Trans women’s creative outputs on Youtube as Indian Trans Women Electronic Literature: archiving and amplifying digital narratives

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of trans women's creative works and the emerging field of Indian trans women's electronic literature by addressing four central key research questions. First, it investigates whether the creative outputs of trans women on platforms like YouTube can be considered forms of electronic literature. The study identifies characteristics that justify this classification by analysing their multimodal, interactive, and narrative features. Second, in response to the limited presence of trans women’s electronic literature in India, the study undertakes a metadata archiving initiative using the Omeka platform (link: https://5593.omeka.net/). This archiving not only aids scholarly research but also preserves these digital narratives as significant cultural and literary artefacts. Third, the paper examines how documenting these narratives contributes to academic discourse and enhances public understanding of trans life experiences. Finally, it addresses the challenges and opportunities that shape trans women’s participation in creating and disseminating electronic literature in India. By amplifying marginalised voices, this study expands the boundaries of Indian electronic literature and underscores the importance of recognising trans women’s digital storytelling as a medium for cultural expression and social change. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.