacy of a homosexual person and denying them autonomy are additional strategies of de-queering adopted by society. The theoretical framework for this analysis will reference the influential theories of Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, and Adrienne Rich. This paper aims to analyze the dequeering attempts embedded in Indian society, as well as the psychological de-queering faced by a closeted gay individual in India, as portrayed through the character of Karan in Made in Heaven.