Talking Taboo

Zachary Drucker is a producer, writer, photographer, LGBT activist and actor from Los Angeles, California. She was nominated to the Emmys for her direction of the docu-series 'This is Me' (Amazon Prime Video).   In this episode, we talk to the phenomenal Zachary Drucker, about her journey of lending the trans gaze to mainstream art and film-making. We talk about what it means to be a transwoman, and most importantly, what it means to be able to create characters that she didn't see while growing up! We also talk about Transparent, one of the first ever hit shows on Amazon Prime, and what went into its making.

tw: abuse Harish Iyer is an equal-rights activist and an advocate of the LGBT rights in India. In this episode, we talk about his story of being sexually abused as a young boy from a male relative. He walks us through his childhood, a journey through which it is easily understood that parents need to believe their children more.    Join us as we demystify male child sexual abuse through Harish's lived experiences.

Chris Tompkins is the author of the book 'Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parents Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground'- one of the few parenting guides which have been written from a queer lens.    In this episode, we talk to Chris about what it means for someone to be an 'ally' and how you can become one! We discuss his journey about coming out to his family and navigating his sexuality in a heteronormative space. We also discuss why cis-gender, heterosexual people should be talking about LGBTQ issues and why keeping silent about the issue often reinstates the traditional ideas of 'right' and 'wrong'.  Join us with an open mind, and trust the magic your acceptance can bring about!

In this super fun episode, a very chirpy Anwesh talks to us openly about the struggles of growing up as a gay man in India. Oh, and did we tell you that he also went up to become Mr. Gay World India in 2016!!? Catch him talking about this journey and much more!!  Tw: Bullying, abuse.

In 2009, Ms. Cindy Gallop launched her sextech initiative, MakeLoveNotPorn, in one of the most talked about TED event. The goal of MakeLoveNotPorn is to provide a platform for people to post real-world sex videos. In this episode, Cindy speaks with us about her sextech initiative- a user generated video sharing platform that aims to make real world sex and the discussion around it socially acceptable. We talk with her on this initiative and also talk about why we haven't been able to normalize sex for so long! Logo by ArtWart, music by BlueDot sessions.

Mr. Harish Sadani is the co-founder of an organisation called Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA). He actively engages in teaching youth the importance of gender and participates in targeted interventions and training programs that help young men and boys unlearn the traditional gender notions. In this episode, we talk to him about the importance of men in the feminist movement. We also have a conversation about what it means to be a "man" in today's world and how these notions urgently require a change. We talk about toxic masculinity and how it can be harmful for not only women, but also men. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Logo by Art Wart.

Pamela Joy, M.A. left her high-tech career at Apple and Facebook to found 'Down To There' to help the world talk more openly about sex and intimacy. Through her writing, coaching, and speaking, she works collaboratively and experimentally with clients to increase their capacity for emotional and physical intimacy. In this episode, we talk to her about her personal journey of starting "Down to there" and making a career shift from tech to sex therapy. We discuss why people don't talk about female sexual desires and the ways in which we can change the status quo. We talk about how women can explore their own bodies and lead more fulfilling lives. Pam also tells us about the role of a sex counselor and the ways in which they help their clients. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Ms. Ira Singhal is an Indian Administrative Services officer, and the first person with disability to top the Indian civil services exam. In this episode, we talk to her about her condition, scoliosis, which leads to curvature of the spine. We talk about how she perceives her disability and how the condition changes her experience as an Indian bureaucrat. We also discuss what it means for institutional systems to be accommodative and how we can create inclusive environments for the persons with disability around us. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Dr. Anjali Chhabria is a leading psychiatrist and psychotherapist based in Mumbai, India, and has authored the book "Death is Not The Answer: Understanding Suicide and the Ways to Prevent It". In this episode, we talk to her about the stigmas associated with mental health and suicide in our society. We address the problems faced by youth, and seek answers to questions such as how to help loved ones who are dealing with anxiety and depression. Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

29-year old Ayushmaan is a lawyer during the day and clothes into his drag queen avatar by night. In this episode, we talk to him about his drag journey! We have a candid conversation on the struggles faced by queer community, and also discuss the future of Indian drag. Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

In this mini-episode, explore our motivations behind launching this podcast. Let's get started!