Convocation
GSWS alumnus Sharvesh L advances anti-racism through storytelling
Sharvesh L (MA, 2023), a queer, anti-racist activist from Singapore, is bringing awareness to the relationship between inclusion and mental health.
Coming to 尤物视频 (SFU) with the goal of furthering their education, L chose to pursue their master of arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies (GSWS) to gain insight into the complex social issues impacting LGBTQ2+ youth and minority groups in their community.
鈥淚 have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in guidance and counselling, and I want to work with youth facing some of the challenges I also faced growing up,鈥� says L. 鈥淕SWS provided me with an education that was not available to me in Singapore. Coming to SFU gave me a place to discuss social justice, so I can understand how I can help.鈥�
With a background in the performing arts, L sees storytelling as a powerful medium to transform the public鈥檚 perceptions and attitudes about groups in society that have been marginalized or misunderstood. 鈥淚 attended a performing arts secondary school, and for a decade of my life, that was my focus,鈥� says L. 鈥淢y activism draws on the public speaking skills I developed as a performer. Storytelling allows me to communicate and reach people in a different way.鈥�
During the pandemic, L drew upon their gifts as a storyteller to create , a platform using social media to advance anti-racism in Singapore by sharing experiences submitted by locals.
Along with encouraging empathy and allyship, Minority Voices also educates the public about the impact of discrimination on our psychological wellbeing. 鈥淭he context in Singapore is unique,鈥� says L. 鈥淭here is stigma around talking about mental health and seeking help 鈥� it is important for people to know they鈥檙e not alone and that support is available.鈥�
As part of their coursework towards their master鈥檚 degree, L collaborated with the to lead anti-racism workshops.
鈥淚t was exciting to work with AWARE, an organization dedicated to women鈥檚 rights in Singapore,鈥� says L. 鈥淭he workshops I developed were part of AWARE鈥檚 鈥楪rowing Up Indian鈥� initiative. As a course intensive master鈥檚 student, I created an activist statement and call to action about anti-racism in Singapore, based on my work with AWARE.鈥�
My activism draws on the public speaking skills I developed as a performer. Storytelling allows me to communicate and reach people in a different way.
Sharvesh L
Becoming involved in the campus community also provided L with opportunities to contribute their skills and knowledge to advance social causes. 鈥淚 really enjoyed being involved in the ," says L. 鈥淚 used storytelling and social media to mobilize knowledge. I interviewed activists and researchers who are doing amazing work related to anti-racism, mindfulness and other topics that speak to me.鈥�
As a teaching assistant, L was also able to meet people on campus and gain exposure to new ideas. 鈥淢y undergraduate degree was very specific, so as a teaching assistant, I had the chance to learn about a wider range of subjects while teaching,鈥� says L. 鈥淚 had the opportunity work with GSWS, as well as other departments and programs at SFU 鈥� like Global Asia and 鈥� that are relevant to my interests.鈥�
After graduation, L plans to use their skills as a facilitator to continue their work furthering equity, diversity, and inclusion. 鈥淚 am interested in working as a consultant with corporations and Non-Governmental Organizations in Singapore,鈥� says L. 鈥淚 plan to apply to a master鈥檚 program in counselling. I want to use my knowledge from GSWS to work with LGBTQ2+ youth and minorities in my own community.鈥�
Learn more about the SFU Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies master of arts program.