Queering Desi: Season 2, Episode 11: Sundeep Morrison

This week on Queering Desi, we welcome Sundeep Morrison, a queer Punjabi Sikh writer, actress, director, author and activist!

On this episode, Priya talks to Sundeep Morrison, a queer Punjabi Sikh writer, actress, director, author and activist. Priya asks Sundeep about what drives her art, and Sundeep shares her experience with the Oak Creek shooting. The two chat about the aftermath, and the ways that racism still affects them post-9/11. Sundeep shares how she turned this story into "Rag Head," her one woman show, and her connection to the Sikh faith. The two then talk about their experiences with gender and sexuality in South Asian spaces and not feeling "queer" enough. Later, they talk about spirituality, and the perpetuation of patriarchal structures in religious spaces.

[Content warning: This episode mentions assault around the 25:40 mark.]

Don't forget to tune in to Sundeep's radio show, Deep Talks, every Wednesday at 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific (followed by Queering Desi at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific) on Rukus Avenue Radio.

About the guest:

Sundeep Morrison is a queer Punjabi Sikh writer, actress, director, author and activist. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy LA/ NY, her work focuses on social justice, cultural friction, inter-ethnic family dynamics and feminism. After being selected by STAGE RAW amongst the Top Ten productions in Los Angeles, she will be taking RAG HEAD, her critically acclaimed one woman show about xenophobia and Sikhs in post 9-11America, on tour in the US during fall 2019.

Sundeep is also the author of Lady Bitch Whore, her debut book, which is part memoir and part manual. She wrote this book to empower women, and help them overcome obstacles especially those navigating the complexities of growing up in dual cultures. You can follow her work via sundeepmorrison.com.

[Queering Desi logo: Nafeesa Alibhai and Sabina Pang]