“I wanted to create a space to write deeply and explore what it means to live authentically and speak our truth”
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGES BY RAHUL PURI
Reeta Loi (they/them) is a celebrated activist, creative and performer. Their resume includes founding Gaysians, documenting and campaigning for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India, making a VICE documentary exposing an arranged gay marriage scam, TEDx talks, a number of music releases as well as being a former DIVA columnist. And trust me, this is far from being an exhaustive list.
And now, the trailblazer is back with a brand new show, SOUND, coming to London on 29 November. This time around, comedy is at the centre of Reeta’s storytelling. I got the chance to chat with Reeta ahead of this must-see show to find out more about the art as well as the artist.
How are you feeling in the lead-up to your new show? And how would you pitch it to potential DIVA attendees?
I’m buzzing to be sharing a fun show that celebrates who we are. After a lot of healing and focusing on the more challenging parts of my life, I wanted to create a space to connect with other women, non-binary and trans people and enjoy laughter together. As an activist, talking about what’s joyful has often taken a back seat, so I wanted to put comedy, celebration and fun at the heart of this show. DIVA readers – come and laugh with me and make new friends. I want to build a new community for us around this show. Our stories connect us, and I want to foster connections around this.
When you started writing columns for DIVA, you chose to use your name and face publicly after being anonymous for some time. Can you remember how it felt when your first column under your name was published?
It’s one of the best memories I have. In the show you’ll hear about how I was a shop kid and how seeing the first ever copy of DIVA magazine on the shelf and taking it up to my room as a teenager was life-changing for me. I know a lot of us relate to this first moment with DIVA magazine! To then find myself writing for DIVA and finding a home with the team was wonderful. To have found the courage to share my story as someone who grew up without seeing myself reflected was a moment I’ll always be proud of.
Your last tour, The Remedy, focused on family loss, activism and healing. I know SOUND brings comedy into your narrative. What do you think of the pressures marginalised people face when it comes to the way we express both our trauma and joy?
I think what’s hard is that we are often expected to share our trauma to be understood, supported or heard. For me, this has felt heavy because how can we heal when we are constantly bringing up old wounds? For many of us, talking about our trauma becomes our livelihood and the cost is poor mental and physical health.
Then on the flipside, we are also expected to perform our joy, especially to those outside LGBTQIA+ community and as artists and performers. My show is called SOUND after the Substack I started a year ago which is about “telling our stories and being ok while we do it”. I wanted to create a space to write deeply and explore what it means to live authentically and speak our truth. This show does not shy away from the challenges I’ve faced, but it centres the many parts of my life I want to celebrate and most want to share with my community.
Date: Saturday 29th November | Location: 347 Old St, London EC1V 9LP | Doors open at 7pm, entertainment from 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Tickets: dishoom.com/store/products/gaysians-reeta-loi-nadine-noor
A limited number of half-price community tickets are available.
Dishoom food and drinks will be available and the event includes an in-conversation followed by a DJ set from Pxssy Palace creator Nadine Noor.
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