In this episode, Shabnum is joined by esteemed film director Faraz Arif Ansari. Faraz has worked on numerous Bollywood projects, and most recently is known for their internationally award winning short film Sisak, Netflix's the Big Day, and their film Sheer Qorma (to be released later this year). Faraz and Shabnum talk about what's changing or not changing fast enough to allow for more queer representation in South Asian mainstream media, and how much further we still have to go. Faraz talks about their own journey coming out as a queer Muslim that is gender non-binary, and how they've learned that acceptance is not a destination, but a journey. We talk about the overlaps between faith and gender identity, between culture and gender identity, and culture and religion. Join us for this deep conversation on how we can come to celebrate our gender and sexual identities despite the pressures of society and culture!
Host: Shabnum Gulati
Guest: Faraz Arif Ansari
Illustration: Hanifa Abdul Hameed
Music: AnAkkiN on Soundcloud