By Pat Jaucian, Digital Media Specialist

  • An impactful live showcase centering LGBTQIA+ South Asian storytellers and performers.
  • Held during Pride Month at the Tasveer Film Center in Seattle on June 21.
  • Culmination of a weeks-long creative writing workshop led by Jaydev Bhateja.

Being Queer means having the courage to love yourself fully for exactly who you are. And that is powerful.

In a world that often meets LGBTQIA+ identities with judgment, shame, or silence, the Queer community continues to rise, stronger, wiser, and more unapologetically itself. For many Queer South Asians, the journey to self-acceptance is layered by culture, race, religion, and family expectations. That’s why having a platform, a safe, affirming space that celebrates, uplifts, and sees you, is not just important. It’s comforting and rewarding. And that’s Tasveer.

This Pride Month, DesiQueer Speaks returns to the stage to uplift South Asian Queer voices in their full brilliance. It’s a time to honor authenticity, resilience, and joy through story, performance, and community.

Taking place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM PDT at the Tasveer Film Center (4816 Rainier Ave S, Seattle), DesiQueer Speaks is an impactful community showcase of original storytelling, spoken word, and creative performance. Each piece reflects the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ South Asians who have been part of Tasveer’s DesiQueer Speaks workshop series, led by Jaydev Bhatej, who was last year’s YoniX Speaks workshop lead as well.

This event marks the second edition of DesiQueer Speaks, a program dedicated to centering authentic queer, South Asian stories. It’s more than just a show, it’s a space of celebration, solidarity, and self-expression where queer narratives in the Desi community are not only shared but uplifted.

Over the past several weeks, participants explored their identities through writing and community care. The showcase is the culmination of their creative journey and a celebration of vulnerability, truth, and joy.

Tickets start at $10 and help support Tasveer’s ongoing mission to amplify underrepresented voices through storytelling and the arts.

Doors will open at 6 PM. Arrive early to connect with community orgs tabling in the lobby!
The showcase begins at 7 PM.

Whether you’re queer, Desi, an ally, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of Queer voices, this is your invitation to be part of something meaningful. Come feel the energy of community and witness the brilliance of Queer Desi voices taking center stage.

Follow @tasveerorg on socials for updates, and grab your ticket today at https://desiqueer.eventive.org/schedule/.