Fotocredit: Frances Carter

ALOK Vaid-Menon (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed writer, performer and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist, their work explores themes of trauma, belonging and the human condition. They authored Femme in Public (2017), Beyond the Gender Binary (2020), and Your Wound/My Garden (2021). They created #DeGenderFashion, a movement to degender the fashion and beauty industries, and have been honored as one of HuffPost’s Culture Shifters, NBC’s Pride 50 and Business Insider’s Doers. They are known for a distinctive performance style that blends poetry, comedy and lecture to explore trauma, belonging and the human condition.“Some of my favorite comedians are Black, Indigenous, people of color and trans people because we know that humor is not about levity. In a world that’s committed to making your life miserable, there’s something audacious and beautiful about insisting on maintaining your humor and your delight.” ALOKAlok is ‘Fighting for Trans Ordinariness.’ Much of the mainstream political discussion about transgender and gender-nonconforming identity is rooted in conflict—rights denied; rights demanded. Alok acknowledges those fundamental, often violent clashes but approaches them from a place of peace and compassion.This November, ALOK brings this unique blend of comedy, performance, and critical reflection back to the stage again. With sharp wit and personal stories, Alok ensures the audience is not only laughing but also reflecting and feeling inspired.