Maya McCoy Oral History Interview
Maya McCoy (she/her) leads organizing efforts with the Ilankai Tamil Feminist collective known as Maynmai. At the time of this interview, she is also a second year medical student, having made the transition into medicine soon after spending time in Sri Lanka on a fellowship.
Roshni Shah Oral History Interview
Roshni B. Shah is a first generation Gujarati-American who observed the role of silent service & sacrifice in her parents. As a daughter of immigrants, these values instilled a sense of purpose in uplifting the underserved.
Bindiya Shah Oral History Interview
Bindiya Shah, MSN was born in India and immigrated to the United States with her parents as a child. This challenging experience of transitioning to a new culture and home during her most formative years allowed her to gain a sense of compassion for the underdog.
Ramesh Soundarajan Oral History Interview
Born in Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Dr. Ramesh Soundarajan was inspired by his father to practice medicine. After immigrating the United States, he established himself as a practicing nephrologist for over 30 years in the South Suburbs of Chicago.
Roshni Patel Oral History Interview
Roshni Patel is a first generation daughter of Gujarati parents who immigrated initially to Hackensack, NJ and then northern VA in the 70's for an opportunity to give more to the next generation. Observing her grandparents and parents navigate a foreign world instilled a sense of compassion and a desire to work with purpose.
Anish Tailor Oral History Interview
Oral history interview with Anish Tailor on July 17, 2022, conducted by Tej Shah. Anish was born in Dallas, Texas and first came to Chicago in 2018 for school. He talks about growing up as a gay Indian man in Dallas, his coming out journey, and finding a community in Chicago.
Anu Hazra Oral History Interview
Oral history interview with Anu Hazra on August 16, 2022, conducted by Tej Shah. Anu was born in the suburbs of Chicago in 1985, and eventually settled in Chicago for medical school and his career. He discusses finding his identity within his career path as an Infectious Disease Specialist, the publication of his marriage in the New York Times, and the joy of queer South Asian relationships.
Ishita Mehta Oral History Interview
Oral history interview with Ishita Mehta on July 26, 2022, conducted by Tej Shah. Ishita was born in India in 1995, and moved to the United States as an early teenager. She discusses contending with whiteness in queer spaces, her coming out journey in college, and both joys and struggles in her relationship.
Mayur Patel/Masala Sapphire Oral History Interview
Oral history interview with Masala Sapphire on July 25, 2022, conducted by Tej Shah. Born in Iowa, Mayur moved to Chicago in his early youth and has lived there ever since. He has been performing in drag for almost two decades, and has served on the board of Trikone Chicago as well as hosting Jai Ho—Chicago's queer Bollywood dance party.
Noopur Shah Oral History Interview
Oral history interview with Noopur Shah on July 20, 2022, conducted by Tej Shah. Noopur was born in Houston in 1994, and grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He discusses working with queer youth of color as a therapist, and healing through his work with them.