What is Perfectly Round Roti?
I started this for a few reasons. Just like at the beginnings of Burnt Roti, I find myself here again. I started the magazine to create space to discuss radical politics, identity, mental health and sexuality, in a way that other spaces didn’t allow, or care.
(As an aside, it was the lack of care that deeply affected me. I feel like I can sense it again.)
But activism is only allowed space within allotted times, celebrated months, for diversity quotas - otherwise funders could get upset. The cis straight white men could get uncomfortable. The roles they played in genocide could be revealed.
As I was pitching articles on multiple platforms, I noticed I was rarely hearing back - even for a “we don’t have space for this”. But importantly, I had become frustrated at the political censorship fuelling our media landscape.
My pitches to political editors on Palestine, history and colonialism across almost all publications were being ignored. There are things I want to share and censorship does nothing but drive me.
Aside from these frustrations, I’m here because I’m consciously writing more. While attempting to write a novel, I realised I need to expand my writing space and allow for deeper breaths. I can breath here, outside of my novel and that feels good. It feels healthy.
Speaking of health, I want somewhere to talk about my physical and mental health. There’s been a few changes in the way I navigate it. 2023 was better, but still not a great year for my mental health and my physical health took a nose dive. I want a space that others can reach out to - whether it’s for care of their own health or a generous hand to hold.
Us writers are known to romanticise loneliness and I’m not one to shy away from drama. So, hold my hand.
Here is my space to say what I want, and need to say.
And there is a lot of it, bubbling in my brain. At times there will be nothing - the bubbles pop and nothing appears - but more times than none, I will need this space.
I hope you find something here too.
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About me
Sharan Dhaliwal founded the UK’s leading South Asian culture magazine Burnt Roti, a radical feminist and inclusive platform that exists to help South Asians feel represented.
She is also the Founder and co-Director of Middlesex Pride, an annual free family friendly event centring and celebrating the unheard LGBTQIA+ community in the heavily immigrant and faith based Middlesex area.
She created Oh Queer Cupid, a queer speed dating and comedy night, and has had bylines in i-D, HuffPost, the Guardian and was on the list of global influential women for the BBC 100 Women 2019.
She has also been on the Diva Power List 2022 & 2023, Attitude 101 2023 and nominated for Broadcast, Journalist or Host at the British LGBT Awards in 2023.
Her debut non-fiction, Burning My Roti, about how her Asian identity and queerness came up against capitalism and white supremacy, came out in March 2022 by Hardie Grant.
For writing enquires, contact: abi@thegoodliteraryagency.org
For everything else contact: sharan.dhaliwal@burntroti.com
Why subscribe?
You get at least one article a week under these categories:
History: you will find articles on colonialism, imperialism, or stories of injustice from our past. I’ve already published a guide for Palestine, that discusses its history, as well as a look into Britain’s involvement.
LGBTQ+ and Mental Health: both these sections will include news, opinion pieces and first person stories. An article on trans women has been published for International Women’s Day.
Race: reactions to news pieces, commentary and analysis on current affairs, plus personal stories and opinion pieces. I’ve written about Suella Braverman’s article claiming we shouldn’t be making white people feel guilt.
World politics: reactions to news pieces, commentary and analysis on current affairs. I’ve written, for example, on the farmers protest in India.
You’ll also get full access to the publication archives.
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