Adnan Shaikh

I've always watched writers being invited to talk about their art on podcasts, and I used to wonder what that would look like for me.

A few months ago, I was invited by @dasrajorshi to be on their podcast, Queerness and Storytelling in India.

It was my first time being on a podcast, so naturally I was quite nervous, but excited nonetheless. Kudos to Rajorshi Das, who gave me so much space and time to talk about all the things I care about.

We talked about storytelling and representation, particularly queer Muslim representation, which is still scarce in the media. We talked about the lack or absence of queer vocabulary in our mother tongues to articulate our queerness to our desi parents and families. We talked about Rumi, the labels we use for communities, and what queerness looks and feels like.

I also expanded on my idea and definition of "queer Muslim," and how I see it more as a socio-political identity than a strictly religious one, one which is and can be expansive and inclusive enough to hold many different experiences.

We also talked about the people, books, and communities that have shaped me. I spoke about the pivotal role @thequeermuslimproject has played in my journey, not just as a writer but as a young person, and the belonging and acceptance l've received from @youthallianceofindia.

I talked about the beautiful anthology On the Brink of Belief by @kazimalipoet and what it means for writers like me, who may not always have the exposure, background, or connections to access publishing, but whose stories still deserve to be out there. I also spoke about @saraazamana piece on jinns, and i hope and pray that their grandmother's jinn is looking not just after them but all queer muslims across the globe. The work of my friends @ipsaing, @rajeevanandkushwah, and gave a shout-out to my mentor @saraswatibythesea, without whom my essay in the anthology would not be what it is.

We spoke about the inspiration behind my work, including @lamyaisangry brilliant book Hijab Butch Blues, will forever be grateful for this book and for what it means for queer muslims across the globe. Can't wait for your second book!🫶🏼

(continued in the comment section)