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Follow Chenoa:

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To Order Chenoa's Book Dream On

Learn more about Dr. Joe Website

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Tendonitis
• 07:01 Introduction to Dr. Joe's Work
• 26:10 Belief Systems and Healing
• 32:59 Life After Healing
• 38:34 The Impact of Emotional Pain
• 56:07 The Inspiration Behind the Book

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Melina's Website

Email:  melinalifecoach@gmail.com

Dr. Joe Dispeza: Website

Takeaways

• Mind-body connection
• Healing through emotional awareness

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Melina's Journey
• 06:24 Impact of Abandonment and Emotional Pain
• 16:00 Heart Opening Meditation Experience
• 25:29 Shaping Melina's Coaching Practice
• 31:25 Holistic Approach to Healing

Worth thinking about.What’s one internal shift you feel you need to make today? Comment below or share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. 💬

link in bio farhandhalla.com/Podcast

Learn More about today's guests:
Instagram: Vincent Beima

Instagram: Maria Cristina Beima

Harmonic Leap

Dr. Joe Dispenza: Website

#HealingJourney #SelfLove #TransformYourLife #MindBodyHealing #UnconditionalLove

In this enlightening conversation, Mark Ruegg shares his incredible journey of healing from stage four terminal pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. He discusses the importance of belief, mindset, and nervous system regulation in recovery. Mark emphasizes the role of the tools he learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza, meditation, physical activity, and dietary changes in his healing process, as well as the spiritual awakening he experienced along the way. His story serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of healing and the importance of taking an active role in one's health journey.

Follow Mark on Instagram

Dr Joe Dispenza website

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Farhan Dhalla

Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast

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Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast

Farhan Dhalla

Takeaways

• Impact of the show on the LGBTQ+ community
• Success and influence of the show

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Heated Rivalry
• 05:56 Personal Impact and Reflection
• 12:05 Living Authentically and Unmasking

For information on Dr. Joe Dispenza: website

Season 3 is titled "Queer Voices" 

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

Kevin Mwachiro is a Kenyan writer, podcaster, queer activist, and journalist with a media and communications career spanning over 20 years. He began as a journalist with the BBC, contributing to its radio, TV, and digital platforms. A self-described custodian of people's stories, Kevin's work reflects his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. His first book, Invisible – Stories from Kenya's Queer Community, was the first of its kind in Kenya. In 2017, Kevin launched Nipe Story, a storytelling podcast that brings African short fiction to life through audio. He is also the co-founder of the Out Film Festival, East Africa’s first LGBTQI film festival. Kevin is an example of true Queer Joy. He lives his truth inspiring the Queer community through his stories, activism and love life.  He's a cancer survivor and a thriver. Our conversation is packed with emotion, passion and inspiration. 

A Very Africa Story by Kevin Mwachiro

https://kevinmwachiro.medium.com/

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Farhan Dhalla

Mike Mosallam  is a two-time Tony Award nominated producer, director, writer for theatre, film and television. Two days after recording this episode he won his his first Tony Award for producer in the category of "Best Revival of a Musical" for "Parade!" He graduated with degree in musical theatre from the University of Michigan and headed to New York to follow his Broadway Dreams. After 911 Mike called into question both his place in this world and as a Muslim what was his story to tell? Mike redirected his energy towards writing, directing and producing. He wanted to change the narrative of the stories that were being told about Muslims. He changed the landscape of media by writing and directing movies like his film debut "Breaking Fast" an award winning gay romcom about Mo, a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood who is learning to navigate life post heartbreak. He meets Kal, an All-American guy who surprises Mo by offering to break fast with him during the holy month of Ramadan. In this episode we do a deep dive getting to know Mike including his coming out journey and how he says being gay has made him a better Muslim.

Website

 @watchmmp 

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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All of us a grieving at this time. It may be due to individual loss such as a loved one, job, pet a or a life you once knew. As a global community we are all feeling the collective loss of a world that has forever changed. Whatever your experience I’d like to invite you to join my grief journey. Together we can hold space for each other as we collectively heal our personal experience with grief. In this episode I share with you my personal journey and some of the tools I’m using to help me process. It is my hope that in this episode and podcast you find and discover ways to support your unique process.

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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Our transitioned loved ones never really die but our relationship with them changes because they are no longer in physical form.  In this conversation Rishma Govani, author of the book "Sushi and Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations,"  and I share the many unique rituals we have created to continue our relationship with our loved ones on the other side and how it has strengthened our bond of love with them.

Instagram: @rishmagovani

In honour of Rishma's husband Aly and my Mother we are supporting the following initiatives and kindly appreciate your donations:

Princes Margaret Hospital

The Aga Khan Foundation

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Imam Daayiee is the first openly Gay Imam in the United States. He was born in Detroit Michigan and the son of Southern Baptist parents and converted to Islam at the age of 30. He is the author of the book titled  “Progressive Islam: The Rich Liberal Ideas of the Muslim Faith”(2021),  He is the Founder and ED of the nonprofit MECCA Institute, and CEO of MECCA Institute Publishing LLC. He is the Former Imam of the  Light of Reform Mosque, Washington, DC (2010-2015).  Imam Daayiee is a linguist  and holds  Masters Degrees  in  Chinese and Arabic languages and linguistics, and a scholar of Quranic Interpretation and Shari’ah Sciences. To continue to add to his impressive bio he is also a  former public interest lawyer specializing in comparative Islamic and Western law. He is currently working on his  second book to be released in 2024. In this episode we explore what it's like being an openly gay imam, his educational pursuits, activism, why he opened an all inclusive mosque:"Light of Reform Mosque," the MECCA Institute and a lot more.

Contact: Email

TEDx Talk

Website: The MECCA Institute

Facebook Group: The MECCA Institute

Facebook Group: Light of Reform Mosque

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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Galit Deri Shearouse is a medium who's mission is to help support grieving parents by connecting them to their lost child in spirit. In this episode Gait does a reading for me and during our session my beloved late mother came through. Galit delivered some messages that had a huge impact on me. We tackle in depth how my mother felt about me being gay including her struggles. Galit also made two surprising predictions about my future!

Contact: https://www.myspiritualconnections.com/

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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In part 2 of this special series on my coming out journey I talk about the conversation I had with my mom the day she found out I am gay. I describe how the conversation happened, my parents response and how it all impacted me. Coming out can be difficult especially for a person of colour. It's important to formulate a support system as it can feel isolating. Bellow are list of resources for those that are struggling.

Resources

⁠LGBTQ Family Acceptance/Culture Based Resources⁠

⁠It Gets Better Canada⁠

#gay #pride #pridemonth #queer #queerpodcast #gaypodcast

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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Our transitioned loved ones can give us miraculous signs from the other side. Medium Dr. Cathy Ripley Greene shares her insight into the spirit world and the amazing ways in which the departed can communicate with us. In this episode I personally share how my late mother gave me some profound messages to let me know she was around me.

To learn more about Dr. Cathy Ripley Greene visit her website: www.cathyripleygreene.com

Follow her: https://www.facebook.com/PsychicMediumDrCathy

                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyripleygreene/

Email: cathy@cathyripleygreene.com

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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The teachings of Islam and grief are discussed with Dr. Shiraz Ismail, an active family physician since 1973 and an Islamic Educator. Dr. Ismail is also known for his dedication and work as a volunteer in the Ismaili Community including the founding of the Share and Care Bereavement Support Group 25 years ago that has helped many cope with grief and loss.

Resources:

The Five Stages of Grief

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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Farhan Dhalla

The Happy Medium® Jodi Livon has been working professionally as a psychic medium for over thirty years. She is a published author and a popular television and radio personality. As the resident psychic on Twin Cities Live (ABC), she has covered stories, conducted ghost investigations and read national celebrities. In this episode Jodi offers valuable information and insight to help support individual and collective grief. For more information on Jodi and her services please visit her website at TheIntuitiveCoach.com and follow her on social media for all her inspiring and elevating posts!

Twitter

Facebook 

Youtube

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

Shaill is a poet and storyteller whose debut collection, The UnBecoming, explores what it means to fall apart as a way of coming home to oneself. Born in India, raised across the Middle East, and now rooted in Austin, Texas, she brings a rare global perspective to the themes of belonging, identity, grief, healing, and feminine resilience. Shaill is not just a poet, but a storyteller who holds space for vulnerability and rebellion, often saying, “You were never falling apart — you were becoming.” Her voice is meditative yet unapologetic, poetic yet grounded — the kind that resonates deeply with listeners who are navigating change, identity shifts, or the quiet unraveling of who they once were. The UnBecoming is her first book, published by Marigold Press. It is a love letter to those in the midst of transformation — the ones who are learning to shed, to burn, and to bloom again. Our conversation explores her courage, vulnerability and truth telling as she shares her journey and why poetry served as the medium for her truest expression. The UnBecoming is a heroes journey where each one of us is at the centre of our lives as we navigate coming home to ourselves. 

"The Unbecoming" Amazon

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Email: shailleejuneja@gmail.com

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Season 2 is titled "Queer Relief"

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Vijay Wadhavan is the founder and creative director of ILA, a queer South Asian fashion brand. ILA was born out of Vijay’s desire to fully embrace both his queerness and his South Asian identity and to do so in a way that felt beautiful, authentic, and expansive. Fashion has always been more than just clothing for him. To him, it’s wearable art. A way to express complexity, challenge norms, and create space for joy. It has served as a personal tool for reflection, self-discovery, and connection, helping him make sense of who he is and how he moves through the world.

This conversation highlights the birth of ILA and Wadhavan's intension to design clothes that celebrates duality, intersectionality, and unapologetic self-expression. Through his designs, Vijay explores themes of fluidity, spectrum, and self-love—inviting others to wear his pieces in ways that reflect both who they are and who they’re becoming, and to show up fully in their truth. Wadhavan further intends to use fashion to break down barriers and be a brand that stands on inclusivity.

Instagram⁠

⁠Website

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Rizwan Jagani, is an American violist of Indian and Pakistani heritage. In this episode Jagani talks about how he dove into the practise of his religion during the holly month of Ramadan and chose to come out as gay. He describes how he set the intention for Ramadan to help him come out and survive a very demanding performance schedule. Jagani offers a deep insight into his personal relationship with "Allah" (God). For years Jagani says he had a strained relationship with Allah and with Islam. He felt like he was not a true Muslim and that he did not belong to the faith. He finally accepted his sexuality and when he did, grew closer to Allah. He recognized that Allah made him this way and that was not a mistake. A gay Muslim, violist, and friend.  Follow Rizwan to learn more about him and his well accomplished musical career.

Youtube

Website

Facebook

Instagram 

#gaymuslim #islam #ramadan #pridemonth #pride #queer #queerpodcast #gay #selflove

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Award winning multidisciplinary artist Mariam Magsi shares her deep and insightful experience as an artist and her personal and professional evolution through multiple sources of her own grief journey including the transitioning of her beloved Mother. 

Links to Follow Mariam Magsi:

Website: www.mariammagsi.com

AGO Residency

Instagram: @mariam_magsi

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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Since I came out on my podcast I've had great feedback and many members of the Queer community messaged me to tell me that they could relate to my story. Little did I know that there was larger platform for me to talk about my Queerness. My personal Queer story was at the centre of attention when my family and I went on Family Feud Canada where I was asked to talk about my dating life! Was this a sign that doors of opportunity were opening for Queer South Asians in mainstream media? So I thought. I'll talk about my experience and why I felt necessary to talk about my experience in full detail.

You can check out this  Instagram ⁠for the video of my Family Feud Canada experience this episode is in reference to.

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Farhan Dhalla

Everyone deserves a great love story like this one. Vaibhav Jain and Parag Mehta are two gay South Asian husbands who's love story began when they first met at a pride parade in Washington D.C. They are true trail blazers who along with their families are leading and role modelling to many what it means to live a life lead with love. We discuss all things Queer Desi including the viral video of the beautiful speech Parag's father made on their wedding day. His speech has helped many open their minds but more importantly their hearts to love and acceptance of members of the Queer community and helped parents of all faiths with antiquated beliefs. Their love has been championed by all their parents and the union of their families have proven that love isn't limited to the heteronormative status quo even in the South Asian community. Their love has turned into a force for human rights and the two are plaintiffs in a landmark court case before the Delhi High Court in India which seeks to legalize same-sex marriage for 1.4 billion people in the world’s largest democracy. In addition to being global advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, Vaibhav and Parag recently became fathers of two beautiful children born via surrogacy. In 2023, the couple welcomed a daughter Parineeti followed by a son Vivaan.

A Loving Indian Dad's Moving Toast at His Gay Son's Wedding

Instagram

vaibhav86jain

paragvmehta

Youtube

#gaydesi #queerdesi #gaylove #queerlove #pridemonth #pride #queer #queerpodcast #gay #selflove

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Neha Mahajan is an extraordinarily talented actress, musician and is passionate about making our world more beautiful through her Green initiatives. She's featured playing the sitar in a collaboration with Ricky Martin on the song "Mi Sangre" on the album "Pausa" which won a Latin Grammy Award.  Neha shares her personal journey with grief and offers insights on how music has helped her cope. This episode features a performance by Neha on the sitar. Follow Neha on Instagram @nehamahajanofficial or visit her website www.nehamahajan.com

Additional resources:

Using Music To Help With Grief

Using Music To Cope With Grief

The Brain, Grief And Music

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Farzana Jeraj is a three time best selling author and co-author; keynote speaker at multinational corporations, TEDTALKS and many more global leadership events. She is considered the "Best Kept Secret" to a small army of professional actors, executives and athletes in the NHL, NFL, FIFA and PGA. In this episode Farzana shares her knowledge on meditation, how it can help with grief relief and guides us through a powerful meditation. Her books including "I Cheat at Meditation" are available on Amazon and Kindle.  Visit https://www.farzanajj.com/home for more information on her services and workshops.

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you!  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

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John-Michael is the founder of An Athlete’s Silence. As a 14-year-old Olympic-bound athlete, the adults entrusted in his training groomed and trafficked him into silence. Through his experiences he created the Predatory Grooming Trifecta©, Predatory Internet Grooming© (PIG), and Athletes’ Arena©. He is the author of Surface Tension and Cracked Surface and the eBook Understanding Predatory Grooming Trifecta©. He is a certified Self-Talk, Neuroscience, 2SLGBTQAI+, and NLP coach and helps empower others to reclaim their lives. He has written four novels.   We discuss how John chose to break his silence and courageously talked about his abuse in his Ted Talk tilted "An Athlete's Silence."  How he went from being a victim to a survivor and the incredible work he's doing as a coach to help others including members of  2SLSBTQAI+ community. He also  shares the important advice he once received from actor Billy Porter. We dive into all of this and so much more in this very important episode.

Warning. Some parts of this episode contain sensitive material about related to abuse and thoughts of suicide. 

 Learn How to Work with John: Website 

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Ted Talk 

My Story, by John-Michael Lander https://sayitforward.org/my-story-17/

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I have a Queer family! I’m a proud Guncle to my niece Amira and their spouse Dana. They are my special guests in this episode. We talk about the changes that have taken place in Queer presence in our family and what it has been like from my generation to theirs and our family to follow. We dive into the beautiful  relationship Amira and Dana share including how they met, the proposal and the surprisingly  way they got married. We discuss representation, a bit of current events and in a plot twist trade places as guest and host. I get into the hot seat and let them interview me. We laughed, there were some emotional moments but mostly we leave here a legacy for our future family and loved ones, a documentation of our families history of Queer evolution since I was the first to ever come out! 

Learn more about Rainbow Railroad Website

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Cristina Gabriel  shares an inspiring story about her very personal healing journey. She overcame a terminal diagnosis and transformed her body and life.  She’s an authour, certified yoga and Reiki teacher and has utilized teachings that she learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza as well as practises rooted in  self love, gratitude and her lifelong wisdom that has led her towards the pathway to her transformation. Her mission is to inspire, uplift, and help create communities where healing, connection, and authentic growth can truly flourish.

Instagram

Cristina is the authour of two books

A Calm Mind: Amazon

 A Calm Body: Amazon

For information on Dr. Joe Dispenza: website 

Disclaimer: the information in this episode is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical condition please consult with a medical practitioner. 

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Dr. Amy Novotny is the creator of the PABR® Method (Pain Awareness Breathing Relief) and offers her expertise on how this unique breathing technique can be used to help reset our nervous system from 'fight or flight' to it's natural calm state for a variety of conditions including grief and grief related trauma. Dr. Novotny explains where grief is stored in our bodies and how it can be released. Her approach comes from her experience treating in a variety of settings and with a wide range of patient populations over the past 12 years. Her methods have helped countless people reduce and eliminate pain, stress, anxiety, orthopedic surgeries, sleep issues and the need for medications. She co-authored two Amazon #1 Best-Selling books Don’t Quit: Stories of Persistence, Courage and Faith and Success Habits of Super Achievers

To learn more about the PABR® method at pabrinstitute.com

Visit https://www.amysimpressions.com/ to view Dr. Novotny's impressive portfolio of her photography including wildlife and landscapes all over the world that has led to several of her images being chosen as Photos of the Day, most notably National Geographic Your Shot World Top Photo of the Day.

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This episode goes live on my 55th birthday and is about my personal miraculous healing journey of the scoliosis in my spine. I outline the 7 steps I took towards my healing utilizing the principles and teachings that I learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza including meditations, quantum physics, neuroscience and changing beliefs. 

Please refer to Dr. Dispenza's website for more information. 
I also read the following books: Becoming Supernatural, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and You are the Placebo authored by Dr. Joe Dispenza

As I celebrate my 55th year I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for my health and I look forward to many blessed years ahead. I'm eternally grateful to Dr. Joe and his teachings as well as all the members of the community that have supported my journey. I'd also like to thank all the practitioners that provided me with treatment. I am sending you all my highest love. 

Sincerely, 
Farhan Dhalla 

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health or medical conditions. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

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A self reflective audio diary of my personal experiences with grief waves. This episode is filled with authentic talk, reflections and a recount of a miraculous moment that will leave you awe struck.

Special mention to Sally and Imogen at the Good Mourning Podcast Episode Grief Tip Tuesday: Navigating Grief Triggers

Follow them on Instagram @goodmourningpodcast

Resources for grief: grief.com

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Season 4 Trailer "Living Your Highest Potential"

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Zain Bandali is an author, poet, and unapologetic diversity advocate. His debut children's book Mehndi Boy, is a Silver Birch Express Nominee and was recognized as a “Best Bet” by the Ontario Library Association and as a “Best Book for Kids” by the New York Public Library in 2023. Zain studied at the University of Waterloo and was awarded the Upkar Arora Social Impact Leadership Scholarship for his work in creating a grassroots community initiative. Even in his day job as an HR professional at a leading financial corporation, Zain strives to bring the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to everything he does. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chilli peppers he grows. In this episode we dive into conversations about Zain’s Queerness as a South Asian, Indo-Tanzanian, Ismaili Muslim, his debut book and how he’s pushing the gender norm narrative. We also discuss his love for international recording artist Ali Sethi and his advice for anyone struggling with being true to themselves.  

Order your copy of Mehndi Boy

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#gay #gaypodcast #mehndi #queer #queerpodcast #islam #navroz #lgtbq

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Shyam Konnur and  Ram (Sriram)  Sridhar have a trailblazing love story. They met at a Pride event in Bangalore India and sparks ignited. Their first attempt at a date was thwarted when Sham was assaulted and hospitalized. Despite their obstacles they fell in love and decided to get married out of necessity to protect their relationship in the event of medical reasons, potential legalities and furthermore to prove that their love was meaningful and to be taken seriously.  However, same sex marriage is not recognized in India. There were risks associated with ‘such a wedding’ in India. Hall owners were afraid of consequences for hosting their wedding and both grooms feared potential retaliation in a resistant culture of same sex relationships up until their wedding day. But they beat the odds and were united amongst friends, family and loved ones on June 13, 2025  and included ceremonies that respected both their religious backgrounds and traditions. We dive deep into their relationship, their reasoning for getting married and how their marriage has put a huge spotlight on them as they both felt it was important that their wedding be open and public despite the risks. Both men are award winning activists and run an organization called MIST- a non profit dedicated to empowering the LGBTQI+ community and promotes safe love by creating a safe space and awareness. We also talk about the lack and misrepresentation of the Queer community in Bollywood and  media adding to the isolation of Queer existence in India. They both share the challenges within the context of Pride and it’s movement in India because there are different interpretations of what Pride means which they feel in some cases have lost the true purpose of its origin and creation. Shyam and Ram are also working at improving HIV testing access, prevention, and helping changing the stigma about HIV and living with HIV.  Ram is the current national producer of the Mr Gay India pageant show and Vice Chairperson of Board of Directors for Mr Gay Universe. Shyam has been titled with Mr Gay India in the year 2020. The pageantry goes beyond beauty and at its core is about creating leaders in activism for the LGBTQI+ community and winners must successfully demonstrate the impact of their leadership in it's change. 

Shyam Konnur Instagram

Shyam Konnur TedTalk

Ram (Sriram)  Sridhar Instagram

MIST Instagram

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Dr. Rizwan Jagani is an American violist of Indian and Pakistani heritage based in the Washington DC Area. He is an accomplished multi-genre solo artist, orchestral musician, and chamber musician. 
Dr. Jagani has performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Dwight Yoakam, Burna Boy, and Indigo Girls. He recently performed alongside musicians of the Kuwait National Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as a member of the International Pride Orchestra in collaboration with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and will be returning for his seventh year to the classical music festival in Eisenstat Austria. this will be third year serving as principal Viola of the Orchestra. He is also a member of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
He recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Catholic University of America. When he is not playing Viola, he loves watching Broadway shows, fitness, traveling, and all things gluten-free.

Rizwan first came out publicly in a very brave post at the onset of Ramadan in 2023. We talked about what life has been like since coming out and how he’s navigated his queer life while staying true to his Muslim faith and culture. Rizwan gives us updates on how he’s grown into his Queerness, while maintaining his own individuality, the evolution of his relationship with himself and his family. He gives a very insightful perspective on what acceptance means. His growth has reflected his choice of where he finds his safe spaces, Rizwan offers me great advice on how to handle a situation with a family member at an upcoming wedding  where I felt I was asked to make myself less visibly Queer to avoid drama. We also talk about his love life and his obsession with Tony award winner Nicole Scherzinger.

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Imam Daayiee is the first openly Gay Imam in the United States. He was born in Detroit Michigan and the son of Southern Baptist Parents. 

Imam Daayiee  Abdullah, is the author of the book titled  “Progressive Islam: The Rich Liberal Ideas of the Muslim Faith”(2021),  He is the Founder and ED of the nonprofit MECCA Institute (www.meccainstitute.org), and CEO of MECCA Institute Publishing LLC. 

He is the Former Imam of the  Light of Reform Mosque, Washington, DC (2010-2015).  He is also  A linguist  and holds  Masters degrees  in  Chinese and Arabic languages and linguistics, and a scholar of Quranic Interpretation and Shari’ah Sciences. And to continue to add to his impressive bio he is also a  former public interest lawyer specializing in comparative Islamic and Western law.

The United States first openly gay Iman, Daayiee Abdullah returns to discuss his continued pursuits for education and personal power by increasing his communication abilities.  He pays tribute and reflects on his  late friend and peer, the first openly gay Imam Mushin Hendricks who was recently assassinated in  what is thought of as a hate crime.  He talks about the impact the civil rights movement and the stone wall riots had on him and his activism. He expresses his thoughts on LGBTQI+ activism and the importance of having knowledge about theology. He clarifies the interpretation of the Quran in reference to same sex relationships and its standards for all relationships, how he honours Pride month and his work for the Mecca Institute, an online inclusive and progressive Islamic theological school.  It is a non-profit organization expanding Progressive Islam through education and research. In this episode questions were also contributed  by former guests  Tony award winning Mike Mosallam, award winning multidisciplinary Mariam Magsi and  accomplished violist Dr. Rizwan Jagani. 

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