darklovelyandsouthasian:

DALITS ACROSS THE SEAS

The Black Indians

Growing up Dalit in the US, finding your roots, fighting for your identity

by THENMOZHI SOUNDARARAJAN

Despite having two parents who are doctors, I returned to my caste’s profession of singing and telling stories and found dignity in this. When I assumed my performance name, Dalit Diva, it was a declaration of the joy of being part of such an incredible line of creators, survivors and leaders. And there have been repercussions. I have been served by Indian friends in ‘different utensils’, curses and even death threats have been hurled at me. But I have never regretted coming out. I sing the Dalit history of resilience, resistance, revolution.

Please read Thenmozhi Soundararajan’s full article on Outlook India. I would also encourage you to share a comment in support of her fierce truth-telling of her lived experience.

(via fuckyeahsouthasia)