Empowering Queer Identities through Financial Independence in Mita Balani’s Breaking Norms

Abstract

Financial Independence often empowers marginalized communities by making them more economically reliant. Economic stability makes queer characters more strong to fight their battle in the heteronormative society. Mita Balani’s Breaking Norms (2017) focuses on the journey of two young lesbian characters of Mumbai, Sonia and Esha. Balani’s narrative highlights the conflict between societal norms and individual aspirations with the help of both characters, especially Esha. As a lesbian, when Esha starts earning, the plot of Breaking Norms suddenly shifts, and her identity is groomed better with financial security. This paper examines the relationship between financial stability and LGBT identity. The study investigates the correlation between economic reliance and marginalization and explores the potential for individuals to gain empowerment through obtaining financial independence. The research methodology employed in this study is textual analysis with the theoretical framework of Queer theory. This paper examines the economic dimensions of queer lives of Breaking Norms, which contributes to the current discussions on the connection between finance, identity, and social justice.