Vivek Shraya
Canadian artist and activist Vivek Shraya becomes the latest recipient of the Keychange Inspiration Award, in celebration of her wide-reaching support and advocacy of women, gender minority and BIPOC creators.
Photo Credit: Heather Saitz
Vivek Shraya is an artist whose body of work crosses the boundaries of music, literature, visual art, theatre, and film. Her album Part-Time Woman was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, and her best-selling book I’m Afraid of Men was heralded by Vanity Fair as “cultural rocket fuel.” She is also the founder of the award-winning publishing imprint VS. Books, which supports emerging BIPOC writers. A seven-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, Vivek was a Pride Toronto Grand Marshal and has been a brand ambassador for MAC Cosmetics and Pantene. She is a director on the board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation, and is currently adapting her debut play, How to Fail as a Popstar, for television with the support of CBC.
Awarded at the Western Canadian Music Alliance’s 20th anniversary opening party at BreakOut West in Calgary, Vivek was presented with the award by BreakOut West’s Executive Director Robyn Stewart, who stated:
“I am so excited to honour Vivek Shraya with a Keychange Award, recognizing her incredible body of work in gender equity. I have been following her writing, music and activism for years, which has paved the way for education, and strength in transgender conversations. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to highlight.”