Vivek Shraya, Canadian singer and songwriter

Who is Vivek Shraya? A Multifaceted Canadian Artist and Advocate

Vivek Shraya, born on February 15, 1981, is a profoundly influential Canadian artist celebrated for her expansive contributions across music, writing, and visual arts. Her unique voice and diverse talents have established her as a significant cultural figure in Canada and beyond. Currently, Shraya resides in Calgary, Alberta, where she actively contributes to the next generation of storytellers as an assistant professor in the prestigious creative writing program at the University of Calgary. In this academic role, she guides students in developing their unique artistic voices, fostering an environment of critical thinking and creative exploration.

Identity as a Catalyst for Art

At the core of Shraya's prolific output is her identity as a trans woman of colour, a lived experience she powerfully and authentically weaves into all facets of her artistic expression. This deliberate integration of personal narrative transcends conventional boundaries, enriching her music, evocative writing, compelling visual art, innovative theatrical productions, and thought-provoking films. Through her work, she offers poignant reflections on gender, race, sexuality, and the human condition, inviting audiences to engage with diverse perspectives and fostering empathy.

Recognized Excellence and Artistic Acclaim

Shraya's distinctive artistic vision has garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades. She has been honored as a seven-time finalist for the prestigious Lambda Literary Awards, an annual award celebrating excellence in LGBTQ literature. This consistent recognition highlights her profound impact on queer literary discourse and her ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and broader audiences. Furthermore, CBC Arts has lauded her as a "Great Canadian Filmmaker of the Future," a testament to her innovative approach to visual storytelling and her potential to shape the future of Canadian cinema.

VS. Books: Nurturing Diverse Literary Voices

Beyond her individual artistic pursuits, Vivek Shraya is a passionate advocate for literary equity. She founded VS. Books, an award-winning publishing imprint dedicated to creating vital creative writing and publishing opportunities for a specifically underserved demographic: emerging Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) writers over the age of 50. VS. Books is more than just a publisher; it functions as a unique "mentorship and publishing opportunity," providing essential guidance, support, and a platform for these experienced but often overlooked voices to share their stories with the world. This initiative addresses critical gaps in the publishing industry, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that diverse life experiences are represented in contemporary literature.

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights with the Tegan and Sara Foundation

Shraya's commitment to social justice extends to her role as a director on the board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation. This influential organization, founded by the acclaimed Canadian musical duo Tegan and Sara Quin, is dedicated to fighting for health equity, economic justice, and authentic representation for LGBTQ women. Through her involvement, Shraya actively contributes to initiatives that aim to improve the lives and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for systemic change and fostering a more inclusive society.

Currently: Adapting "How to Fail as a Popstar" for Television

Currently, Vivek Shraya is channeling her creative energy into a significant new project: the television adaptation of her highly acclaimed debut play, "How to Fail as a Popstar." This deeply personal and often humorous play explores themes of artistic ambition, identity, and the elusive nature of success in the music industry, drawing from Shraya's own experiences. With the crucial support of CBC, Canada's national public broadcaster, this adaptation promises to bring Shraya's unique narrative and theatrical brilliance to an even wider audience, further cementing her status as a versatile and compelling storyteller across multiple platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vivek Shraya

When was Vivek Shraya born?
Vivek Shraya was born on February 15, 1981.
Where does Vivek Shraya currently work?
She is an assistant professor in the creative writing program at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta.
What is the significance of Vivek Shraya's identity in her art?
As a trans woman of colour, Shraya consistently incorporates her lived experiences and identity into her music, writing, visual art, theatrical work, and films, using her art to explore themes of gender, race, and sexuality, and to foster diverse perspectives.
What is VS. Books?
VS. Books is an award-winning publishing imprint founded by Vivek Shraya. It offers mentorship and publishing opportunities specifically for emerging Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) writers over the age of 50, aiming to amplify underrepresented voices.
What is Vivek Shraya's role with the Tegan and Sara Foundation?
She serves as a director on the board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for health, economic justice, and representation for LGBTQ women.
What is Vivek Shraya's current major project?
She is currently focusing on adapting her debut play, "How to Fail as a Popstar," for television, with the support of CBC.