Sociological analysis of the forms of collective actions by sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh and West Bengal

Alim, Tanvir (2025) Sociological analysis of the forms of collective actions by sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh and West Bengal. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis critically examines the collective actions of sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh and West Bengal (Within India), particularly focusing on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the dynamics within lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and more (LGBT+) communities. The project is rooted primarily in sociology, incorporating ethnographic methods for specific aspects. It uses several methods to observe five different organisations and two social media groups that are not only located in metropolitan cities but also outside the big cities, which is often overlooked in academic research literature. Through exploring queer celebration events, social media spaces, and narratives of resource mobilisation to create a collective agency, this thesis highlights both solidarity and internal discrimination in overcoming stigma and oppression. Tensions arise from oppressive regimes, religious dominance, conflicting pressures of global LGBT+ advocacy and local socio-cultural contexts, often leading to exclusion and division. Despite a rich pre-colonial history of diverse gender and sexual identities, the current framing of LGBT+ rights as opposed to religion perpetuates misconceptions and limits effective collective action. However, emphasising local culture, religious reconciliation, and the resilience of queer labour, friendship, and care offers pathways to address resource gaps and foster creative agency within these communities.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Waites, Dr. Matthew and Dasgupta, Dr. Rohit
• Date of Award: 2025
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2025-85619
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2025 12:34
• Last Modified: 25 Nov 2025 12:40
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.85619
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/85619