Celebrating Queer Love this Valentine’s Day

Celebrating queer love is all about acknowledging and respecting the love and affection between individuals regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. By recognizing and embracing the diversity of love, we are building a society that is more inclusive and accepting. This month, we’ve rounded up our pick of books that explore the idea of queer love, gender and sexuality in unique and path-breaking ways.

• Hostel Room 131 by R. Raj Rao

Set in the late 1970s, Hostel Room 131 is about Siddharth and Sudhir, two young men from vastly different worlds, who meet in Pune's Engineering College Hostel. The two fall in love, navigating obstacles along the way. The novel deals with themes of love, sexuality and self-discovery, and also highlights issues of homophobia—an intriguing read.

• My Magical Palace by Kunal Mukherjee

When Rahul and Andrew face turbulence in their relationship, Rahul tells Andrew a story: the poignant story of a boy named Rahul, who lived in a palace. Juxtaposing scenes from 1970s Hyderabad with life in modern-day San Francisco, My Magical Palace is a rich and textured tale that talks about how an individual should follow their heart and not succumb to societal pressure.

• My Father’s Garden by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

In My Father's Garden, a young doctor deals with passion and heartbreak, friendship and disillusionment, and the realities of familial expectations. Divided into three parts, the book explores the themes of homosexuality, tribal culture and marginalization, and is a moving commentary on the relationship between the individual and society.

• Memory of Light by Ruth Vanita

A compelling same-sex love story set in festive Lucknow, between Chapla Bai, a courtesan and Nafis Bai, a poetess, Memory of Light journeys through their emotional worlds, raising questions and doubts about their final union. Seen through the eyes of Nafis, this book is an artistic blend of letters, songs and fond memories.