DesiQueer Speaks is the second of its kind event by Tasveer, focused on centering authentic queer, South Asian stories and experiences. This program is dedicated to creating a safe space where LGBTQIA+ narratives in the Desi community can be shared, empowered, and celebrated!
Led by Jaydev Bhateja, participants will attend FREE creative writing workshops (five in-person and five online; held weekly on Sundays) structured around crafting their own story/performance pieces about their Queer South Asian identities. The workshops will all lead up to a special DesiQueer Speaks Pride Month community showcase! 🏳️🌈
To learn more about last year’s program and read descriptions of previous pieces, visit https://tinyurl.com/yonix24.
Application Deadline: Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Workshop Start Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025, 2-3:30 PM, PST.
Workshop Locations: Seattle Opera building (at Seattle Center) and online
Date of Final Showcase event: Sunday, June 21, 2025
Workshop Agreement: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUMNxOzZJ7FKCiIBSKph8Z-LpZJMcaY0/
DESIQUEER SPEAKS 10-WEEK WORKSHOP SCHEDULE/DATES (TENTATIVE):
WEEK 1: Sunday, April 13 (2-3:30 PM, PST) in-person workshop at Seattle Opera
WEEK 2: Sunday, April 20, online workshop
WEEK 3: Sunday, April 27, in-person workshop at Seattle Opera
WEEK 4: Sunday, May 4, online workshop (2-3 PM online ones)
WEEK 5: Sunday, May 11, in-person workshop at Seattle Opera
WEEK 6: Sunday, May 18, online workshop
WEEK 7: Sunday, May 25, in-person workshop at Seattle Opera
WEEK 8: Sunday, May 18, online workshop
WEEK 9: Sunday, June 1, in-person rehearsal/workshop at Seattle Opera
WEEK 10: Sunday, June 8, last online workshop + extra rehearsal
FINAL SHOWCASE: Saturday, June 21, 2025
NOTE: We aim to make our workshop series as accessible as possible!! So if you’d like to participate but are unable to make certain workshop dates, or have other questions/concerns, please email jaydev@tasveer.org. No previous writing or performance experience is required to participate! 🤗