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  • SAN’S 35th Annual Soirée

Pride Month: South Asia’s Ancient Queer History into Today 

June 18, 2022 by South Asian Network

Oftentimes, it’s easy to forget how recent colonization in South Asia by Europeans ended. In reality, for many of us today, our grandparents, parents, or even ourselves lived through it. While the West was beginning to see progress towards inclusivity in the 1900s, South Asia had just been left by the queerness is provocative and unacceptable during colonization.The UK saw the beginning of organized LGBTQ+ civil rights movements in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Post-colonization, South Asia simply wanted to live up to the “standards” the west had left behind, so communities in South Asia let go of parts of its histories and cultures. As a result, many South Asian American spaces are not safe or welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. The world’s oldest South Asian LGBT magazine, Trikone, was not founded until 1986. 

The time of the 70s and 80s was also when there were great waves of migration from South Asia to Britain. Yet, since the very beginning, South Asians played a critical role in this movement. In 1988, the group Shakti was found, representing South Asian lesbian and gay individuals. That same year, a founding member of Shakti, DJ Ritu, also founded a club: Club Shakti. This club raised funds for the larger organization and provided a safe space for British South Asian queer people. 

However, this “progressive acceptance” that these South Asian people represented and demonstrated is not something new. I contest that accepting queer people is not “progressive” in regards to South Asian history and culture because being part of this community was once normal. Hinduism, born in ancient South Asian culture, does not condemn LGBTQ+ individuals, unlike other religions. Some Hindu scholars argue Shikhandi, in the Mahabharata, is transgender, but Krishna did not mind sharing a chariot with this warrior. Gods frequently change from one gender to another. One such example is Vishnu, who came in a female form: Mohsin.

As a Bharatanatyam dancer for fourteen years, one of my favorite pieces is Ardhanari—depicting Ardhanareeswara, a God half man/half woman, half Shiva/half Parvati. On one side, River Ganga is flowing out of Shiva’s head; on the other, Parvati’s head is decorated with a beautiful bun. On one side, Shiva has skulls hanging from his neck; on the other, a gold chain hangs from Parvati’s neck. Shiva’s ankle on one side is surrounded by snakes; Parvati’s is decorated with a beautiful anklet. More than just being half Shiva and half Parvati, Ardhanareeswara depicts that the human being is not purely “masculine” strength or “feminine” beauty; the human being must be made of a balance between strength and grace—regardless of gender. Gender does not confine one to the attributes of gender stereotypes. 

This is not all to say that queerness is a large part of Hinduism; it’s a part of South Asian history as a whole. Such “form shifting” is part of other religions of the region too. The Lotus Sutra, an Indian Buddhist scripture, tells the story of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, who is also associated with Tara, the multi-form female bodhisattva.

Even after homosexuality was made illegal, queerness was not treated as “odd” as in the west at times. For example, in the 1884 case of Queen Empress v. Khairati, Naisargi N. Dave explains in Feminist Studies that Khairati was “clearly a habitual sodomite,” the verdict that found him guilty was overturned because of a lack of precise details, such as “time, place,…other persons involved.” While gender stereotypes were certainly stronger at the time than earlier, this exemplified that even with colonization, South Asian culture is rooted in questioning these boxes and stereotypes. Source after source says that so much ancient South Asian literature and culture is permeated with queerness that it is difficult to separate and identify the queerness; it’s difficult to compile all of this queer South Asian literature because there is so much of it. 

An LGBTQ+ group that cannot be overlooked are the Hijra, an identity of intersex/trangender people, that have existed for over 2000 years. Mughal Empire Muslim leaders were patrons of Hijra. However, British colonization led to the criminalization of hijras, leading to stigma and fear despite their significance. Europeans could not fathom a third gender. This long history is a complex one with a complicated set of identities: some just call them transgender; while moreso outside India than outside the nation, this is considered by some a completely different gender—a third gender—all together because ultimately, they are not men becoming women or women becoming men or confining themselves to a box of one of the two in anyway; they are neither male nor female, but they are not transitioning to one either. This group is also known as Aravani, Aruvani, Jogappa, and Kinnar/Kinner. 

Despite the setbacks for Hijras caused by the British, they have won some protections since then. Starting in 2007, Pant v. Nepal found that third gender would be protected under the same ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. In 2013, Bangladesh legally recognized people who identified as a third gender, protecting the Hijra community. The following year, 2014, the ruling from National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India paved the way to legally recognizing the third gender; this also meant “sex” based protections are not exclusively for protections for biological characteristics—but also self-perceived gender identity. Today, there are over half a million Hijras in South Asia. 

(The Guardian)

Queerness that has been part of South Asian culture cannot be denied. Nonetheless, we cannot deny the homophobia and discrimination clearly present within the culture today and for many centuries past. As South Asian Americans, us young, “liberal,” and “progressive” kids often want to embrace the diversity and open-mindedness of our history and heritage; in this process, we cannot overlook the damage caused by our ancestors and our own families and friends—and ourselves—resulting in prejudice and damage towards queer South Asians and South Asian Americans today. It is not uncommon to hear uncles and aunties tell us stories of intersex and transgender gods but turn away from LGBTQ+ South Asian American individuals today. We cannot embrace the commonplace of queer South Asians as just history; we must embrace it as part of our culture that will and should exist forever. 

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Geared towards serving, supporting, uplifting, and educating Southern California's South Asian community

Grateful for the vibrant turnout at our Community Grateful for the vibrant turnout at our Community Health Fair! 🌟

We’re filled with gratitude for the incredible energy and support from everyone who joined us. Fom community members to volunteers, partners, and wellness advocates. Your presence made this event not only possible, but deeply meaningful.

Events like these are about more than services, they’re about connection, empowerment, and equity. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community! and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see you again next year! 🤗💪

#SouthAsianNetwork #CommunityHealth #HealthEquity #WellnessForAll #PublicHealthMatters #StrongerTogether #HealthyCommunities #southasianwellnessandhealth
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Join us on May 9, 2025 for a po KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Join us on May 9, 2025 for a powerful evening with the UCLA Labor Center to learn about your workplace rights, how to protect yourself and your coworkers, and the resources available to support you!

Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: 154 S Vermont Ave, LA, CA 90004
FREE & OPEN TO ALL!

Presented by @southasiannetwork + @uclalabor 
Questions? Contact us: 562-403-0488 | saninfo@southasiannetwork.org

#KnowYourRights #WorkersRights #CommunityEmpowerment #SouthAsianNetwork #UCLALaborCenter #APALA #LosAngelesEvents
Get ready, LA! SAN’s 35th Annual Soiree is goin Get ready, LA!

SAN’s 35th Annual Soiree is going down this Thursday, May 8 at 6 PM!

An evening of culture, community, and celebration — Serving & Empowering with Radical Love.

Grab your tickets now: www.tinyurl.com/sansoiree

#SANSoiree #RadicalLove #SpiceUpYourNight #SouthAsianNetwork #CommunityWithFlavor #ServingEmpowerment #CulturalCelebration #NaanStopFun #DesiVibes #SoireeSeason #LAEvents #CelebrateCommunity
IFFLA is lighting up Landmark Theatres Sunset with IFFLA is lighting up Landmark Theatres Sunset with the very best in South Asian cinema and its vibrant diasporas! 

Expect world premieres, star-studded galas, Industry Days packed with panels, masterclasses, a pitch competition, networking, and so much more.

We’re thrilled to share that SAN is a proud community partner this year! Join us in celebrating powerful stories, brilliant artists, and the beauty of South Asian storytelling on the big screen.

Passes and tickets are on sale now at indianfilmfestival.org, don’t miss out on this unforgettable week!

#IFFLA2025 #SouthAsianCinema #IndianFilmFestival #southasianrepresentation #indiefilm #southasiannetwork #nonprofit #communitypartner
We’re so excited to celebrate SAN’s 35th Annua We’re so excited to celebrate SAN’s 35th Annual Soirée this Thursday, May 8 at 6 PM at the Terasaki Budokan!

Join us for a powerful evening of serving & empowering with radical love, featuring live performances and community celebration.

Endless gratitude to our incredible collaborators, performers, volunteers, and supporters, this night wouldn’t be possible without you.

Let’s celebrate together.

Get your tickets: www.tinyurl.com/sansoiree
#SANSoiree #SouthAsianNetwork #RadicalLove #CommunityPower #CelebrateWithSAN
Enjoy FREE outdoor classes in: • Yoga at 11:30 Enjoy FREE outdoor classes in:

• Yoga at 11:30 AM by VedicAyurYoga
• Pilates at 1 PM by @clubpilates_cerritos 
• Miracle of Mind Meditation at 3 PM by @isha.foundation 

Come move, breathe, and recharge with us, all are welcome!

The South Asian Network invites you to our Community Health Fair on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Albert O. Little Community Center in Artesia!

#SANHealthFair #FreeWellnessClasses #CommunityCare #YogaPilatesMeditation #SouthAsianNetwork #ArtesiaEvents
RAFFLE PRIZE TRIO! 🎟️ We’ve got 3 amazing RAFFLE PRIZE TRIO! 🎟️

We’ve got 3 amazing prizes waiting for you at the Health Fair:
⌚ Fitbit – Track your steps, sleep & heart health
💧 Owala Water Bottle – Stylish, spill-proof hydration on the go
🥦 $100 Sprouts Gift Card – Stock up on fresh, healthy groceries

🎟️ Come by, enter the raffle, and win your way to wellness!

It’s FREE to enter, and your chance to take home something great!
MAY 4 2025, ALBERT O. LITTLE COMMUNITY CENTER 

#HealthFair2025 #WinWellness #FitbitWin #OwalaLife #SproutsShopping #RaffleReady
We’re Building Something Beautiful Together! We We’re Building Something Beautiful Together!

We’re proud to partner with these amazing community organizations and sponsors for our  Health Fair happening TOMORROW, SUNDAY MAY 4 2025! 

Their support makes it possible to bring vital health resources, wellness activities, and community connection to the South Asian community.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned, you won’t want to miss this!

#SouthAsianNetwork #HealthFair2025 #CommunityCare #WellnessForAll #SANpartners #StrongerTogether
Just 2 days to go! Join us at the Health Fair fo Just 2 days to go! 

Join us at the Health Fair for a day dedicated to YOU and your well-being. From free health screenings and resources to PILATES, YOGA AND MEDITATION classes, there’s something for everyone. 

Bring your friends and family and take a positive step toward a healthier future. 

We can’t wait to see you there🩵

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Albert O. Little Community Center

#southasiannetwork #southasiannonprofit #nonprofit #southasianvoices #health #fair #artesia
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We stand April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We stand with survivors, speak out against violence, and work every day to create safer communities. 

Awareness is the first step, Action is the next. 

#SAAM #SupportSurvivors #SAN #AWAZ #VoicesAgainstViolence #sexualassaultawareness
Your health. Your community. All in one place and Your health. Your community. All in one place and it’s FREE!
Join us at SAN’s Community Health Fair for a day of wellness, healing, and connection.

Enjoy:
• Free Yoga & Club Pilates classes
• A transformative session with Miracle of Mind
• Free health screenings & resources
• Giveaways and more!

When: Saturday, May 4 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Where: Albert O. Little Community Center, Artesia

Let’s move, breathe, and thrive together.

#SANHealthFair #FreeWellness #Yoga #ClubPilates #MiracleOfMind #SouthAsianHealth #CommunityCare #SouthAsianNetwork
We’re proud to recognize Puneet, a dedicated emp We’re proud to recognize Puneet, a dedicated employment law attorney and trusted advisor to non-profits like SAN.

A past President of the South Asian Bar Association Foundation, Puneet has long championed public interest work that uplifts and empowers the South Asian community across Southern California.

Thank you, Puneet, for your leadership, advocacy, and commitment to justice!

#SANSoiree #CommunityLeader #SouthAsianBarAssociation #PublicInterestLaw #SouthAsianNetwork #LegalAdvocate
Meet our Trailblazer Honoree at SAN’s 35th Soire Meet our Trailblazer Honoree at SAN’s 35th Soiree: Nithya Raman!

As one of the first South Asian women elected to the LA City Council, Nithya is changing the game in city leadership. A dedicated urban planner and activist, she’s bridging communities and pushing policies that uplift marginalized voices.

Celebrate her impactful leadership with us on May 8 at 6 PM!

Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/SANsoiree

#SANSoiree #Trailblazer #NithyaRaman #CityCouncil #SouthAsianLeadership #Changemaker #SouthAsianNetwork
We’re proud to honor Ahilan Arulanantham as a Ju We’re proud to honor Ahilan Arulanantham as a Justice Advocate at SAN’s 35th Soiree!

Ahilan is a powerhouse in the fight for immigrants’ rights, serving as Co-Director of the Center for Immigration Law & Policy at UCLA and a longtime leader at the ACLU of Southern California. His work has shaped justice for countless communities across the nation.

Join us as we celebrate his incredible contributions on May 8 at 6 PM!

Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/SANsoiree

#SANSoiree #JusticeAdvocate #AhilanArulanantham #HumanRights #ImmigrantJustice #SouthAsianNetwork
Join us for a powerful panel discussion with autho Join us for a powerful panel discussion with author Monisha Das Gupta and community organizers as we dive into “All of Us or None: Migrant Organizing in an Era of Deportation and Dispossession.”

Date: May 3rd
Time: 4–6 PM
Location: Bangladeshi Community Development Center, 154 S Vermont Ave LA, CA 90004
Free parking & refreshments provided!

In conversation with Isaac Barrera, Marcela Hernandez, Hamid Khan, Johnathan Perez, Mariella Saba, Preeti Sharma, and Monisha Das Gupta.

Don’t miss it!
Co-sponsored by South Asian Network, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and Khmer Girls in Action.

#AllOfUsOrNone #MigrantJustice #CommunityOrganizing #BookDiscussion #SouthAsianNetwork #nonprofit #southasiannonprofit
Mark your calendars! Join us for SAN’s 35th Annu Mark your calendars! Join us for SAN’s 35th Annual Soirée on Thursday, May 8 at 6 PM, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, culture, and connection.

Enjoy a curated menu by Badmaash, drinks from One Hope Wines, mocktails by Optimist Botanicals, karak chai by Friday Gallery, and sounds by ThatIndianDJ.

Hosted by the amazing Sundeep Morrison, with performances from Adya Mohanty, Shiv Nadkarni x Neel Agrawal, and Keenar.

All ticket proceeds support SAN’s vital fundraising efforts. Come party with purpose!

#SANSoirée #SouthAsianNetwork #CommunityEvent #SupportSAN #CulturalCelebration
Happy Easter from all of us at SAN! Wishing you a Happy Easter from all of us at SAN!

Wishing you a joyful day filled with love, renewal, and sweet moments with your loved ones.

#HappyEaster #SpringVibes #SANCommunity #Easter #southasiannetwork #nonprofit #southasians #community
Get ready to be transported through sound! We’re Get ready to be transported through sound!
We’re thrilled to spotlight KEENAR at SAN’s 35th Soiree - a powerhouse collective blending North/South Indian music, West African rhythms, Persian melodies, jazz, fusion & more.

This group is a musical journey you won’t forget 🩵

May 8 | 6:00 PM

Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/sansoiree

#SANSoiree #KEENARLive #SouthAsianNetwork #FusionMusic #LiveMusicMagic#southasiannetwork #southasiannonprofit #nonprofit #southasianvoices #san #sansoiree
Join us as Adya Mohanty graces the stage with soul Join us as Adya Mohanty graces the stage with soulful vocals that honor the legacy of  South Asian and South Asian American artists. 

Experience a night of radical love, community, and liberation at SAN’s 35th Soiree, May 8 at 6PM.

Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/sansoiree

#SouthAsianNetwork #CommunityThroughArt
#CelebrateCulture #Soiree35 #TogetherWeRise #RadicalLove #nonprofits 
#southasiannetwork #southasiannonprofit #nonprofit #southasianvoices
Spotlight on Soirée Artists Get ready to witness Spotlight on Soirée Artists

Get ready to witness something truly special at SAN’s 35th Anniversary Soirée!

Shiv Nadkarni x Neel Agrawal are blending the classical rhythms of Kathak with powerful, cross-cultural instrumentation—fusing East and West to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
Through movement and music, they’ll reshape tradition, evoke emotion, and blur boundaries.

Catch the magic LIVE on May 8 at 6PM!

Grab your tickets: www.tinyurl.com/sansoiree

#SANSoiree #SouthAsianNetwork #KathakFusion #LivePerformance #ArtistSpotlight #CulturalFusion
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18173 Pioneer Blvd., Suite “I”, Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: 562-403-0488 • E-mail: saninfo@southasiannetwork.org
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