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The Suryan Collective

The Suryan Collective & Swagatham fosters community and connection for queer and trans individuals from the global majority, celebrating cultural events like Pongal to promote inclusivity, support, and joy within marginalized communities.

What does queer brown joy feel like to you? This workshop is a space for queer South Asians to gather, reflect, and create together &mdash; exploring interconnected themes of diaspora, identity, memory, belonging, and joy through written expression. Through conversation, creative prompts, free-writing, and collaborative exercises, we&#39;ll explore the moments, people, rituals, and places that shape us &mdash; from chosen family and queer community, to nightlife, food, language, music, and home.&nbsp; No writing experience needed. Just a willingness to connect through storytelling, and make room for queer brown imagination and joy. You may leave with a poem, a paragraph, or simply a line that feels true to you. About your facilitator:Loveena (they/them) (@love_ena) is a full-time healthcare communicator and part-time artist who has explored crochet, charcoal, digital illustration, and writing plays and prose. Having lived across Singapore and India before moving to London, they are deeply interested in art inspired by diasporic narratives. In their workshop, Loveena will explore themes of nostalgia, hybrid identity, cultural negotiation, and belonging. This workshop will be held in-person at a venue in Brixton, London. The space is fully accessible with lifts, wide doors, accessible loos, an accessible fire escape, quiet working booths, a quiet room with sensory tools and a portable hearing loop. It is air-conditioned and fans are available. You will receive an email on booking confirmation, containing the full address.&nbsp; No equipment needed &mdash; just a device with a working camera and microphone.No writing or musical experience required.This workshop is designed for LGBTQIA+ South Asians INFORMATIONQueer Cosy Creative (QCC) WorkshopsThe QCC workshops aim to provide a low‑key space, for smallish sized groups (max. 15) &nbsp;to create, rest, and connect with other queer and trans South Asian folx 🌈 REFUNDSCancellations made up to 24 hours before the event are eligible for a refund. To request this, participants must email TSC directly at info@thesuryancollective.org ORGANISERHosted by The Suryan Collective, QCC celebrates our stories, languages, and lineages through art‑making. Everyone is welcome &mdash; no &ldquo;artist&rdquo; label required. We create together, explore ideas about who gets to make art, and build a supportive circle rooted in confidence, connection, and joy. www.thesuryancollective.orginfo@thesuryancollective.org@the.suryan.collective

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Becoming Ourselves: Narratives Across Borders (#2)

What does queer brown joy feel like to you? This workshop is a space for queer South Asians to gather, reflect, and create together &mdash; exploring interconnected themes of diaspora, identity, memory, belonging, and joy through written expression. Through conversation, creative prompts, free-writing, and collaborative exercises, we&#39;ll explore the moments, people, rituals, and places that shape us &mdash; from chosen family and queer community, to nightlife, food, language, music, and home.&nbsp; No writing experience needed. Just a willingness to connect through storytelling, and make room for queer brown imagination and joy. You may leave with a poem, a paragraph, or simply a line that feels true to you. About your facilitator:Loveena (they/them) (@love_ena) is a full-time healthcare communicator and part-time artist who has explored crochet, charcoal, digital illustration, and writing plays and prose. Having lived across Singapore and India before moving to London, they are deeply interested in art inspired by diasporic narratives. In their workshop, Loveena will explore themes of nostalgia, hybrid identity, cultural negotiation, and belonging. This workshop is online. You will receive a link on booking confirmation.No equipment needed &mdash; just a device with a working camera and microphone.No writing or musical experience required.This workshop is designed for LGBTQIA+ South Asians INFORMATIONQueer Cozy Creative (QCC) is a low‑key space, for smallish sized groups (max. 15) &nbsp;to create, rest, and connect with other queer and trans South Asian folx 🌈. The Zoom link for online events is shared the day before the event, so keep an eye out for it :) REFUNDS:&nbsp;Cancellations made up to 24 hours before the event are eligible for a refund. To request this, participants must email TSC directly at info@thesuryancollective.org ORGANISERHosted by The Suryan Collective, QCC celebrates our stories, languages, and lineages through art‑making. Everyone is welcome &mdash; no &ldquo;artist&rdquo; label required. We create together, explore ideas about who gets to make art, and build a supportive circle rooted in confidence, connection, and joy. www.thesuryancollective.orginfo@thesuryancollective.org@the.suryan.collective

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Becoming Ourselves: Narratives Across Borders

What would a song about your life sound like? If you&#39;ve ever felt like your story deserves to be heard &mdash; this workshop is for you. This is a 2-hour beginner songwriting workshop made with LGBTQIA+ South Asians in mind. No experience needed. No &quot;talent&quot; required. Songwriting isn&#39;t a gift only some people are born with &mdash; it&#39;s a skill, and we&#39;re here to prove it. Here&#39;s what you&#39;ll walk away with:<ul fr-original-style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; box-sizing: inherit;"><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; box-sizing: inherit;">A real understanding of how songs are built</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; box-sizing: inherit;">Tools to write from your own stories and experiences</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; box-sizing: inherit;">A taste of songwriting styles from across cultures</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; box-sizing: inherit;">An idea, or even a finished song, that is completely yours</li></ul> If you&#39;ve ever thought, &quot;I could never write a song&quot;, &mdash; this workshop was made for you. Come curious. Leave creative. About your facilitator:Kuch (he/him) (@kuchbhogal) is an interdisciplinary artist who works across images, music, and creative technologies &mdash; with a background in mental health and workshop facilitation. His work is grounded in his experience of being a queer man with Punjabi heritage, and he is most interested in using art to communicate the feelings that are hardest to put into words. This workshop is online. You will receive a link on booking confirmation.No equipment needed &mdash; just a device with a working camera and microphone.No writing or musical experience required.This workshop is designed for LGBTQIA+ South Asians INFORMATIONQueer Cozy Creative (QCC) is a low‑key space, for smallish sized groups (max. 15) &nbsp;to create, rest, and connect with other queer and trans South Asian folx 🌈. The Zoom link for online events is shared the day before the event so keep an eye out for it :) REFUNDS:&nbsp;Cancellations made upto 24 hours before the event are eligible for a refund. To request this, participants must email TSC directly info@thesuryancollective.org ORGANISERHosted by The Suryan Collective, QCC celebrates our stories, languages, and lineages through art‑making. Everyone is welcome &mdash; no &ldquo;artist&rdquo; label required. We create together, explore ideas about who gets to make art, and build a supportive circle rooted in confidence, connection, and joy. www.thesuryancollective.orginfo@thesuryancollective.org@the.suryan.collective

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Writing The Soundtrack To Your Life

Why Queer Pongal?To create a connective space for queer and trans folk of the global majority who want to celebrate Pongal.&nbsp; What is Pongal?Pongal is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community in January to give thanks to nature for providing our food. You can find out more here: https://srirajarajeswary.org.uk/thaai-pongal/&nbsp; Who&rsquo;s this for?Queer and trans folk of the global majority who want to celebrate Pongal and connect with others who do. You can come alone or bring along some friends. Allies are welcome if they&rsquo;ve come with you. What to expect?A low-pressure connective event for queer and trans folk of the global majority and their guests. Expect to chat over games, crafts, food and drinks. Schedule:&nbsp;18:00 - 19:00 Mix and mingle19:00 - 19:15 Intros from Swagatham&nbsp;19:15 - 21:00 Dinner/Chat/Games/Crafts Trampoline Caf&eacute; have a Sri Lankan menu with plenty of vegan and gluten free options. For those who would like to purchase any food or drink, you can either order from the lovely team downstairs on the day or pre-order food closer to the day. When ordering / pre-ordering please use the reference PONGAL26. The thali costs &pound;15 for 5 curries and rice, or &pound;12 for 3 curries and rice. Smaller dishes cost anywhere between &pound;3 - &pound;12. Cold and hot drinks are also available. AccessibilityThe caf&eacute; has two steps leading to the ground floor which houses the food and drinks counter, and the toilet. There is a narrow staircase that leads to the upstairs space where we&rsquo;ll be meeting. There will be low level background music. About the SpaceThe Trampoline Caf&eacute; have kindly offered to host us and we are proud to support their organisation. They work to help London&rsquo;s refugee community integrate, train and become independent citizens. Chef Yogi, hailing from Colombo, sees the caf&eacute; as a place to share his creations and good vibes. You can find out more here:<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/trampoline.uk/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/trampoline.uk/?hl=en</a> Tickets are free, but you can make a donation which will go to Trampoline. We anticipate this will be a popular event and tickets are limited, so if you can&rsquo;t make it, please let us know as soon as you can.&nbsp; This event has been organised by Swagatham, if you have any questions please get in touch:&nbsp;welcome2swag@gmail.com@weareswagatham@shumi.counselling

QUEER PONGAL

<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' id="isPasted" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🌾✨&nbsp;Swagatham Queers Presents: The First Ever QueerOnam Celebration!&nbsp;✨🌾<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A Joyful Gathering for South Indian &amp; Sri Lankan QTIBPOC Communities<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Swagatham Queers, with support from The Suryan Collective, &nbsp;warmly invites you to a ground breaking celebration&mdash;QueerOnam! Rooted in South Indian traditions, this joyful gathering reimagines Onam through a queer lens, centering QTIBPOC joy, resilience, and cultural pride.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expect traditional dances, delicious snacks, playful games, and space to connect across our diasporas. Whether you celebrate Onam, Vishu, Pongal, or simply want to be in community&mdash;this is for you.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🌸&nbsp;Who&rsquo;s This For?<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Queer and trans folks of South Indian and Sri Lankan ancestry, their QTIBPOC family, friends and close allies.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">💬&nbsp;Why We&rsquo;re Gathering<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Swagatham Queers is here to create safer, more visible spaces for Queer people with South Indian and Sri Lankan roots. Many of our experiences&mdash;shaped by things like gender, caste, class, and faith&mdash;aren&rsquo;t talked about in our families or cultural spaces. We know everyone&rsquo;s journey is different, and we&rsquo;re here to support each other, share strength, and build community.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;This event is that space for all of us. &nbsp;It&rsquo;s where tradition meets change, and where our joy is loud, proud, and &nbsp;rooted in our histories, identities, and collective power.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🌈&nbsp;What to Expect<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Onam rituals with a queer twist&nbsp;🌈<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Onam snacks , including homemade Payasam. (vegan option available)<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tea/ Coffee and drinks from the lovely bar-staff for those who would like to purchase<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some Games, dancing, music, and storytelling.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A welcoming space to be fully yourself, in a queer friendly cute location in the heart of Hackney Wick, with the cutest staff too :)&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🌸🌸🌸&nbsp;Dress up in whatever brings you festive joy. Traditional wear always welcome :) Bring your friends. Celebrate with us.&nbsp;🌸🌸🌸&nbsp;We can&rsquo;t wait to welcome you.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This event is fully self-funded by the organisers. Sliding scale tickets mean we trust you to choose what&rsquo;s right for you. Every ticket supports the whole.<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow us @the.suryan.collective @weareswagatham for updates.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Contact <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:welcome2swag@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">welcome2swag@gmail.com</a><p fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;' style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.keralatourism.org/onam-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Find out more about Onam and its history.</a>

The Suryan Collective

Past events

Past events

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Becoming Ourselves: Narratives Across Borders (#2)

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Becoming Ourselves: Narratives Across Borders

Queer Cozy Creative (QCC) - Writing The Soundtrack To Your Life

QUEER PONGAL

Queer Onam

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