MBM is all shiny shiny new new! ✨
The ethos and commitment towards its vision of expanding the Indian Muslim identity remains the same
Hello MBM listeners, supporters, guests - presenting the very new MBM visual identity ♡
In 2020, Main Bhi Muslim (MBM) began as a space between two women (me and my former co-host, Sabika Muzaffar) to discuss and share our experiences growing up with the Indian Muslim identity, i.e. discussing our Indian Muslimness. In 2021, MBM evolved into a listening and discussion space to encompass other voices that carry this identity and expand the definition of being an Indian, a Muslim and everything in between.
Since then, MBM has had the privilege and joy of hosting women and those whose stories are often unheard or are on the margins - sharing their Indian Muslimness along with other aspects in their lives. These are individuals chasing football goals, embracing gender-fluidity and personhood as a trans individual, co-building collectives, challenging patriarchal mindsets, tackling stereotypes and Islamophobia, and contributing to the country’s feminist scholarship and literature that is invaluable in so many ways.
The new visual identity is a reflection of its ethos and commitment to keeping this space alive, vibrant and always welcoming to more voices and stories.
The chairs ⑁ are symbolic of the diversity of experiences encompassed in the folds of the Indian Muslim identity. Everyone sits together, listens to one another, some bring their own chair (or charpai!) and offer a seat to others who come along. No two chairs are the same despite sharing a similarity.
The ☾phases of the moon☽ represent how this identity shows itself differently on different occasions for us, on personal or social levels. That this Indian Muslimness can be shape-shifting, immersive and reinvents itself in the different sub-cultures across the country.
The ❁ marigold colours ❁ form the backdrop of this new look, simply because the flower is ever present across the country. It grows in gardens, balconies, inside homes and adorns our bodies and spaces on many occasions. Its colours represent celebrations of all kinds. These are also colours of the sun and earth - what more could one ask of a flower?
This new look is an outcome of a collaboration with the incredibly talented and kind-hearted Shazia Salam. A multidisciplinary artist, Shazia and I had long conversations in the early days of this collaboration, where she asked me questions, took copious notes and shared her understanding of MBM’s ethos. She tuned into the podcast episodes, reflected on how some conversations made her feel, and what did they bring out for her. The outcome is a reflection of Shazia’s interest ‘in environments of work and play’ and shows her heart and intent into making this collaboration a beautiful success. In working with her, MBM found another supporter and a friend.
There are many many MBM more conversations to be had, and I wish to do it with my utmost intent, resilience and joy.
Please take a look at the new visual identity, it is what you will see MBM play with in its future episodes. Also please share this podcast with your family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and rate/review it on Apple or Spotify.
Grateful to have you all here and looking forward to bringing more episodes and conversations.
Sincerely,
Mariyam Haider
Producer and Host, Main Bhi Muslim