Sanniyans 4 Shaniyat

Join us on Friday, April 25th 

6-8pm | On Zoom

Hi friends,

I'm Thiviya Navaratnam, I work in gender-focused financial

inclusion, advocate for rights of marginalized Tamils in Sri

Lanka, and am currently in law school part time at CUNY

Law to become an immigrants rights lawyer. I help run

Sanniyans, an inclusive comedy show that highlights

experiences from South Asian women, non-binary people,

queer people, and other perspectives not often told.

Comedy is often dominated by white men but I've found

refreshing and relatable (as well as hilarious) stories in the

comedy of myfellow South Asian women and folks.

I've been a resident of New York's 5th Congressional

district (Southeast Queens and Nassau County) 

since I was a child. I've waited so long for a progressive

candidate to challenge the corrupt, Queens machine

boss Representative Gregroy Meeks for his seat in

Congress. So when I learned about Shaniyat's campaign,

read his platform and saw the work his campaign is doing

in our community, I signed on to support him immediately.

I'd like to invite you all to a virtual comedy show

fundraiser hosted by "Sanniyans", on Friday, April 25th

from 6-8pm on Zoom. All proceeds are going to

Shaniyat's "Community Care Outreach" program for

COVID-19 relief to residents of NY-5.

This show features a lineup of all South Asian female

comedians, as well as musical performances by South

Asian singer-songwriters Rolex Rasathy and Elsz, and a

little after party DJ'd by DJ Ushka. We will also feature

conversations with our guest of honor, Shaniyat

Chowdhury.

The diversity I seek to highlight in this show reflects the

diversity in Queen's Congressional district 5 (NY-5). I think I

speak for many of us when I say that my heart breaks

seeing how Queens has been impacted by the pandemic.

I'm so grateful to Shaniyat and his team for providing

much-needed relief to our neighbors. He's proven himself

to be a true leader in this time of crisis, and I'm happy to

be able to support him however I can.

If you'd like to join me in supporting Shaniyat, and enjoy a

comedy show as well as a few musical performances and

DJ-set after party, please purchase a $30 ticket which will

give you access to the Zoom call where we will be hosting

the event. If you're able to donate more than that amount,

every dollar is appreciated and will be used to help those in

need.

*All contributions will go towards Shaniyat's Community Care Outreach program

The work Shaniyat and his campaign are doing to help our

community is truly inspiring. That is why we (Sanniyans)

are hosting this event and asking for your support. Shaniyat

is doing the work that all elected officials should be, but

aren't doing. Buy a ticket and help Shaniyat's campaign

continue their incredible work in our community.

We look forward to seeing you at the virtual show!

Thiviya Navaratnam

Feel free to check out the Sanniyans Instagram

page for more information about each performer.