EP13: Faith, Race and Gender in South Asian Identity

FARSIGHT Chats

In this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, host Farah Bala, founder and CEO of FARSIGHT, along with guest speakers Sadiya Abjani and Ambarien Alqadar, dive deep into the complex topics of faith, race, and gender within South Asian identity. The conversation delves into the impacts of colonialism, caste discrimination, and the role of community in shaping identity. Sharing personal anecdotes, the guests discuss the complexity of being South Asian Muslim women in America, the immigrant journey, the power of storytelling, and the need for solidarity in social justice movements. It also includes the backdrop of significant movements like Black Lives Matter and Dalit Lives Matter. The dialogue encourages listeners to reflect on their own identities and the importance of community and service.

| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |

Complex Intersections of Identity:

• The guests explore how being South Asian, Muslim, queer, and women creates unique challenges and opportunities for advocacy and connection. They discuss the silencing of voices in both personal and community spaces and efforts to navigate these complexities.

Cultural Narratives and Representation:

• The conversation critiques Bollywood and mainstream media for perpetuating archaic narratives and highlights alternative storytelling avenues, such as comics, animation, and independent films, as powerful tools for capturing diverse experiences.

Challenges in Building Community:

• Both guests reflect on struggles to find or create inclusive communities that honor their intersectional identities. They share stories of isolation and the importance of service and storytelling in fostering genuine connections.

Activism and Accountability:

• The episode discusses the South Asian diaspora's response to movements like Black Lives Matter and Dalit Lives Matter, pointing out the need for intersectional solidarity and self-reflection to address double standards in advocacy.

| SHOW NOTES |

00:00 Introduction to FARSIGHT Chats

00:31 Today's Topic: Faith, Race, and Gender in South Asian Identity

00:34 Meet Our Guests: Sadia Abjani and Ambarien Alqadar

00:41 Context: Black Lives Matter and Dalit Lives Matter Movements

01:05 Understanding Dalit Identity and Caste Discrimination

01:35 Exploring South Asian Identity Beyond India and Pakistan

01:54 The Immigrant Experience and Advocacy

02:21 Guest Introductions: Personal Stories and Backgrounds

04:30 Complexities of South Asian Identity in the Diaspora

04:46 Acknowledging Loss and Trans Day of Remembrance

05:38 Faith, Race, Gender: What Intrigues You?

07:49 Silence and Intersectional Identities

10:18 Creating Space for Diverse Faiths in the LGBT Community

13:00 Personal and Political: Growing Up in South Asia

21:29 Navigating Multiple Identities

24:23 Finding Community as an Immigrant

26:28 Personal Journey of Community Building

26:55 College Experiences and Feeling Unseen

28:10 Finding and Serving the LGBT Muslim Community

30:59 The Power of Storytelling and Representation

39:20 Intersectionality and Social Justice

46:55 Reflections and Takeaways

49:24 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

| WORKS CITED |

The Ghetto Girl. 2012. Film. Ambrien Alqadar.

Connect with our guests:

• Sadia Abjani | Director of Learning & Equity, SAGE USA
• Ambarien Alqadar | Filmmaker, Writer, Educator

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