Meet Sayf Taj, who graduated from Manchester School of Art in 2019 with a BA in fashion art direction. Sayf was a runner up for the Fashion Publication Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2019 for his work celebrating the Queer South Asian community he is a member of. Meeting members of the community around the UK inspired Sayf’s final year project “Discreet” as he creative directed, styled and even photographed his subjects.
“As a confident South Asian man that’s Queer, my aim is to inspire other people who are struggling to find themselves, to be proud of who they are, to know that they are worthy and to know that there are confident people that exist just like them,” says Sayf. Read more about his work below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
The most valuable thing that I have learnt from my university experience is “self-confidence”. I come from a small town in Lancashire, a county in the North West of England. Growing up, I always knew that I needed to leave to find my true self. I felt very restricted and uninspired living back in my hometown. The university experience consisted of me living in Manchester, surrounding myself with other likeminded creatives that helped liberate and empower my identity. My tutors and fellow creatives pushed me to explore my creativity to its greatest extent. University gave me the freedom to think for myself and boosted my independence. As a creative, it is easy to get lost within your own imagination. This can result into feeling insecure about your own creative practice. I’ve accepted that it’s fine to have these days of doubt. From this, I have learnt that having a strong support network from people around you is vital.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
In my final year of university (2018 - 2019), I worked on a project called ‘Discreet’. This is an ongoing project that explores the representation of South Asian people with a Queer identity. I have noticed a lack of representation of South Asian people within the media today. In terms of Queer South Asians, this is even more elusive. Being ‘Queer’ and anything that relates to ‘Queerness’ is a taboo within traditional South Asian cultures. I feel that the taboo prevents visible and positive representation, with Queer South Asians living in fear of being exposed and ousted from their family members and their community. I am dissatisfied with this lack of representation. I am not happy with how people within my community feel unsafe.
In one interview that I did with one of the people in this project, the following statement was expressed: “I cannot express how difficult it is to not be myself around my own family members, growing up with them telling me: “It’s not right to be gay!” was a really damaging experience. I had to ‘act straight’ just to make sure the South Asian community around us didn’t question me or my family, basically ensuring protection upon us from them”. My heart breaks for the people who live in fear just because of their identity. On dating apps, specifically Grindr, some will use ‘Discreet Asian’ for their names and no photo to protect their identity. I wanted to use the title ‘Discreet’ in an ironic way and showcase to the world that there are Queer South Asians that aren’t discreet. Instead, they’re proud of their identity.
What form does your work take?
I was the Runner Up for the Fashion Publication Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2019! My final outcome was a publication that I had put together. My specialisms in my practice are Creative Direction & Styling. I source everything in my photoshoots. This includes: The Makeup Artist, The Photographer, The Model, The Garments, The Props and The Location. Even though Photography isn’t my specialism (I usually collaborate with a photographer), I had to photograph some of my own photoshoots. I really enjoyed this. Alongside each photoshoot, I interviewed each person about their experiences being South Asian and Queer. This was all collated together in collaboration with a graphic designer. I am a fan of vibrant colours and prints, which is reflected in my own personal style. I wanted to bring this into this work. This was then printed into an 84 page magazine. Alongside this physical magazine, I started an online platform on Instagram to showcase this work.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying / working?
At the start of my project, I was aware of how niche it was going to be to explore the representation of South Asian Queer people. I did find the project challenging at times when it came to searching for people that were comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I knew that I had to explore outside of Manchester to enhance my project. In April 2019, I travelled to London. This experience revolutionised my whole project. I met a great community of South Asian Queer people. From speaking to the community, they expressed how wonderful my concept is and the importance of it. In London there is a big scene of BAME people that have a Queer identity. There are many music event nights that are catered for people like me, and for those that also share a similar identity to me. I went to two of these events back in April 2019. The first event I went to was called Pxssy Palace, at The Garage in London.
Pxssy Palace is a ‘Queer collective/club night that centres Queer womxn, Trans, Non-binary & Intersex People of Colour’. The purpose of this club night is to create a safe space for non-conforming people to be themselves without harassment. The second event that I went to in London was called ‘Hungama’, which is a Queer Bollywood night. Hungama in particular was a liberating moment for me. I remember the whole night like it was yesterday. It was the first time I had ever stepped foot into a space that celebrates South Asian people with a Queer identity. This event was everything what my project is about. Whilst I was in London, I was invited over to Southall. It is known for having one of the largest South Asian populations in London. The person that I was photographing, had taken me around and discussed why they felt comfortable in this area. Wandering around I saw people happily expressing their cultural and religious identities. This ranged from colourful saris, Muslims in hijabs and Sikhs in turbans, it was truly beautiful to see the South Asian diversity within Southall. It was clear that this area is a safe space for South Asians to embrace their culture.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
Diversity within minority groups and representation of South Asian people with a Queer identity. I am confident within my identity and have had a supportive upbringing. The project has enabled me to use my privilege of having a confident and powerful voice, to celebrate this demographic of people that share the same identity as me. As a confident South Asian man that’s Queer, my aim is to inspire other people who are struggling to find themselves, to be proud of who they are, to know that they are worthy and to know that there are confident people that exist just like them.
Despite all of the hatred that continues to poison our world, it is important to remain optimistic and to fight for change. After all, we are only on this planet for a short amount of time. We must unite as one and show the world that we exist and that our identities are valid. It would be naive to think that change is suddenly going to happen overnight, however it is important that progressive change begins somewhere. I despise the whole “Well, that’s just the way things are” attitude. We will never progress if we are dismissive with this lousy attitude.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
Representation of Queer BAME creatives, especially South Asian people. I want to inspire other BAME Queer creatives with my work. I received amazing feedback such as: “Your work breaks unspoken boundaries”, “Well done for shouting out your community in a way that nobody else could”, and “It’s all the inspiration that I craved for as a kid/teenager and now so many radical South Asian folk are out here!”. Knowing that people are appreciating my work and the concept is a magnificent feeling. The fashion industry must reflect all aspects of society.
What is your plan for the future?
It is important to have an optimistic outlook for the future. Even though having an identity like mine comes with its challenges, it is vital to have a vision for progressive change. I aim to grow my “Discreet” platform more by generating discussions, providing support and help and continuing to build an online safe space for people to follow. I want to promote it more to LGBTQ+ charities and events, to spread awareness and for collaboration opportunities. I want to make a difference and help people that are struggling within themselves. I have that privilege of having a confident voice that has raised awareness to this issue already within this publication. It is time to progress this further.