Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal

Transgressing Boundaries: Decolonising Gender and Sexuality in India’s Criminal Justice System in the Context of Transgender Rights and Sexual Violence

Prayathna Kowitz — 2025-12-28

The aim of this paper is to examine the intersectionality of gender and sexuality in India’s criminal justice system, focussing on the impact the current laws against sexual assault have on the experiences of transgender persons. The colonial-era Indian Penal Code (‘IPC’) from 1860 has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (‘BNS’) which came into effect on 1 July 2024. The former legal framework introduced a paternalistic approach to Governance which emphasised the need to “civilise” and “protect” Indian people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes against transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. This paper investigates the enduring impact of colonialism on gendered violence in India, revealing that the historical legacy of colonialism continues to influence the legal framework for addressing crime and informs the criminal code’s responses to gender violence. This paper contends that a decolonial approach to gender justice which can be achieved through decolonising intersubjectivity is essential to address the pervasive, ongoing systemic injustices perpetuated against the community from centuries of colonialism.

Gender Discrimination in Exile: Insights from Syrian Workers in Turkey

Majd Hamsho — 2025-12-28

This study explores the factors influencing gender discrimination in workplace and examines employees’ perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward it. Conducted at Omran Strategic Research Center in Istanbul, the research involved semi-structured interviews with 15 employees (9 men and 6 women) from various job levels. The findings identified eight key factors contributing to gender discrimination: wage disparities, cultural and social biases, promotion challenges, sexual discrimination, work-life balance policies, hiring discrimination, unequal job evaluations, and strategies for gender equality. While many participants denied the existence of a wage gap, others acknowledged it, attributing it to job nature and individual performance. Interestingly, perceptions varied between managerial and non-managerial staff. Managers appeared more aware of gender-related issues, including hidden biases and systemic obstacles. The study highlights the complex, multifaceted nature of gender discrimination in the workplace and emphasizes the need for more inclusive policies and practices to foster gender equity across all organizational levels.

Masculinity in Transition? (Re-)Constructing Masculinity Through the Prism of Success on Male-Led Podcasts

Maria Kornienko — 2025-12-28

This paper explores the construction of masculinity through discourses of success in male-led motivational podcasts on YouTube. Drawing on critical discourse analysis of 10 highly popular podcasts published between 2024 and 2025, the study examines how narratives of success serve both to reinforce and challenge hegemonic masculinity. The analysis demonstrates that, while traditional masculine ideals, such as financial achievement, physical discipline, and emotional restraint, remain prevalent, an emerging counter-discourse advocates for men’s vulnerability, emotional wellbeing, and alternative definitions of success. By investigating ways in which language and social norms contribute to conceptualisations of masculinity through the lens of success in these podcasts, the study reveals masculinity in a state of transition, signifying a stepping away from hegemonic masculinity ideals. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary evolution of masculinity through its relationship with success.