“Celebrate Yourself”

Paras Dogra Interviewed by Anu Kuriakose

Abstract

Paras Dogra’s poetry is representative of a fight. It touches the reader, and makes them reflect on identity, desire, gender, and much more. As you finish reading the poem, ‘I am A Man,’ you would be pondering the complexities of gender and desires individuals are capable of. The poem ultimately constructs the self-portrait of a proud gay transgender individual who articulates powerfully. The poem definitely requires societal attention, as it asserts the existence of same-sex loving transgender individuals in the society we live in. Hailing from Sholayur (Border of Kerala-Tamil Nadu states in India), Paras Dogra self identify as a same-sex loving/gay transman. He is a graphic designer, digital illustrator, and a professional 2D animator apart from working as an English teacher at a school.

This interview was conducted through email exchanges over a couple of weeks in March-April 2022.