25 Dec 2023
#4: Art as Political Resistance with Mx. Yaffa
In a heartfelt conversation about utopia, resistance, and the transformative power of art, Shereen and guest expert Mx. Yaffa discuss the role of art as political resistance.
Throughout history, artists have used their creativity to spark revolutionary and historic change. To mobilize groups and shift attitudes towards more inclusivity and human rights for all. Mx Yaffa, the executive director of The MASGD, and a multimedia artist, shares their insights on building utopia in the present moment, navigating hope in the face of injustice, and the role of art as the most accessible form of protest.
The discussion delves into how Yaffa's leadership is informed by the principles of utopia-building. They emphasize the importance of dismantling traditional hierarchies, fostering community collaboration, and creating spaces that embody love, compassion, and support.
Yaffa also introduces their poetry collection, "Blood Orange," which explores the complexities of being a queer and trans Palestinian. The book not only delves into the pain of Palestinians but also highlights their resistance, beauty, and utopic values that persist in the face of oppression. All profits from "Blood Orange" are dedicated to supporting queer and trans Palestinians.
As a multidisciplinary artist and activist, Yaffa shares insights into the transformative power of art in processing personal experiences and shaping the future. They emphasize the role of literature in shaping society and encourage individuals to create art as a means of resistance, especially for those who may face challenges in expressing their views publicly.
The episode concludes with Yaffa's advice for listeners, urging them to create utopia right now for ourselves and for our communities using what we have and living by the principles that we want to see more of in the world.
ORDER NOW! "Blood Orange" is a highly emotional, important and timely poetry collection by Mx. Yaffa (They/She), a trans Muslim displaced Indigenous Palestinian.
All proceeds of Blood Orange will be going towards queer, trans Palestinian work and on the ground work in Gaza and occupied Palestine.
Ebook order Now Paperback
Order Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RYR7v (https://books2read.com/u/3RYR7v)
Yaffa’s Instagram: @yaffasutopia https://www.instagram.com/yaffasutopia/ (https://www.instagram.com/yaffasutopia/)
Yaffa’s Tiktok: @yaffasutopia https://www.tiktok.com/@yaffasutopia (https://www.tiktok.com/@yaffasutopia)
Yaffa’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mxyaffa (https://linktr.ee/mxyaffa)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit radiantwildheart.substack.com (https://radiantwildheart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
