Expect honesty and intensity, as two international activists share their thoughts on trans issues and identity at a session tonight
A WTS open mic night
Spoken word poetry has taken off in the city in recent months, thanks in part to poetry slams and open mic nights. This week, Words Tells Stories (WTS), an initiative by poet Rochelle D’silva, completes two years. To celebrate, she is bringing in two international artistes — New York-based activists Alok Vaid-Menon and Grace Dunham — for an evening of poetry and conversation.
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“Spoken word is a powerful space for truth-telling. I’ve always been attracted to the art form because of its honesty, rawness and its vulnerability. It has given me confidence in my voice, my gender, and my ideas,” says Vaid-Menon, who identifies as a non-binary transfeminine writer, entertainer and performance artist. Vaid-Menon will touch upon the violence experienced by a transgender person. “I use poetry for people to understand the humanity of my community and all of the constant scrutiny we have to endure. I also speak a lot about loneliness, love, and life’s purpose.”
Alok Vaid-Menon and Grace Dunham
This is Dunham’s first time in India. The writer and activist will talk about how large political systems impact our lives. “I’ll share my insights, based on my experience in America, on trying to love one’s self, love others, and protect the people in our communities who are most targeted. Alok and I will discuss themes that surface in both of our work — how politics and systems of violence impact and inform our intimate lives and relationships too.”
D’silva is glad that the event will give people a chance to listen to international voices. “In India, we think about gender in specific terms but I want people to have a conversation about it,” she says.
There will be open mic where five poets get the chance to speak, and a Q&A session with the duo.
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