Queering Desi

Queering Desi is a podcast that celebrates the unique experiences of South Asian LGBTQ+ people. In each episode, a guest will chat with long-time community activist and writer, Priya Arora, about their journey and what it means to be true to who you are. To help us share our stories in our own words, and take the burden of representation off each individual, this podcast aims to be a breeding ground for discussion and a platform for being loud and proud, no matter who you are! (Production: Precision Podcasting; Music: Chetan Davdra; Art: Nafeesa Alibhai and Sabina Pang)

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Episodes

S1 Ep8: Community Building with Sasha W.

This week, Priya chats with Sasha W., the Organizing Director for the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA). Sasha shares their journey into organizing, and the cultural and familial origins of this work, including the 2004 tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. The two discuss the importance of uplifting marginalized voices, allyship with other movements including #BlackLivesMatter, and how to build communities across generations. Later, Sasha shares the most rewarding part of the...

May 02, 2018•39 min•Season 1Ep. 8

S1 Ep7: The Art of Writing with Rakesh Satyal

This week, Priya chats with Rakesh Satyal, author of the groundbreaking South Asian queer books "Blue Boy" and "No One Can Pronounce My Name." The two discuss the underpinnings of his latest book, including how his identities gave shape to the characters and his work overall. Later, he tells Priya how this lens informs the books he seeks to publish as a Senior Editor at Atria Books. The two also discuss early influences in their love for reading, and what's next for Rakesh.

Apr 25, 2018•30 min•Season 1Ep. 7

S1 Ep6: An Atypical Journey with Nik Dodani

This week, Priya chats with actor and comedian, Nik Dodani. Nik talks about how his coming out journey is intertwined with his comedic beginnings, and how he landed the role of Zahid on Netflix's "Atypical." Priya and Nik discuss South Asian representation in Hollywood, and he tells her about the discrimination he has faced. Later, Nik shares a glimpse of his upcoming projects, including the reboot of "Murphy Brown" and season two of "Atypical." The two end with some fun games featuring Nik's ce...

Apr 18, 2018•34 min•Season 1Ep. 6

S1 Ep5: Caribbean Empowerment with Mohamed Q. Amin

This week, Priya chats with Indo-Caribbean activist and organizer, Mohamed Q. Amin, founder of The Caribbean Equality Project. The two open a dialogue about resonance between the South Asian and Caribbean communities. Mohamed shares how he founded CEP, and the important support, education, and empowerment work they do with Caribbean LGBTQ folks. Later, he shares his own coming out story, and the two acknowledge intergenerational and colonial traumas that bind our communities, especially when the...

Apr 11, 2018•57 min•Season 1Ep. 5

S1 Ep4: Family Support and Acceptance with Aruna Rao

In this episode, Priya chats with Aruna Rao, the mother of a queer young adult and the founder of Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies. Priya asks Aruna about her own journey as a parent and why she founded the organization. Aruna talks about the optimism she has and barriers she faces in community building with parents of South Asian LGBTQI folks, and the two discuss strategies for creating intergenerational allyship and support. Later, Aruna shares the link she's seen between mental health and LG...

Apr 04, 2018•33 min•Season 1Ep. 4

S1 Ep3: Words Unspoken with D'Lo

In this episode, Priya chats with actor, writer and comedian, D'Lo. Priya asks D'Lo about his journey, and what led him to comedy and acting. He shares his early influences, how he perceives the difference between stand-up and shows, and where he feels he makes the most impact. The two discuss whether it's possible to infuse all your identities into art, and later, D'Lo finally divulges how he got his unique name!

Mar 28, 2018•28 min•Season 1Ep. 3

S1 Ep2: Comedy and Artivism with Fawzia Mirza

In this episode, Priya chats with artivist, actor, producer and writer, Fawzia Mirza. Priya asks Fawzia about what it was like to emcee the Women's March in Chicago, which opens a discussion about activism and what it means to make space at the table for those who have paved the way for us. Fawzia shares how she's managed to infuse comedy into her art, breeding the "artivism" that fuels her. Later, the two chat about "Signature Move," Fawzia's first feature film, and what it was like to party wi...

Mar 21, 2018•43 min•Season 1Ep. 2

S1 Ep1: Telling Our Own Stories with Reema Tharani

As an introduction to this podcast, Priya chats with her partner, Reema, about why she started 'Queering Desi' and what she the audience can expect from upcoming episodes. They also share their coming out journeys, and later, they play games like "Be In or Be Them" and "Date, Marry, Kill." Priya finds out Reema didn't know who Oprah was until recently, and the two make difficult decisions about their celebrity crushes.

Mar 14, 2018•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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