Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Iman Rahman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Iman thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on so far has been my submission to a Queer Desi Zine. South Asian Queer Experiences: To Love Is To Hope. Being a queer Bangladeshi muslim it was healing to write a letter to my community. We get so much hate from our own Desi and Muslim community. The homophobia and islamophobia is expected. It’s part of the experience of being a queer muslim. It was incredible to work with my friend within a team of queer desi’s to share art to and from our community. Something I never imagined to be possible. As a child I always felt different but didn’t understand why. As I grow up I’m learning its because I am Disabled, Chronically ill, queer, neurodivergent, and so much more. This letter was for my younger self. Written to others who feel alone in the queer muslim community. Sharing the message: you belong here. Creating art and including Arabic in the text felt wonderful. I never thought I’d feel like my perspective was worthy. Having a queer muslim artist who created the layout made me feel at home in the zine. I loved getting to meet other Queer desi’s. When there was a launch party in London for the zine my friend introduced my piece and they played a recording I sent in of me reading my piece aloud. I received a video recording of that moment and got to see and connect with people who heard my words and message from across the world.

Iman, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Iman (she/they) is a 23-year old chronically ill creative living in California, US. Iman lives with many chronic conditions including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, chronic migraine, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Art therapy brings comfort and joy through their pain. Iman is a Disabled dancer and writer. A softheartist if you will. Being a deep feeler, their creations delve into topics of belonging, feeling at home in the body, and her journey through healing. The arts have always been her outlet to release and express her emotions. Disability has only deepened and enriched that experience. Being of south Asian descent they love to connect with people from other cultures that are often forgotten in conversations including with disability. She is the founder of the Disabled BIPOC community on social media. It will be relaunching with a new team soon under the name InterDisabled! Passionate about making connections through our differences.They have been a bookworm since the beginning! Reading has always been her first love. They enjoy making collages with magazines. Online editing has made this more accessible. Words, art, and fashion, are her favorite things. Iman enjoys creating looks with bold makeup and clothes. Getting ready with no place to go is one of her favorite pastimes. Just the sick life!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the process. Learning through art therapy how to let go of perfectionism and just dive in. Disability taught me how to adapt. To live and breathe art when I’m too fatigued to create my own. To live in the moment. Enjoy the time I’m able to create whether it’s brainstorming or making the product. I am happy if it helps others feel less alone and helps them with their personal journeys whatever that may be. I love sharing what I create. It’s always incredible to see other points of view. Knowing others connect with my art more than I realized before. The deep connection they have to what I share from the heart.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I was a child I was under the impression that I was not good enough to consider myself creative. I have always been an artist but I only recently recognized myself as one. When I got sick I was told I may not be able to dance again. I was scared to ask and was devastated to hear that answer. But I found a community of Disabled, Chronically ill, Creative, Artists. Disabled models showing me I didn’t have to be non Disabled to be fashionAble. Posing with mobility aids that were cool, funky, and bold. Makeup artists that showed me how to embrace my skin with eczema instead of despite. Disabled dancers performing and freestyling. Helping me find my passion again deeper than ever before. Laying in bed listening to music. Floorwork sometimes is the only way I can practice. Art helps me express what I feel deep inside. What may not show on the outside. I always thought I did not have the skills to write well. But Disabled writers and poets helped me find my way. It’s been an incredible journey so far. My art evolves with me. I wish I had known of this community and had people to share with before. It has changed my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ALilBitOFaith  & @InterDisabled
• Facebook Page: @AlilBitOFaith & @InterDisabled 
• Twitter: @AlilBitOFaith & @InterDisabled
• Youtube: ALilBitOFaith &  InterDisabled
• Other: TikTok: @ALilBitOFaith & @InterDisabled
  Email: [email protected] & In[email protected]

Image Credits
Damien Maloney