"Coming Out, Coming Home III": Southern California’s South Asian LGBTIQQ Community Speaks Out
The Satrang community and friends gathered again this year for what has become an awaited annual event. "Coming Out Coming Home III", the third event of its kind was held at the Southern California Library (SCL) in Los Angeles on Sunday October 16th, 2011. This reading was the result of a six-week writing workshop held this past Spring. Following the success of last few year’s workshop and readings, Satrang funded this event to provide members of the South Asian LGBTIQQ community a platform to share their experiences in a safe and creative environment.
Facilitated by theatre artist and former Satrang Board Member, D'Lo (www.dlocokid.com) the workshop has become a space for attendees to go deep - excavating and crafting their personal stories. Reflecting on last year’s event, he says, "Nearly all the participants came to the workshop saying they didn’t know how to write," said D’Lo, "yet what was proven was that not only could they write beautifully, but their personal stories were intensely powerful. The stories evoked tears, laughs and a standing ovation from the room full of family members, friends, partners and allies."
At the reading event, this year’s workshop participants shared their stories spanning topics from integrating their spirituality and sexuality, coming out to family members and finding community. "It is estimated that there are, 30,000 LGBTIQQ South Asians living in Southern California. Because of these findings, we understand that many of our community are immigrants who are closeted or in isolation," said one participant. There is no place for them to be "out" and South Asian - the cultural reverence for "silence" is strong especially when it comes to situations and subjects that could affect one's standing in either their cultural community or their employment status. "In our community, we know for a fact that many people suffer from mental health and thoughts of suicide because of the homophobia." said D’Lo, "It’s sad that people don’t feel that they can just be who they are and be loved by their family and community for being authentic in their identities."
Satrang would like to continue this powerful project in the coming year with all the support from community members. Satrang is thankful to DLo, all the participants, and the Southern California Library (SCL) for their support of this event. The SCL has been home to many of the rich beginnings of movements – starting with meetings, lectures, classes, and political organizing. The Library seeks to deepen its commitment to art as a critical element of social change by hosting such events.
If you are interested in learning more about the Coming Out Coming Home workshop series, go to www.satrang.org or call 1-(888) 370-9569.
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Your Satrang board members work hard to put on fabulous parties as well as providing education, community outreach and support. When you see them, give them a big hug:
 Manoj Kumar, President
Abhijeet
Sheena Malhotra
Raja Bhattar
Parind Shah, Online Coordinator
Tony
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Your Board works hard (and has fun!) contributing our time and money to create events for you and a support network for our community. We've got big things planned this year so do help out! You can specify which programs you'd like your money to go towards.
Donations to Satrang above $25 are tax-deductible. If you'd like a receipt, just let us know when you make the gift.
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