The Open Minds Project is becoming “The Suryan Collective” and as part of this change, we have been reflecting on how we can be more inclusive in representing, engaging and supporting South Asian LGBTQ+ peoples and the diversities of their heritage cultures.
We started out as a group for LGBTQ+ people with Punjabi heritage and over time have broadened our invitation to all LGBTQ+ people with South Asian heritage. In saying this, we realise that some people have been confused about this change and we have not done enough to make this clear. We also recognise that there are under-represented groups, like the South Indian and Sri Lankan LGBTQ communities who we must more actively represent and engage.
Through the valuable perspective of one of our new directors, who is South Indian, we've embarked on a journey of intentional reflection and insightful conversations. Our focus is on strengthening inclusivity within our outreach and representation of the broader South Asian LGBTQ+ space.
We recognize that our efforts have primarily served Punjabi communities, achieving positive results in that area. However, we're now actively seeking to engage with South Indian and Sri Lankan LGBTQ+ communities, who are currently less visible within the South Asian LGBTQ+ landscape. By amplifying underrepresented voices and experiences, we aim to contribute to a richer and more inclusive South Asian LGBTQ+ community.
We appreciate your patience as we embark on this journey of learning and growth. We'll be sharing updates on our website soon. This new chapter as a CIC, will see us creating more inclusive spaces, to take account of the beautiful, and important diversity of the South Asian LGBTQ+ diaspora.
With lots of ❤️
The Suryan Collective Team
Some of our Resources
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Punjabi and Gay? - It’s Ok! [English Version]
“Growing up, it’s normal for us to take on the values and beliefs of the people that are raising us. For those of us raised with traditional Punjabi values this usually means that we have to believe that our biological sex (‘female’ or ‘male’) determines our life-path, and that a heterosexual marriage with someone from a similar background is something we should all aim for. “
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A desi mum talks about what it's like to have 2 LGBTQ children
In this first installment of the series, we interview Rajwant Nagra, a mother of two kids both of whom are gay. She shares her journey of acceptance of her kids' identities, how she overcomes the challenges of this new world and helps her husband through the process, and breaks the news to her relatives.
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Language, identity and belonging
“Language also communicates our identities and for someone born and raised in the UK I have a complicated relationship with the language that my grandparents spoke. Punjabi was my first language until I went to school but gradually, I became less able to speak it. I would make a lot of mistakes trying to speak it to relatives and they would mock rather than encourage me. I can now read Punjabi, but it’s taken effort as an adult and I’m still very much a beginner.”
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The Open Minds Project
“LGBTQ+ people are excluded or erased from mainstream Punjabi culture. There is a culture of shame, secrecy and taboo about sex and sexuality and mental illness. Often we’re not encouraged to talk about these things with our families and this can lead to loneliness, isolation and mental ill-health.”
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We speak to Neelam Kaur about having an LGBTQ+ daughter
In the second installment of the series, we interview Neelam Kaur, a mother of Angit, who identifies as a lesbian. She speaks in Punjabi about her journey of acceptance and how she broke the news to her husband and acquaintances in the local gurdwara community.
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A desi mum shares her experience with us in urdu.
اس پوڈکاسٹ سیریز کی آخری قسط میں، ہم سائمہ سے چیٹ کریں گے جو ہمارے ساتھ اپنے بچوں کی کہانیاں شیئر کریں گی۔
مجھے امید ہے کہ پوڈکاسٹ کی یہ اقساط آپ کے لیے مفید رہے ہوں گے اور اوپن مائنڈز ٹیم نے ساؤتھ ایشیائی والدین کے سفر میں کچھ معنی خیز معلومات فراہم کرنے میں مدد کی ہو گی۔ میں اور ٹیم اب اس وقت کے لیے سائن آؤٹ کر رہے ہیں۔ براہ کرم ہم سے کسی بھی مدد یا تجاویز اور فیڈبیک کے لیے رابطہ کریں۔
