Vivek Shraya Canadian musician, writer and artist Date of Birth: 15.02.1981 Country: Canada

1. An Interdisciplinary Artist: Vivek Shraya
2. Literary Endeavors
3. Publishing Initiative
4. Multidisciplinary Expression
5. Personal Journey
6. Recognition and Honors

An Interdisciplinary Artist: Vivek Shraya

Vivek Shraya began songwriting at the tender age of 13, releasing her debut album, "THROAT," in 2002. Since then, she has produced a remarkable twelve solo albums spanning various genres, including "If We're Not Talking" (2007), "Keys & Machines" (2009), and "1:1" (2011).

In 2015, Shraya co-founded the group Too Attached with her brother, Shamik Bilgi, releasing two albums, "Bronze" (2015) and "Angry" (2018). Her prolific musical career has seen her tour extensively across North America, both as a solo artist and with Too Attached, sharing the stage with renowned acts such as Tegan and Sara, Dragonette, and Melanie C.

Shraya's 2017 album, "Part-Time Woman," created in collaboration with the Queer Songbook Orchestra, was hailed by CBC Arts as one of the top 17 Canadian albums of the year and longlisted for the 2018 Polaris Music Prize.

Literary Endeavors

Shraya's literary journey began in 2010 with the publication of "God Loves Hair," an illustrated collection of 21 interconnected stories exploring the experiences of a brown, genderqueer child growing up in an immigrant family in Alberta. It earned a nomination for the 2011 Lambda Literary Award in the Children's/Young Adult category.

Her second book, "She of the Mountains," a lyrical novel intertwining two love stories, was recognized as one of The Globe and Mail's Top 100 Books of 2014 and was shortlisted for the 2015 Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Fiction. Shraya was honored with a Dayne Ogilvie Award for Excellence in Emerging LGBTQ2S+ Writers in 2015.

Shraya's debut poetry collection, "even this page is white," delved into the pervasive effects of everyday racism and colonialism in Canada. It received the 2017 Publishing Triangle Award and was longlisted for CBC's Canada Reads.

Her children's picture book, "The Boy & the Bindi," celebrated a boy's fascination with the dot on his mother's forehead.

In 2018, Shraya released her first non-fiction book, "I'm Afraid of Men," which explored complex issues surrounding personal trauma, sexual violence, and the #MeToo movement.

Publishing Initiative

In 2017, Shraya collaborated with Arsenal Pulp Press to establish VS. Books, an imprint dedicated to supporting emerging BIPOC writers. Through VS. Books, Shraya provides mentorship throughout the writing and editing process, publishing a new title from an underrepresented writer each year.

Multidisciplinary Expression

Shraya has created five short films screened at festivals both in Canada and internationally. In 2016, she unveiled her photographic series, "Trisha," in which archival images of her mother are juxtaposed with contemporary recreations featuring Shraya herself. This project has been exhibited in galleries across North America, garnering critical acclaim.

Personal Journey

Vivek Shraya publicly came out as transgender on February 15, 2016, announcing her preferred pronouns as she/her. She also identifies as bisexual.

Recognition and Honors

Shraya has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work, including being named a Future Great Canadian Director by CBC Arts. She serves on the advisory board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation, which advocates for health, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ representation.