“Under the Brown Rainbow” is a groundbreaking podcast that brings the diverse and lived experiences of LGBTQI+ South Asians to the forefront. Hosted by Kashif Harrison, a performer, content creator, and former radio host, the podcast takes listeners on a journey through candid and intimate conversations with guests from the community. By highlighting personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, the show offers a unique look at the intersection of queerness and South Asian identity, creating a welcoming space for both LGBTQI+ individuals and allies to engage, learn, and be inspired.
Each episode of “Under the Brown Rainbow” dives deep into topics such as coming out stories, mental health, self-love, cultural taboos, and navigating familial expectations. Through these heartfelt dialogues, Kashif and his guests offer both emotional connection and educational insights, making the podcast a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand the intersectionality of identity. The show’s mission is to normalize conversations around queerness within South Asian culture, while also creating a sense of community and solidarity.
Kashif Harrison, who is a passionate advocate for queer visibility and a proud member of the South Asian LGBTQI+ community, brings warmth, humor, and empathy to every episode. His personal journey as a gay man navigating the challenges of identity and love in the context of South Asian culture has fueled his passion for amplifying queer voices. Harrison’s dedication to the cause is further reflected in his collaboration with Trikone Australia, a Sydney-based social organization for LGBTQIA+ people of South Asian descent. Through this partnership, the podcast aims to break cultural barriers and foster acceptance.
The first season of “Under the Brown Rainbow,” which aired in 2024, covered a wide range of topics and featured a diverse lineup of guests, each sharing unique insights into their queer South Asian identities. Highlights included Reverend Radhika Sukumar-White, who discussed the importance of inclusive faith spaces for queer individuals, and lawyer Sheetal Deo, who spoke about her journey of self-acceptance and helping her family understand her true authentic self. Vignesh Chandrashekaran shared his experience of raising a daughter in a multicultural, same-sex household, while drag duo Dolly Partman and Sheila Dickshit offered a glimpse into Sydney’s thriving brown queer drag community.
In the premiere episode, titled “Building Inclusive Communities,” Zahra, the current Chairperson of Trikone Australia, emphasized the significance of self-acceptance and the journey of self-discovery, a theme that resonates throughout the podcast. For Kashif Harrison, the show is not just about sharing stories; it’s about creating a space where queer South Asians can feel heard and celebrated.
Kashif’s efforts were recognized at Trikone’s year-end gala in December 2024, where he was awarded the Digital Community Builder 2024 award. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his commitment to continuing the podcast’s mission and promised a second season in 2025, further exploring the intersectionality of South Asian and queer identities.
“Under the Brown Rainbow” is now streaming on all major podcast platforms, offering a blend of education, empowerment, and connection. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, the podcast delivers a powerful message: there’s room for every shade under the rainbow.
The link to the podcast website is: https://www.brownrainbow.com.au/
