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For this episode our fascinating guest from London, Jo Krishnakumar shares their knowledge and research in regards to LGBTQ+ and sex workers. For those who don’t know what to expect, this may be quite an interesting listen for you.

Jo goes as they/them and is a trans Agender person. Jo reminds us that our identities are expansive and we should never feel pressured as with more information, the language we use to describe our existence changes alongside it. The conversation turns towards Pronouns, an affirming action that the LGBTQ+ movement has highlighted in recent years. It is okay being confused, but Jo reassures us to “be open to the world and the world will be open to you”.
The discussion leads to cultures, and Jo explains the “bubble” growing up with the lack of access to information that on one hand, restricted the means to express their struggles and on the other, those around them exhibited discrimination towards LGBTQ+ persons.
We move on to Jo’s coming out story as both gay and trans, where their parent were open to learn more about their identity. The message to parents is to “Trust your kids!” as you listen and ask questions instead. Lastly, Jo shares their journey from their love and curiosity behind people’s stories, which furthered their passion in researching and discovering the aspects of sociality that bridged the sex work movement that was adjacent to their queer activism. This then opened to Jo’s personal projects, “Almaarii” which translates to “steel cupboard” that reimagines the concept of the “closet” for queer people as an extensive expression outside of the English language. We discover why Jo, who teaches, has immense respect for teachers who have played a vital role in their lives and expresses the euphoria of knowing oneself, in a world that does not afford you the words.
To be continued next week!

JO KRISHNAKUMAR is a PhD Candidate of Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS, University of London. Their research is a patchwork-like and participatory ethnographic project on the intersections of documentary film, leadership, networks and the sex workers', queer and trans rights movement in South India. They are currently working as the Communications Coordinator at the National Network of Sex Workers, and on two personal projects, Almaarii and Transform with collaborators. Their interests lie in curation, activism in academia, research, advocacy, intersectionality and fighting oppressive systems together.

Jo's Official Website ~ www.waytojo.com

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