Tell me how to be, by Neel Patel

Brown Girls Read

WE'RE BACK!! And we got an incredible book discussion for you on "Tell me how to be" by Neel Patel.

Tell me how to be is a story about Akash, an Indian American who lives in LA. He feels an immense shame and guilt about being gay. When his mother tells him she is selling the family home, Akash must return to Illinois to confront his demons and the painful memory of a sexual awakening that became a nightmare. Akash's mum, Renu, is also plagued by guilt. She had it all: doting husband, beautiful house, healthy sons. But as the one-year anniversary of her husband's death approaches Renu can't stop wondering if she chose the wrong life thirty-five years ago and should have stayed in London with her first love.

In this episode, Daman and Khyati discuss these issues plaguing the Indian society - homophobia, male ego and the gender roles. Anyone who tries to trespass these is ostracized from their families and from their communities. You can tell us your stories of how you questioned these gender roles and homophobia in your own way. Reach out to us on Instagram - @browngirlsreadpod.

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