Picture a Canadian artist who weaves stories, songs, and visuals into a vibrant tapestry of identity and culture—meet Vivek Shraya! A trans South Asian creator, Shraya’s work spans literature, music, film, and visual arts, fearlessly exploring gender, sexuality, and cultural mythologies. With a playful yet poignant style, she’s become a trailblazer, earning accolades and sparking conversations worldwide.
The Making of Vivek Shraya
Born on February 15, 1981, in Edmonton, Alberta, Vivek Shraya grew up in a South Asian immigrant family, navigating the complexities of identity from a young age. As a brown, genderqueer child, she found solace in creativity, writing songs at 13 and later releasing her first album, THROAT, in 2002. Her early experiences with racism and gender expectations shaped her bold, boundary-pushing artistry, leading her to explore music, writing, and visual arts as interconnected mediums.
Vivek Shraya’s Unforgettable Works
Shraya’s literary catalog is a treasure trove of diverse genres. Her 2010 debut, God Loves Hair, is an illustrated collection of short stories about a genderqueer child, earning a Lambda Literary Award nomination for its tender exploration of identity. I’m Afraid of Men (2018), a non-fiction powerhouse, was dubbed “cultural rocket fuel” by Vanity Fair for its raw take on masculinity and fear. In The Subtweet (2020), Shraya crafts a novel about two musicians’ friendship unraveling online, critiquing social media’s impact on art and equity. Her children’s book, The Boy & The Bindi (2016), celebrates cultural heritage and gender fluidity, charming readers with its vibrant storytelling.
Music is equally central to Shraya’s oeuvre. With a dozen solo albums and collaborations like Part-Time Woman (2017) with the Queer Songbook Orchestra, she’s earned Polaris Music Prize nominations. Her 2023 CBC Gem series, How to Fail as a Popstar, adapted from her book and play, blends humor and heart, chronicling her journey to “almost” pop stardom. Shraya’s visual art, including the photo series Trauma Clown, and her fashion collaborations with Mic. Carter, further showcase her kaleidoscopic creativity.
Why Vivek Shraya Matters
Vivek Shraya’s impact transcends genres, reshaping how we view identity and artistry. Through her publishing imprint, VS. Books, she mentors emerging BIPOC writers, amplifying marginalized voices. As a director for the Tegan and Sara Foundation, she advocates for LGBTQ+ women’s rights. Her candid exploration of trans and bisexual identity, paired with her South Asian heritage, offers vital representation, inspiring readers and artists to embrace authenticity. Shraya’s work challenges societal norms, making her a beacon for inclusivity and creative freedom.
- Born: February 15, 1981, Edmonton, Alberta
- Key Works: I’m Afraid of Men, The Subtweet, How to Fail as a Popstar, God Loves Hair
- Awards: Three-time Canadian Screen Award winner, seven-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, Polaris Music Prize nominee
- Fun Fact: Shraya is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Calgary.
About Vivek Shraya
Ready to dive into Vivek Shraya’s vibrant world? Snag I’m Afraid of Men or stream How to Fail as a Popstar for a dose of her bold, heartfelt storytelling!