Pioneers: Sharan Dhaliwal

What does your work involve? 

I’m the founder of the South Asian magazine Burnt Roti, a yearly Pride event, Middlesex Pride, and a speed-dating night called Oh Queer Cupid. I work with communities to create engaging and fulfilling moments that make a difference in people’s lives. I want to create life-changing connections with communities whose voices are otherwise unheard.

With Burnt Roti I created a platform where people can discuss their identity, mental health and sexuality in a safe space. We give people the ability to discuss things they are told they shouldn’t. We have printed multiple issues of the magazine, collaborated with a variety of institutions and given people access to spaces they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Middlesex Pride takes place in a largely immigrant area – Middlesex is where [South Asian] people settled, escaping unrest, partition and war in the 60s and 70s. LGTBQIA+ people within these communities need better visibility, and with Middlesex Pride we're offering them a chance to find family and be seen.

My debut book, Burning My Roti, talks about how my Indian identity and queerness comes up against capitalism and white supremacy.

What inspires you? 

My biggest inspiration was, and still is, frustration. It’s frustration about the lack of support for vulnerable people. For people of colour, queer people, trans people, disabled people.

I find my inspiration comes from wanting significant change. Every project I’ve created has the goal of raising voices and building community unity so this frustration is quietened.

As a creative, I have a constant need to make something – to have a project that will fill me up with excitement. I am inspired by grassroots organisations that work with vulnerable people, young people. I’m inspired by the people I see around me on a regular basis, whose names are unknown but are working countless hours to ensure the safety of those in need. These people give me the energy I need to continue my work.

What message would you give to the next generation? 

Every generation below me is full of amazing people making significant change. I can see a huge difference in them and the actions of my generation, and it gives me hope.

But it’s also telling of the climate we live in that more urgent action needs to be taken. Young people are making strides in fighting for their rights and this won’t stop. Using technology and social media as a form of protest and organising is a beautiful example of this.

I want to tell them not to stop. I want them to know that people like me are in awe of them – their power, knowledge and bravery. I wouldn’t want them to think anyone looks down on them for what they do to enact change – know that I am impressed. The more we talk, fight and work with communities, the more change we will see that improves our standard of life.