Language is a Queer Thing
Language is a Queer Thing is an international poetry exchange program that brings together diverse and multicultural LGBTQIA+ poets from India and the UK through a nurturing community space, generative writing and performance workshops, 1-1 mentor meetings, in person residences and festival collaborations in different cities.
Language is a Queer Thing is a global spoken word and community programme that harnesses poetry, performance, and language to expand queer imagination, connect cultures, and move people to action.
Launched in 2022 by The Queer Muslim Project and Verve Poetry Festival as part of British Council’s India/UK Together Season of Culture, Language is a Queer Thing has brought together 18 emerging artists from India and the UK, supporting them to develop new work and present at major platforms including BBC Contains Strong Language, alongside broadcasts on BBC Radio. The programme has produced multiple live showcases and ensemble performances, and led to several publications, including the anthology Somewhere There Is a Sky For Us (Verve Poetry Press, 2025). Alongside these outcomes, the programme has grown into a transnational network of artists, mentors, festivals, publishers, and cultural institutions, with an alumni community that continues to collaborate and shape wider queer cultural ecosystems.
WATCH THE FULL PERFORMANCE BY OUR FIRST COHORT AT BBC CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE FESTIVAL
The Queer Writers’ Room
The Queer Writers’ Room is a creative writing and cultural exchange program for young LGBTQIA+ writers from underrepresented communities in South Asia. Supported by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and delivered in partnership with the International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa, the program invests in young LGBTQIA+ writers as catalysts for change.
The program provides emerging writers from South Asia with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to meet and connect in a nurturing environment through a mix of craft workshops, author conversations, generative exercises, and mentoring opportunities. New work produced by the participants is published in the form of an anthology.
The 2024 edition of the program featured a writing retreat in Colombo, Sri Lanka and mentorship by leading American authors - Kazim Ali, Maggie Milner, Christopher Merrill and Darius Stewart.
QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab
The QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab began in 2023 in response to the lack of dedicated industry support, creative guidance and mentorship opportunities for LGBTQIA+ filmmakers in South Asia. It is an effort to build a more inclusive and equitable creative industry by supporting diverse queer talent from underrepresented communities in the Global South.
Supported by Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab is redefining queer storytelling in film and TV. Rooted in community, collaboration, and world-building, it champions intersectional South Asian narratives that centre joy and reflect the depth of queer life – beyond stereotypes. The Lab connects emerging writer-directors with top industry mentors, offering guidance on craft, storytelling, and navigating careers in film to amplify bold new voices globally. Leading industry experts include Vikramaditya Motwane, Alankrita Shrivastava, Neeraj Ghaywan, Nida Manzoor, Shonali Bose, Saim Sadiq, Fawzia Mirza, among others.
Over the past two years, the QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab has brought queer South Asian storytelling to global stages. At the 2025 European Film Market, its TEDDY Talk and presence opened doors to new investment and international networks for Fellows. The 2024 cohort launch - in partnership with the French Institute - featured the premiere of Girls Will Be Girls and a vibrant industry mixer. At BFI FLARE 2024, QueerFrames hosted a landmark Global South queer cinema event, bringing together over 100 filmmakers and industry leaders. Fellows also gained invaluable insights through masterclasses with Hollywood director Michael Lehmann and French producer Claire Chassagne, exploring directing and international co-productions.
Digital Cultures
Our digital culture initiatives incubate and support a new generation of queer and Muslim content creators. We use our platform to spotlight and archive queer and Muslim history, culture and stories pertinent to the community.
In the past, we have partnered with companies such as Meta, Google and MUBI to create unique digital campaigns to increase visibility of diverse LGBTQIA+ voices and to generate awareness about queer arts and culture in South Asia.
