Fariha is a Muslim queer Bangladeshi who is interested in the margins, liminality, otherness, and the mercurial nature of being. Their work has pioneered a refreshing and renewed conversation about wellness, contemporary Islam, degrowth and queer identities.

Fariha’s published works include books of poetry, a journal called Being In Your Body, and a novel named Like A Bird which was named one of the Best Books of 2020 by NPR, Globe and Mail, Harper’s Bazaar, among many other accolades. Their first work of non-fiction Who Is Wellness For? was released in 2022 and they’re currently working on multiple books.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode comes with **content warnings** as we talk about sexual abuse, parental abuse, suicide, and related topics. Both Fariha and I share experiences of our childhoods which have compelled and inspired us to write. It is a deeply personal and emotional conversation which ultimately lands on hope, healing, and love.

Fariha website

Leah website