Jyoti Ruparell is a Gujarati-Canadian LGBTQ woman currently enrolled in the Communication and Media program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is also a fantastic athlete who plays for the Rams Women’s Volleyball Team. As a South Asian bisexual woman and athlete, Jyoti encounters the challenge of balancing being a sportswoman and juggling her South Asian heritage while identifying with the LGBTQ community (which may or may not be accepted by others, including friends, family, and teammates). With a focus on self-acceptance, self-care, self-love, and confidence, Jyoti hopes to share her experiences in the chance that it helps at least one person become more comfortable in their own skin!

Shalini Prasad is a fourth-year Psychology student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is a second-generation Canadian while identifying as Indo-Guyanese. Her platform is called ‘Art by Shalini’, where she creates and sells both customized and pre-made art pieces, including canvas paintings, glass paintings, and handmade explosion boxes. She participated in the #TalkBicultural Series to vocalize how her Indian and Guyanese roots interact in her daily life, creating a complex identity.

Aru Kaul is in her third year of the Journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Aru has always loved writing. Writing has been a way for her to explore her creativity, and her Instagram @youreveryday.tea allows her to do just that. Aru identifies as an LGBTQ+ woman of colour, and revolves her content around important issues, especially ones that she can speak to. With her platform, Aru hopes to build a positive community and create meaningful change.

Mariyah Jaffer is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Social Work program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Mariyah created her platform @wordsofalattelover to share her written work. She aims to write for women seeking inspiration in their personal and professional lives. Mariyah is participating in this campaign as she identifies as a South Asian woman herself. She would love to share her story and raise awareness to the struggles that Canadian South Asian communities experience on a regular basis. She understands that while many of the women partaking in the campaign identify as South Asian, they all have completely different experiences.

Nuha Dhooma is Syrian and Indo-South African. Her unique identity as a mixed and Muslim woman tells all of what it’s like growing up in the West with so many intersecting identities. She’s also the creator of the upcoming project, The Salaam Project.

Saarah Furmli is the creator of the embroidery shop Mursalem Broiders. The name Mursalem Broiders comes from the dari word for rose, which is a flower that her dad is obsessed with. Mursalem Broiders aims to do custom embroidery, while also creating pieces that are a reflection of her identity as an Afghan/Muslim woman. Saarah is extremely excited to be a part of the South Asian Yard #TalkBicultural campaign, as she think it’s a great initiative to bring creators from the desi/middle eastern diaspora.