S2 E7: LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Media Artwork

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Find us on Instagram: @culturedornah. A podcast about understanding the truisms inherent in desiness. We (probably) talk about the stuff your mom and dad won't. Ever been curious about what South Asians in other countries are like - or why they might actually be different from you? Ever wondered about the increasing role of the South Asian American electorate, or about why we're seeing more brown faces in mainstream media today? Perhaps you've even wondered why you've been born into a religious identity when it seems our non-desi peers don't have the same experience. Join us as we discuss these and other topics, and dive deep into the root causes of why things are the way they are. We won't always have the answers, but we do love to discuss it!

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Cultured, or Nah?

S2 E7: LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Media

March 21, 2021 • Shabnum Gulati • Season 2 • Episode 7

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