GAY TIMES Magazine

15 July 2022

For this third annual South Asian Heritage Month, we felt it was imperative that we dedicate an entire issue to the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ South Asians. GAY TIMES has curated a handful of interviews and stories that explore the many facets of what it means to live as a queer South Asian; ranging from sexuality to spirituality, from the challenging conditions to the celebratory achievements, and the need for more activism, more visibility, and more allyship. This special issue is led by none other than our new cover star Raveena. The American star’s incredible second album Asha’s Awakening took us on a spiritual journey when it was released earlier this year. She beautifully dives into her Indian heritage, marrying it with musical influences from her upbringing in the United States to produce a dreamy blend of sounds and cultures. “I hope that non-South Asian people who love my music will just see how I'm inspired by both of the cultures I was raised in,” she tells us. “The West and the East, it's very much the marrying of the two. I love so many parts of Western culture, specifically genres like R&B, soul and pop. I would want them to know it's not some mystical, very foreign thing. Ultimately, it's just fun pop music. It's for everyone. It’s not just for Brown people.” Elsewhere in this issue we speak with British-Pakistani illustrator Mazahir Hussain (aka Girth of Venus) about his incredible artwork that showcases the beauty and sensual power of Brown queer men. We catch up with Queen of the Universe drag superstar Rani Ko-HE-Nur on her show-stopping appearance on the World of Wonder singing competition, and why she needs to be the host of a future series of Drag Race India. And to mark one year since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and UK troops last summer, we have a special report on the incredibly challenging conditions LGBTQ+ people in the country continue to face, and what needs to be done to make sure we evacuate as many as possible to safety. South Asian Heritage Month is a moment for us all to celebrate and learn more about South Asian cultures, histories and communities, to support, platform and understand the diverse heritage that continues to link the West and the East.