Zain Bandali is an author, poet, and unapologetic diversity advocate. His debut children's book Mehndi Boy, is a Silver Birch Express Nominee and was recognized as a “Best Bet” by the Ontario Library Association and as a “Best Book for Kids” by the New York Public Library in 2023. Zain studied at the University of Waterloo and was awarded the Upkar Arora Social Impact Leadership Scholarship for his work in creating a grassroots community initiative. Even in his day job as an HR professional at a leading financial corporation, Zain strives to bring the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to everything he does. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chilli peppers he grows. In this episode we dive into conversations about Zain’s Queerness as a South Asian, Indo-Tanzanian, Ismaili Muslim, his debut book and how he’s pushing the gender norm narrative. We also discuss his love for international recording artist Ali Sethi and his advice for anyone struggling with being true to themselves.

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