Join us in celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2025 as we lean into this year’s theme ‘Roots to Routes’  with a powerful conversation on telling Queer South Asian stories. From museum archives to theatre stages, art and creativity have long been essential tools for uncovering and amplifying queer narratives that have been buried, forgotten, or ignored. This panel brings together an exciting group of voices: Professor Churnjeet Mahn, co-author of Desi Queers: LGBTQ South Asians and Cultural Belonging in Britain; Vivek Nityananda, writer of the play I Dream of Theresa May; and Natasha Kathi-Chandra, director of the play as well as Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Tara Theatre. Together, they’ll explore the role of storytelling in reclaiming queer South Asian histories and shaping cultural belonging. The discussion will be chaired by Laks Mann, representing South Asian Heritage Trust. This is a unique opportunity to hear about the inspiring work being done to recover, preserve, and celebrate Queer South Asian stories.

• Churnjeet Mahn
  Churnjeet Mahn is a Professor of English at the University of Strathclyde. She researches narratives about travel and displacement through the lens of race and sexuality. In addition to her research, she has worked extensively in the heritage sector including serving on Scottish Government’s project Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums which delivered Scotland’s largest public consultation on race and heritage and recommendations for the sector. 
• Vivek Nityanada
  Vivek Nityananda is a biologist, writer, illustrator, and actor. He comes from Bengaluru, India and works out of Newcastle Upon Tyne. He is an author of short stories and a book about the psychology of overconfidence. In 2001, his short play ‘The Big Welcome’ was produced by Live Theatre, Newcastle. His latest play I Dream of Theresa May was developed with a NOVA seed fund from Tara Theatre, London and an Elevator bursary from Live Theatre. It will be performed at Tara Theatre in November 2025. 
• Natasha Kathi-Chandra
  Natasha Kathi-Chandra (she/her) is an international theatre director and writer based in London, UK and Hyderabad, India. She has worked as a curator, facilitator, casting director and dramaturg. Natasha loves engaging with emerging artists, young people and the community. She has led multiple community projects at Tara Theatre and was instrumental in the organisation’s Theatre of Sanctuary award in 2023. She conceptualised and led the launch of Tara Theatre’s Young Company and has developed and facilitated the Creative Learning Program at Park Theatre (2014-2021). She has co-directed for Kali Theatre and has assistant directing credits from Stratford East, Royal Court and National Theatre.
• Laks Mann 
  Laks Mann MBE is a dynamic Creative Strategist, award-winning DEI expert, and an accomplished public speaker. He is particularly recognised for his ground-breaking contributions to LGBTQ advocacy and community integration. Laks has enjoyed a stellar career across the corporate, charitable, and public sectors. Most notably, Laks became the UK’s first openly gay South Asian and Sikh police officer, breaking barriers and championing inclusivity within law enforcement. Laks is a Winner in the UK’s Top 100 Influential People 2025. He was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to charity, integration, and LGBTQ communities, and was also named LGBT Trailblazer 2024 at the British LGBTQIA Awards. Other accolades include being listed in the Diversity Power List 2022/23 and winning LGBT Positive Role Model 2020 at the National Diversity Awards. He is a Mayor of London appointed EDI Advisor, a Trustee for South Asian Heritage Month and caba, and the Founder of Gaysians UK.