Forced to marry at a young age, assaulted at the hands of her husband, and left to “accept it” by her family, this is the real story of Davinder Kaur. For many, the concept of forced marriage might seem like a relic of the past. However, Davinder’s harrowing story reminds us that this practice still persists Born in the heart […]
Amit Ghose, who was born with neurofibromatosis type one, bravely shares his personal account, shedding light on his experiences and the challenges he has faced throughout his life. Visual disfigurement is a challenging reality faced by individuals around the world. In South Asian communities, this topic remains largely taboo, leading to stigmatisation and discrimination against those with certain conditions. Despite […]
Gambling addiction is a prevalent problem around the world, and the UK is no exception. According to Providence Projects and a 2020 YouGov survey, there are over 430,000 problem gamblers in the UK with 13% of the population “experiencing some level of gambling harm”. However, this issue is more complex in British Asian communities. Whilst gambling and being in some […]
Alcohol abuse organisations have had an influx of British Asians through their doors. Whilst some people are seeking help, this addiction is still shunned in Desi communities. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects many individuals across different cultures and ethnicities. However, British Asians face unique challenges when it comes to seeking help for alcohol addiction. Cultural stigmas, language […]
The story of British Asians struggling with alcohol addiction is unfortunately on the rise. As is the case with 21-year-old Jasmine Thakur*, a student at the University of Birmingham. The taboo surrounding alcohol addiction in South Asian families often results in individuals struggling to seek help and support. The cultural stigma of shame and dishonour surrounding addiction, along with the […]
At some point in a young Desi person’s life, gender roles have been attached to different items and activities around them. These ideas have been ingrained throughout the very fabric of society, family, and tradition, where they are strengthened and normalised. When one leaves the secure confines of the systems that uphold such preconceptions, the constructions of these gender binaries […]
Although there is a wider acceptance of the LGBTQ community in the British Asian diaspora, individuals still find it difficult to come out as gay. Some aunties, uncles and Desi parents still believe that the sexual spectrum is confined to a man and a woman. Additionally, there is a longstanding viewpoint in some households that being gay is a bad […]
There is a level of acceptance that different issues happen within a Desi household, but is it possible to spot domestic abuse? Many people within abusive relationships cannot escape. Even if they try to talk or seek help, it’s extremely hard for them to fully get the support they need. That’s why it’s vital for those on the outside – […]
Whether it’s marijuana, cocaine, MDMA or laughing gas, any drug is prohibited in South Asian and British Asian communities. Whilst substances like marijuana are in some ways ‘accepted’, cocaine is outlawed. But, that does not stop some Desi’s from trying it. The only issue, with any narcotic, is addiction and especially cocaine which can bring massive side effects. Rifat Mahmood*, […]
Although much progress has been made in regard to gay and lesbian individuals in South Asian communities, coming out as transgender has been less accepted. The wider spectrum of LBGTQ+ is still foreign to many families. Some still see the traditional parameters of gender, relationships and marriage surrounding just a man and woman. However, times are changing, and have been […]
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