PoojaI, Author at AIQA

Saleem Kidwai – A Voice of Indian Queer History

January 17, 2022February 25, 2023 PoojaI activism, activist, gay icon, historian, human rights., Indian queer history, lgbtq pride, LGBTQ+ acceptance., LGBTQ+ rights, LGBTQ+ visibility, queer icon, Saleem Kidwai, scholarship, social justice

In this blog, we celebrate the life and legacy of Saleem Kidwai, a pioneering figure in Indian queer history. Discover how Kidwai’s activism and scholarship have helped to shape the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights in India, and how his work continues to inspire and inform activists today.

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Brenda Howard – The Mother of Pride

October 9, 2021February 26, 2023 PoojaI activist, bisexual icon, bisexual pride, lgbtq pride, LGBTQ+ Community, queer icon

Learn about Brenda Howard, the activist and organizer who is often called the Mother of Pride for her instrumental role in the first Pride march in 1970 and her tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her life.

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Josephine Baker – The Siren of the Jazz Age

August 17, 2021February 27, 2023 PoojaI activist, bisexual icon, dancer, entertainer, jazz, josephine baker, lgbtq, lgbtqa, queer icon, singer

Explore the life of Josephine Baker, the iconic African American entertainer of the Jazz Age, known for her sultry performances and activism against racism and discrimination.

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Tamara de Lempicka – The Baroness with a Brush

June 26, 2021February 27, 2023 PoojaI Art Deco, artist, Baroness, Bisexual, bisexual icon, lesbian icon, lgbtq, lgbtqa, modern woman, painter, painting, portrait, Queer, queer icon, tamara de lempicka

Explore the life and art of Tamara de Lempicka, a prominent painter of the Art Deco era, known for her bold portraits and depictions of the modern woman. Learn more about her journey from a wealthy aristocrat to an influential artist.

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Howard Ashman – Disney’s first gay Prince

May 17, 2021February 27, 2023 PoojaI aids, children's media, disney, gay, gay icon, howard ashman, lgbtq, lgbtqa, musician, playwright, Queer, queer icon

Learn about Howard Ashman, the man behind the music of Disney’s classic films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, and how he influenced the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in children’s media with his work. Discover how he became Disney’s first openly gay creative, and how his legacy lives on today.

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Bayard Rustin – An Invisible Hero

March 11, 2021February 27, 2023 PoojaI activism, activist, bayard rustin, civil rights, civil rights movement, Discrimination, gay, LGBTQ+, lgbtqa, March on Washington, Queer, queer community, queer icon, social justice

Learn about the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader who worked behind the scenes in the shadows due to discrimination for being gay. Discover how he played a key role in the organization of the 1963 March on Washington, and his contributions to the fight for justice and equality for all.

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Barbara Gittings – The Mother of LGBTQ Civil Rights

February 13, 2021February 28, 2023 PoojaI activism, barbara gittings, civil rights, civil rights movement, gay, history, homosexuality, icon, lesbian, lgbtq, LGBTQPIA, Queer, queer community, queer icon, stonewall

Learn about the life and legacy of Barbara Gittings, a pioneering activist in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.

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Alok Vaid-Menon – An Unconfined Voice

November 15, 2020March 1, 2023 PoojaI activism, activist, alok vaid menon, Alok Vaid-Menon, artist, gender neutrality, gender non conforming, gnc, non-binary, Performance, Queer, queer icon, Queer Identity, writer, Writing

Alok Vaid-Menon is a non-binary writer, performer, and activist whose work explores gender, race, and queer identity. This blog delves into their life and work, highlighting the impact they have made on the queer community and beyond.

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Gilbert Baker – The Face Behind Pride Flag

July 29, 2020March 1, 2023 PoojaI activism, activist, gay rights activist, gilbert baker, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ history, pride, pride flag, Queer, queer community, queer icon, rainbow flag

Gilbert Baker, a gay rights activist, is known for creating the rainbow flag, which is now recognized as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. Read on to learn more about Baker and his contributions to the queer community.

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Amrita Sher-Gil – India’s “Frida Kalho”

July 8, 2020March 1, 2023 PoojaI amrita sher-gil, art, artist, feminist, Frida Kahlo, India, legacy, painter, Queer, queer artist, queer icon

Amrita Sher-Gil was an Indian painter, often compared to Frida Kahlo for her bold and feminist artwork. Learn about her life, her art, and her legacy as a queer icon in India.