Thoma, SaschaWittner, BenRehmat Roop ZafarBerlin International University of Applied Sciences2024-01-152025-11-282025-11-282023https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/799AI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This thesis embarks on a nuanced exploration of the lived experiences of Queer South Asian diaspora, particularly situated in Berlin, driven by a personal narrative of belonging and identity. It delves into the transformative spaces of diasporic interaction, where tradition intertwines with new cultural nuances, and seeks to understand the complexities that queerness introduces in these spaces. The narrative underscores the significant lack of representation and the precarious sense of belonging experienced by queer individuals within the diaspora. It highlights the dichotomy between the conservative attitudes towards sexual diversity in South Asian cultures and the more open, albeit Western-centric, notions of queerness. Through a meticulous examination of visual signifiers in Berlin's diverse landscape, the thesis endeavors to unearth visual languages of belonging that resonate with the Queer South Asian diaspora. It ambitiously aims to synthesize these visual languages into a coherent visual identity, promoting an event fostering community and belonging amongst this demographic. The core objective is to bridge the gap between the diasporic identity and queerness, creating a platform of representation, acknowledgment, and collective interaction that navigates beyond the usual narrative of marginalization. Keywords: Queer South Asian Diaspora, Visual Languages, Berlin, Identity, Belonging, Representation, Cultural Interaction, Postcolonial Migration, Visual Identity, CommunityMACHINE-GENERATED CONTENTS NOTE: Table of Contents 1 Prologue 2 List of Terms 3 Introduction 3.1 Brief History of South Asia 3.2 Migration from South Asia 3.3 Existing Visual Languages Amongst the Queer South Asian Diaspora 4 Methodology 4.1 Limitations 5 Lived Experiences 5.1 Relationship With Home 5.2 Relationship With Self 5.3 Belonging 5.4 Need for Community 5.5 Visual Languages of Belonging 5.6 Colors of Belonging 6 Design Project 7 ConclusionengBelongingBerlinCommunityCultural InteractionIdentityPostcolonial MigrationRepresentationVisual LanguagesQueer South Asian DiasporaThesis