The Unfair & Lovely Podcast - Episode 6: Learn how Sardar Singh navigates his Queerness & Sikhi

Can Queerness & Sikhi co-exist? 

I sat down with Sardar Singh to discuss his work with the Queer Sikh Network, his experiences with colourism as a South Asian and Punjabi man, how he built his self-esteem through Sikhi while staying true and authentic to himself and the importance of decolonizing our minds in order to better understand ourselves and intersectional identities. 

More Information about Sardar Singh: 
 
Sardar Singh is a passionate advocate for social justice, health equity, and the rights of queer Sikhs. As the founder of the Queer Sikh Network, he amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ Sikhs worldwide. His work in the Peel Region focuses on supporting marginalized Punjabi communities through an anti-racist, anti-oppressive lens. With experience in public health research and an upcoming publication on sexual health surveillance, Sardar’s advocacy addresses the social determinants of health for queer South Asians. He believes in the importance of investing in under-resourced areas like Peel Region to drive meaningful change.  

TikTok & Instagram:

Chand 

@chandbhangal 

 Sardar Singh 

@sardar_sardarsingh

@queersikhnetwork 

Contact Information:

Email chandbhangal@hotmail.com for all collaboration and PR inquires.


Land Acknowledgment:

I would like to acknowledge that I have had the pleasure to take up space in and build safe spaces for BIPOC in the Region of Peel, which is a part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have inhabited Turtle Island and continue to care for it. However not only is acknowledgment important it is important to educate ourselves and show solidarity. 

How can you support?

Please make sure to check out these amazing organizations that are doing the work while taking up space. 

@torontoindigenousharmreduction

Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction (TIHR) emerged in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic in response to a massive shutdown of frontline services and a lack of basic needs for Indigenous houseless folks in the city of Toronto. To date we have served over 3,000 meals to the encampments and Indigenous street folks.

@nwrct

The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) began when a dedicated group of Indigenous women recognized the need for a gathering place in Toronto where Indigenous women could share resources, support one another, and practice their traditional ways. In 1985, this vision resulted in the downtown basement office that affectionately became known as “The Pit.” Today, the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto provides a safe and welcoming environment for all Indigenous women and their children in the Greater Toronto Area. 

@cheekbonebeauty 

In January of 2015, Jenn Harper (Founder) had the most vivid dream of little Indigenous girls covered in lip glosses. That dream is what gave birth to Cheekbone Beauty, the very first Indigenous-owned and founded cosmetics company. Cheekbone’s aim is to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth through donations that support educational opportunities for them, and to create a space in the beauty industry where everyone, including Indigenous people, feel represented and seen.

@aaniin.hello
Chelsee Pettit is an anishinaabe member of aamjiwnaang First Nations and the founder of aaniin retail inc. aaniin started out as a streetwear brand in June 2021. Their growth has been fast moving and so are Chelsee’s goals and vision for this company thanks to their amazing customers! chi miigwech for following along their journey, be sure to keep in touch on Instagram.