Alok Vaid-Menon is a performance artist, writer and media personality who has become an inspirational figure within the LGBTQ+ community. They are non gender conforming and has utilised their platform in creating art that responds to violence trans and gender non-conforming people. A highly educated artist Alok graduated from Stanform University with a BA in Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Distinguishing themselves as a writer, Alok released a book of poetry titled ‘ FEMME IN PUBLIC’, a work that focused on the hardships of transfemenine people. Alok is an established writer having published pieces with Rutgers University Press and even authoring the inspirational Beyond the Gender Binary (2020) published by Penguin. Alok’s writing has already garnered huge acclaim and they are hugely sought after public speaker after distinguishing themselves after speaking at a host of events ranging from the Oxford University Global Scholars Symposium (2016) and even the Tribeca Film Festival (2019).
For someone so young, Alok has already achieved so much, taking part in Netflix’s ‘What I wish You Knew: Mental Health Roundtable’, and even appearing in HBO’s ‘The Trans List’. These aforementioned TV appearances have come alongside acclaimed live performances throughout the world and appearances on hugely popular podcasts. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Alok’s already hugely successful career is the dedication they have shown in their work to helping change the lives of people who are suffering social inequalities. Look out for Alok who remains a hugely influential figure in the effort to combat repressive attitudes.