Anwesh Sahoo
{{Short description|Indian artist, blogger}}
{{multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=May 2019}}
{{fanpov|date=May 2019}}
{{unreliable sources|date=May 2019}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Anwesh Sahoo
| image = Anwesh Sahoo 02.jpg
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1995|7|4}}
| birth_place = Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India{{cite web|title=ODIA BOY TO REPRESENT INDIA AT GAY WORLD|url=http://incredibleorissa.com/anwesh-sahoo-odisha-india-gay-world/|work=inredibleodisha.com|date=29 January 2016 |access-date=29 January 2016}}
| alma_mater = IIIT Delhi{{cite web|title=Mr. Gay World 2016 Finalist Was Asked Questions About His Sexuality, His Answers Will Make You His Fan For Life|url=http://www.filtercopy.com/posts/mr-gay-world-2016-finalist-was-asked-questions-about-his-sexuality-his-answers-will-make-you-his-fan-for-life|work=filtercopy.com|access-date=12 May 2016|archive-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522160740/http://www.filtercopy.com/posts/mr-gay-world-2016-finalist-was-asked-questions-about-his-sexuality-his-answers-will-make-you-his-fan-for-life|url-status=dead}}
| occupation = {{flat list|
- Artist
- Writer
- Model
- TEDxSpeaker{{cite web|title=TEDxXIMB|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/21458|work=ted.com|access-date=15 January 2017}}
- Blogger
}}
| years_active = 2016–present
| height = {{height|m=1.73}}
| other names =
}}
Anwesh Kumar Sahoo (born{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/anweshs1|title=Security Check Required|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-05}} 4 July 1995) is an Indian artist, blogger,{{Cite news|url=https://pink-pages.co.in/news-digest/anwesh-sahoo-selected-mr-gay-india-2016/|title=Anwesh Sahoo selected Mr. Gay India 2016 – Pink Pages|date=30 January 2016|work=Pink Pages|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-US|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806142256/https://pink-pages.co.in/news-digest/anwesh-sahoo-selected-mr-gay-india-2016/|url-status=dead}} writer, model, actor and a TEDx speaker. He was crowned Mr. Gay World India 2016, becoming the youngest winner of the crown at the age of 20.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/odisha-boy-anwesh-sahoo-to-represent-india-at-mr-gay-world/16903180|title=Odisha boy Anwesh Sahoo to represent India at Mr Gay World|work=mid-day|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en}} He represented India at the Mr. Gay World 2016 pageant held in Malta, Europe and made it to the Top 12. He is a recipient of the Troy Perry Award for compassionate activism, making him the first Indian to be honored with the award.{{Cite news|url=http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/anwesh-sahoo-honoured-with-the-troy-perry-award/|title=Anwesh Sahoo Honoured With The Troy Perry Award - FIFTY SHADES OF GAY|date=2018-10-09|work=FIFTY SHADES OF GAY|access-date=2018-10-09|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011810/http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/anwesh-sahoo-honoured-with-the-troy-perry-award/|url-status=dead}} He's a graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering{{Cite web|url=https://www.iiitd.ac.in/convocation17/graduating.html|title=Graduating Students List {{!}} IIIT-Delhi 6th Convocation|website=www.iiitd.ac.in|language=en|access-date=2018-01-02}} from IIIT Delhi, and holds a double Master’s degree, first earning a Master of Design from NIFT, New Delhi in 2020, followed by a Master of Science from University College Cork, Ireland in 2024.{{Cite news|url=http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/and-thats-how-you-grow-anwesh-sahoo/|title="And That's How You Grow" : Anwesh Sahoo - FIFTY SHADES OF GAY|date=2018-06-26|work=FIFTY SHADES OF GAY|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212300/http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/and-thats-how-you-grow-anwesh-sahoo/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://pahaldesign.com/pahal-toppers-result-2018/|title=Pahal Toppers Result 2018 - Pahal Design|work=Pahal Design|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DIGvob9vii-/?img_index=1 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.instagram.com}} Anwesh went on to work for Aristocrat Gaming, an Australian MNC, as a Technical Artist.https://www.linkedin.com/in/theeffeminare/
Early life and education
Anwesh was born in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 4 July 1995 to Jagannath Sahoo, an Engineer with NTPC, and Kanak Sahoo, a homemaker. Anwesh grew up in a small township of Kaniha{{Cite web|url=https://updateodisha.com/2016/01/28/odishas-anwesh-won-mr-gay-world-india-to-represent-gay-world-4096/|title=Odisha's Anwesh won Mr. Gay World India, to represent Gay World|date=28 January 2016|website=Update Odisha|access-date=2017-05-06}} in Odisha. At age 13, he and his parents moved to Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his schooling at Vishwa Bharati Public School in Noida, and has mentioned of multiple instances of bullying{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sunday-chronicle/cover-story/200316/bullied-but-didn-t-bow.html|title=Bullied but didn't bow|date=20 March 2016|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en}} throughout his school life in his interviews and blog posts.
In an interview{{Citation|last=Gaylaxy|title=Coming Out Story of Mr. Gay World India Anwesh Sahoo|date=18 October 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThpxauzFdZ0&t=195s|access-date=2017-05-05}} with Gaylaxy Magazine, he said how he had a very good childhood until he started middle school and the bullying intensified. He said his only escape was his books and the dream of acing his 12th boards. He went on to score 95%{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/videos/2016/05/30/meet-anwesh-sahoo-the-one-and-only-indian-at-mr-gay-world-2016|title=Meet Anwesh Sahoo, The IIIT-ian Who Rocked The Mr Gay World Show|work=The Quint|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en}} in his Higher Secondary Exams. He also secured an All India Rank of 15 in the National Institute of Fashion Technology's exam in 2018, and is a student of M.Des at NIFT, New Delhi.
He came out as gay to his sister at the age of 16, and by the age of 18 had started writing a blog 'The Effeminare', to combat homophobia in his own little way and create awareness related to LGBTIQ issues in India. He went on to write an article called Under the Lucky Star{{Cite news|url=https://pink-pages.co.in/general/front-page/lucky-star/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910045729/http://pink-pages.co.in/general/front-page/lucky-star/|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2014|title=Under the Lucky Star – Pink Pages|date=15 June 2014|work=Pink Pages|access-date=2017-05-05|language=en-US}} for Pink-Pages, a National LGBT Magazine in India, where he came out to the readers and later on, also to his parents through the article. In his article he writes, "There is an underlying sense of security that only the walls of the closet can ensure. But then follows the phase of suffocation. The walls that once protected us begin to make us feel restricted. And what follows is the "end of self denial". This is when it all gets better." He went on to write another article the following year for Pink-Pages called 'Growing Up Gay',{{Cite news|url=https://pink-pages.co.in/specials-2/growing-up-gay/growing-up-gay-not-regretting-my-past/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903180817/http://pink-pages.co.in/specials-2/growing-up-gay/growing-up-gay-not-regretting-my-past/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 September 2015|title=Growing up Gay: Not regretting my past – Pink Pages|date=3 September 2015|work=Pink Pages|access-date=2017-05-05|language=en-US}} where he spoke of how contrary to the reactions of people, growing up gay in India isn't half as bad. He continued to write for online forums that same year.{{cn|date=March 2023}}
Career
File:Anwesh-pink-pages orig.jpg
Sahoo was a 3rd year engineering student{{Cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/everyone-at-mr-gay-world-wanted-my-skin-mr-gay-world-india-anwesh-sahoo/17238161|title=Everyone at Mr Gay World wanted my skin: Mr Gay World-India, Anwesh Sahoo|work=mid-day|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en}} at IIIT Delhi, when he was crowned Mr. Gay World India, and at 20 was the youngest{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/people/new-normal-377|title=The new normal|date=12 May 2016|work=asianage.com/|access-date=2017-05-06}} contestant at the World pageant. His campaign Fitting Out gained widespread acclaim that year,{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/anwesh-sahoo-is-changing-the-discourse-116070101314_1.html|title=Anwesh Sahoo is changing the discourse|last=Krishna|first=Geetanjali|date=2016-07-02|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2017-07-15}} garnering the highest{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/anwesh-sahoo-is-changing-the-discourse-116070101314_1.html|title=Anwesh Sahoo is changing the discourse|last=Krishna|first=Geetanjali|date=2 July 2016|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2017-05-06}} marks at the World pageant. He was featured by Deutsche Welle,{{Citation|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|title=Mr. Gay India in a land of contradictions {{!}} All media content {{!}} DW {{!}} 24.02.2016|url=http://www.dw.com/en/mr-gay-india-in-a-land-of-contradictions/av-19071058|language=en|access-date=2017-06-16}} Germany's public international broadcaster where he spoke about coming out in a nation where indulging in homosexual acts could land you in jail.
Post winning Mr. Gay World India, he became a part of the 50 Shades of Gay{{Cite web|url=http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/how-a-small-town-boy-became-mr-gay-world-india/|title=How a small town boy became Mr Gay World India – FSOG|website=fiftyshadesofgay.co.in|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-05-06|archive-date=28 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828020343/http://fiftyshadesofgay.co.in/how-a-small-town-boy-became-mr-gay-world-india/|url-status=dead}} campaign shot by Shubham Mehrotra and was featured on the Gay Star News{{Cite news|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/mr-gay-india-supreme-courts-refusal-hear-challenge/|title=Mr Gay India speaks up about Supreme Court's refusal to hear challenge banning gay sex|date=30 June 2016|work=Gay Star News|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-GB}} that year. He became the first former contributor of Pink Pages to feature on the cover{{Cite news|url=https://pink-pages.co.in/general/release/pp22/pink-pages-july-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611215731/http://pink-pages.co.in/general/release/pp22/pink-pages-july-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2016|title=Pink Pages – July 2016 – Pink Pages|date=11 June 2016|work=Pink Pages|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-US}} of the magazine in its June 2016 issue. Anwesh later gained mainstream visibility due to a video he shot with Gaysi called Silly Questions Straight People Ask Gay Men that went viral over the Internet and was subsequently featured on numerous Indian and International websites including BuzzFeed{{Cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/srishtidixit/mr-gay-india-2016-answers-all-the-questions|title=Mr. Gay India 2016 Answered All Kinds of Ridiculous Questions People Have About Gay Men|work=BuzzFeed|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en}} India, Cosmopolitan India, Vagabomb and Logo TV's NEWNOWNEXT.{{Cite news|url=http://www.newnownext.com/mr-gay-india-answers-insane-questions-from-straight-people/05/2016/|title=Mr. Gay India Answers Insane Questions From Straight People|work=LOGO News|access-date=2017-05-06}} Another video featuring him belly dancing to a popular Bollywood number 'My Name is Lakhan' went viral later that year in December, with popular websites and news outlets featuring him including Indian Express,{{Citation needed|date=July 2017}} Storypick,{{Cite news|url=http://www.storypick.com/mr-gay-india-belly-dancing/|title=Mr Gay India's Belly Dance On 'My Name Is Lakhan' Will Make You Go Dhina-Dhin-Dha!|last=Srivastava|first=Rachna|date=27 December 2016|work=Storypick|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-GB}} Queerty{{Cite news|url=https://www.queerty.com/mr-gay-indias-bellydancing-skills-point-20161227|title=Mr. Gay India's bellydancing skills are on point|date=27 December 2016|access-date=2017-05-06|website=Queerty}} and Vagabomb.{{Cite news|url=https://www.vagabomb.com/Mr-Gay-India-Belly-Danced-to-My-Name-Is-Lakhan-Giving-Us-Our-Favourite-Dance-Mashup-of-2016/|title=Mr Gay India Belly Danced to My Name Is Lakhan, Giving Us Our Favourite Dance Mashup of 2016|last=VagaBomb|date=26 December 2016|work=VagaBomb|access-date=2017-05-06|language=En}}
He also works as a writer for Swaddle,{{Cite web|url=https://theswaddle.com/author/sahoo/|title=Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} Author at|last=Swaddle|first=The|website=The Swaddle|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-06}} a parenting website where he writes on sexuality and gender related issues for parents. Some of his notable works on the site include, "What do you do if you think your child is Gay?",{{Cite news|url=https://theswaddle.com/i-think-my-child-is-gay/|title=What to Do if You Think Your Child Is Gay|last=Swaddle|first=The|date=20 April 2017|work=The Swaddle|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-US}} and "Gender and Sexuality Terms: A Sensitive Glossary for Parents{{Cite news|url=https://theswaddle.com/queer-meaning-gender-sexuality-glossary-parents/|title=Sexuality Terms and Gender Terms: A Sensitive Glossary for Parents|last=Swaddle|first=The|date=May 4, 2016|work=The Swaddle|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-US}}". Anwesh has also written of his experience of being bullied online post winning the crown of Mr. Gay India, where he was criticized for not being 'pretty enough' and being 'too dark' to represent India on his blog The Effeminare,{{Cite web|url=https://theeffeminare.wordpress.com/2016/11/24/ugly-enough-to-be-mr-gay-world-india/|title=Ugly Enough to be Mr. Gay World India|last=Effeminare|first=The|date=24 November 2016|website=THE EFFEMINARE|access-date=2017-05-06}} which was later published on Gaylaxy{{Cite web|url=http://www.gaylaxymag.com/blogs/ugly-enough-mr-gay-india-online-bullying-abuse-faced-gay-community/#gs.OcOSbG0|title=Ugly Enough to be Mr. Gay World India : The Online Bullying and Abuse That I Faced from the Gay Community After Being Crowned Mr. Gay India – Gaylaxy Magazine|website=www.gaylaxymag.com|date=19 December 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-06}} Magazine and covered by Pinksixty News.{{Citation|last=OUTtv|title=Pinksixty News {{!}} Friday Dec 23|date=22 December 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6j1MzfrOA0|access-date=2017-05-06}} He also organized Delhi University's first pride{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/IIT-D-holds-DUs-first-pride-march/articleshow/54937739.cms|title=IIT-D holds DU's first pride march – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-05-06}} walk in association with IIT Delhi's Annual fest Rendezvous to create awareness and promote acceptance for the LGBTIQ community. Anwesh has also been photographed{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/city-at-eye-level/|title=City at Eye Level|date=9 March 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2017-05-06|language=en-US}} by British photographer Olivia Arthur for a photo-series exploring sexuality in Mumbai, India which were later exhibited at the FOCUS Photography Festival, 2017 at Elysium Mansion, Colaba. Anwesh was named as one of the emerging LGBT Role Models{{Cite news|url=http://www.indianwomenblog.org/these-people-broke-barriers-emerged-as-the-lgbt-role-models-in-2016/|title=These People Broke Barriers & Emerged As The LGBT Role Models In 2016|last=Godhawat|first=Jayati|date=2016-12-23|work=Indian Women Blog - Stories of Indian Women|access-date=2018-02-27|language=en-US|archive-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041218/http://www.indianwomenblog.org/these-people-broke-barriers-emerged-as-the-lgbt-role-models-in-2016/|url-status=dead}} of 2016 by Indian Women Blog, alongside transgender rights activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and Business Analyst Himanshu Singh.
He was the ambassador for 'Dance4Pride{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/lgbtq-community-members-dance-to-dhol-beats-in-flashmob/articleshow/58108601.cms|title=LGBTQ community members dance to dhol beats in flashmob – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-05-06}}' event organized by Delhi-based organization Those in Need in association with Scruff in April 2017. He has featured in a social media campaign for Delhi-based brand Poem{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/370099313017910/videos/1952290271465465/|title=Ridhima Sekhri Photography|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}} bags. Anwesh has been a contributor for DNA, India with his article called "The Problem with Stereotypes{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/column-the-problem-with-stereotypes-2447485|title=The problem with stereotypes {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=May 23, 2017|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-23|language=en-US}}" which was published on 23 May 2017. He shared his coming out story in the article writing, "The problem with stereotypes isn't that they're wrong, it's that they are incomplete." Sahoo made an appearance in National Geographic Channel's Explorer Season 10, Episode 12 (uncredited), that released on 22 May 2017. On October 6, 2018, Anwesh was awarded the Troy Perry Award for compassionate activism, in Los Angeles, California, making him the first Indian to be a recipient of this honor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/NationalInstituteofFashionTechnologyIndia/photos/pb.414904071970234.-2207520000.1539110293./1698901380237157/?type=3&theater|title=NIFT|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-09}} He has been listed in Times India's list of 11 most inspiring LGBTIQA+ Indians{{Cite web|title=Here Are 11 People From India's LGBTQIA+ Community Who Have Inspired Us With Their Stories|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/here-are-11-people-from-india-s-lgbtqia-community-who-have-inspired-us-with-their-stories-369051.html|date=2019-06-12|website=IndiaTimes|language=en-IN|access-date=2020-05-22}} with the likes of Vikram Seth and Keshav Suri, and in 2020 was featured in Vogue India{{Cite web|title=5 queer Indian influencers you should be following on Instagram|url=https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/queer-indian-instagram-influencers-you-should-be-following-on-instagram|website=Vogue India|date=11 February 2020 |language=en-IN|access-date=2020-05-22}} in the list of 5 queer Indian influencers you should be following on Instagram.
= Acting Experience =
File:Anwesh and Kaneez Surka for Bumble India.jpg
Anwesh began his acting career with an ad film in 2017 with [https://www.facebook.com/kraftly/ Kraftly]{{Cite AV media |title=Discover Yourself|url=https://www.facebook.com/kraftly/videos/discover-yourself/1664537873608227/ |access-date=10 July 2017 |publisher=Kraftly |language=en}}{{Cite AV media |title=Kraftly {{!}} Discover Yourself|url=https://www.facebook.com/madovermarketing/videos/kraftly-discover-yourself/1539257529473509/ |date=14 July 2017|access-date=2023-08-14 |publisher=Mad over Marketing |language=en}} alongside Nargis Nandal (from Gulamohar fame). He followed this with another ad film for Indian dessert chain 'Frozen Bottle'.{{Cite web |title=Say Yes To Love! {{!}} Love is a feeling free of fear and doubts, and the time has come to embrace love no matter who we feel it for! So this Valentine's, say #YesToLove with... {{!}} By Frozen Bottle {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/FrozenBottle/videos/say-yes-to-love/304944710164010/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}} His major break came in 2021 with Dating These Days Season 2 for Bumble that released on Disney+ Hotstar (and later on Bumble's YouTube channel{{Citation |title=Dating These Days with Kaneez Surka and Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} Let's Get Intimate |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylsX3x3KorY |access-date=2023-08-14 |language=en}}) where he featured alongside Kaneez Surka, Bani J, Sayani Gupta, Ayush Mehra, and Yashaswini.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-24 |title=Bumble to launch Dating These Days S2, series on dating during pandemic |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bumble-launch-dating-these-days-s2-series-dating-during-pandemic-155699 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=The News |date=2021-10-06 |title=Kaneez Surka, Anwesh Sahoo feature on Bumble's 'Dating These Days' series |url=https://mediabrief.com/kaneez-surka-anwesh-sahoo-feature-on-bumbles-dating-these-days-series/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=MediaBrief |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2021 |title=Bumble to launch second edition of content series Dating These Days on September 28 |url=http://www.buzzincontent.com/story/bumble-to-launch-second-edition-of-content-series-dating-these-days-on-september-28/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=www.buzzincontent.com}} In 2022 Anwesh grabbed another major ad campaign for Absolut Glassware{{Citation |title=Be an #AbsolutAlly {{!}} You're Gay, Right? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHuD0-6HzBw |access-date=2023-08-14 |language=en}} alongside Indian supermodel Anjali Lama, Olympian Dutee Chand, and drag artist Durga Gawde, that focused on sharing ways to be a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community.{{Cite web |first1=Gouri|last1=Bhuyan|first2=Mikhail|last2=Khan
|date=2023-02-02 |title=Here's Why We Need To Build Towards Stronger Allyship With The LGBTQIA+ Community |url=https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-voices/heres-why-we-need-to-build-towards-stronger-allyship-with-the-lgbtqia-community |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Homegrown |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=Laqshya Media Group's Inventech creates AI algorithm gesture technology for Absolut Glassware: Best Media Info |url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2023/03/laqshya-media-group-s-inventech-creates-ai-algorithm-gesture-technology-for-absolut-glassware |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=www.bestmediainfo.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=MN4U |date=2023-02-22 |title=Famous Innovations extends Absolut Glassware's digital campaign on allyship to outdoor |url=https://www.medianews4u.com/famous-innovations-extends-absolut-glasswares-digital-campaign-on-allyship-to-outdoor/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=MediaNews4U |language=en-US}} Anwesh has also modelled for British photographer Olivia Arthur for Magnum Photos.{{Cite web |title=The Magnum Digest: February 7, 2020 • Magnum Photos Magnum Photos |url=https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/magnum-digest/magnum-digest-february-7-2020/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Magnum Photos |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=In Private/Mumbai • Olivia Arthur • Magnum Photos Magnum Photos |url=https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/society/in-private-mumbai/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Magnum Photos |language=en-US}}
= Notable Artworks =
Anwesh began illustrating at the age of 4, and later went on to pursue art professionally as a Visual Designer and Digital Illustrator. Some of his notable works include an inclusive 'Deck of Cards' for Disney, wallpapers for WhatsApp, digital posters for Google and Netflix, cover art for Queersapien by Rupa Publications,{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CmDsj8vPd0h/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}{{Cite web |title=QUEERSAPIEN {{!}} Rupa Publications |url=https://rupapublications.co.in/books/queersapien/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CmidsP6syBD/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}} for ‘Queers in Quarantine’ by Norway-based Mohini Books{{Cite news |last=Modi |first=Chintan Girish |date=July 28, 2023 |title=Review: Queers in QuarantineEdited by Koyote Millar and Rahul Sen |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/queers-in-quarantine-a-collection-of-voices-reflections-and-perspectives-on-the-lgbtq-experience-during-covid19-101690546443610.html |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqfu6-XvQ9r/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}} and later for 'The Garden Tantra'{{Cite web |title=The Garden Tantra |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199514764-the-garden-tantra |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Goodreads |language=en}} by Oslo-based author Vikram Kolmannskog.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C0W-m_LI5nn/?img_index=2 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}
Sahoo is also a contributing author to the "Queer Compassion in 15 Comics" comic book edited by Andrew Thomas, Megan Aston, and Phillip Joy, where he wrote and illustrated the comic "Effeminared: Under the Lucky Star", further showcasing his talent and commitment to queer representation and storytelling.{{Cite book |url=https://services.publishing.umich.edu/Books/Q/Queer-Compassion-in-15-Comics |title=Queer Compassion in 15 Comics |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last1=Joy |first1=Phillip |url=https://www.fulcrum.org/epubs/gt54kq994?locale=en#page=35 |title=Ebook of Queer Compassion in 15 Comics |last2=Thomas |first2=Andrew |last3=Aston |first3=Megan |date=2024 |publisher=Lever Press |isbn=978-1-64315-057-4}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C5I_GAio7Tu/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}} Furthermore, he designed the film poster for the documentary film Amma's Pride,{{Citation |last=Krish |first=Shiva |title=Amma's Pride |date=2024-05-29 |type=Documentary, Short |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15528752/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |others=Arun Kumar, Srija}} directed by Shiva Krish, which premiered at the Krakow Film Festival in Poland in May 2024.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Co_pwvLC5/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6dXwdcvvQy/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}
== Wallpapers for WhatsApp ==
All illustrations in the entire series re-imagine the Universe of Effeminare and patachitra (an old Odiya traditional art form) and amalgamates it with maximalism and over the top, opulent fashion references. Anwesh used elements from the nature, especially Chilika lake (where he would visit during his summer holidays). He also aimed at initiating a conversation around safe and hygienic sex practices (the purple illustration in the series is called, 'Umbrella and The Watering Can').{{Cite web |title=Wallpapers for WhatsApp {{!}} The Effeminare |url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/148072031/Wallpapers-for-WhatsApp-The-Effeminare |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Behance |date=July 2022 |language=english}}
== Artworks for Google ==
Anwesh has also created multiple artworks for Google as part of their 'Search for Change' campaign. He uses his artworks as a way to educate the masses on the pertinence of allyship, and how it acts as a source of hope, inspiration and strength for folx struggling to come out, and to those ostracised by their communities.{{Cite web |title=Anwesh Sahoo on Instagram: "Coming out to yourself is one heck of a journey, but coming out to your family, your closest acquaintances is a different ball game altogether. People have often asked me, "weren't you scared of what your family had to say?" And you know what? I probably wasn't as scared as I was when I first came out to myself, because I was already actively looking for my answers via a range resources online: from a YouTube video of Tyler Oakley, or a Freddie Mercury documentary I looked up for on Google Search, or speaking to a queer person in a different part of the world on Google Hangouts. So when I did finally come out to my parents and to my sister, I re-directed them to all of these incredible resources I had used to educate myself on the queer community at large. And believe me, they might not accept every piece of information you throw their way at first, but with a pocket full of patience, perseverance and time, they will finally come around. And honestly, it's still a journey of constant change - for me, my family, my friends, but at least we're walking towards that Tree of Knowledge hand in hand, and that's all that matters. #SearchForChange @googleindia #ad #pride . . . . . . . . . . #anweshsahooart #anweshsahoo #queerartists #connecting_entertainment #google" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct8XpZ7Pcfm/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Instagram |language=en}}
== Artworks for Netflix ==
His captivating artworks have also been featured by Netflix India on their official Instagram page.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ZNvWIsVbQ/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7MEvxmvX0U/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}} His notable work includes the poster/fan art for the Indian period drama television series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, created and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Sahoo's artistry was further showcased with an illustration celebrating a summer adventure featuring beloved characters from popular shows, including Charlie from Heartstopper, David from Schitt's Creek, Eric from Sex Education, Fabiola from Never Have I Ever, and Dhruv from Class.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Y2SSUPbGw/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}} This artwork, accompanied by the caption, "In my world, they’re all friends 🥰" highlighted the beauty of diverse friendships and the joy of summer.
= TEDx Experience =
File:Anwesh at TEDxCVS 2018.jpg
Anwesh has spoken at 4 TEDx events: TEDxMAIS{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/TEDxMAIS/photos/pb.197644620320865.-2207520000.1481551233./1164847186933932/?type=3|title=TEDxMAIS|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}} 2016 (Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore), TEDxXIMB{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=Tapping into Your Alice {{!}} Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} TEDxXIMB|date=9 March 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETQ2G1FsBjE|access-date=2017-05-06}} 2017 (Xavier's Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), TEDxCVS{{Cite web|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/25124|title=TEDxCVS {{!}} TED|website=www.ted.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-14}}{{Citation |last=Sahoo |first=Anwesh |title=HOW I CHOSE TO BE GAY, FEMME AND SEXY |date=2018-04-10 |url=https://www.ted.com/talks/anwesh_sahoo_how_i_chose_to_be_gay_femme_and_sexy |access-date=2023-08-14}} (College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University) in 2018 and TEDxXIMB again in 2022.{{Citation |last=Sahoo |first=Anwesh |title=Five ways to be successfully gay in India |date=2021-12-13 |url=https://www.ted.com/talks/anwesh_sahoo_five_ways_to_be_successfully_gay_in_india |access-date=2023-08-14}} At the first event, Anwesh spoke of the need to break out of the Gender Binary. Through the talk, he challenged a world where sex and gender are often used interchangeably when in reality there exists a clear distinction between the two. He imagines a world where one's identity isn't limited to the binary male or female, but can manifest as a spectrum of infinite possibilities.{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=Breaking out of the Gender Binary {{!}} Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} TEDxMAIS|date=2017-06-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNNQCXa1cXk|access-date=2017-06-16}} His second TEDx talk, "Tapping into your Alice,"{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170117/jsp/odisha/story_130639.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828015045/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170117/jsp/odisha/story_130639.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 August 2017|title=TedX talks inspire|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2017-06-16}} related to growing up in a society that did not know how to deal with those who did not conform to gender stereotypes, in addition to how adulthood drains us of our belief in magic. Anwesh's third talk was called, "Growing up gay in India, and learning to be confident",{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=Growing up gay in India and learning to be confident {{!}} Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} TEDxCVS|date=2018-04-10|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlTvydVl9MM&t=298s|access-date=2018-04-20}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/tedxcvsdu/photos/a.351436235266513.1073741827.351428015267335/367711703638966/?type=3&theater|title=TEDx CVS|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-14}} where he spoke of how "Effeminacy and femininity aren't euphemisms for indignity; being gay, femme, brown, being me, is sexy and powerful!". In 2022, Anwesh returned to the stage of TEDx and spoke extensively on the need for allyship and the need to go beyond just policy-making at workplace. He talked about the struggles of being openly gay in India, where homosexuality continues to be a taboo. He banked on his experience and urged everyone not to be afraid of judgments and speak their minds, for that is the true definition of freedom.{{Citation |title=Five ways to be successfully gay in India {{!}} Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} TEDxXIMB |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILZ6JcDWUIM |access-date=2023-08-14 |language=en}}
Awards and recognition
Sahoo's contributions to art, design, and activism have been widely recognized through various prestigious awards. His work not only showcases his exceptional talent but also his commitment to representing and supporting the queer community. Below is a list of the accolades he has received:
- Troy Perry Medal of Pride for Compassionate Activism (2018){{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Rev Troy |title=LGBTQ+ Rights Activist & Founder of Metropolitan Community Churches |url=https://revtroyperry.com/troy-perry-awards |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Rev. Troy D. Perry |language=en-US}}
- Presented by the International Charter for Compassion. This award honors fearless LGBTQ+ young people and community leaders who are making an impact through social and spiritual activism.{{Cite web |title=Anwesh Kumar Sahoo |url=https://www.ourpride.org/troy-perry-awards-1/anwesh-kumar-sahoo |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=OUR PRIDE |language=en}}
- IIIT Delhi Young Alumni Award (2022){{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CiRtGOJPCNQ/?next=/p/BR88CJ0hBYm/&hl=bg |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}
- Awarded for his contribution in representing and supporting the queer community through his work in Tech, Art, and Design.
- [https://www.wahstory.com/ WAHStory] Spotlight Awards (2024)
- Winner in the 30 under 30 category.{{Cite web |last=WAHStory |title=Mr. Gay World India {{!}} TEDx Speaker {{!}} Anwesh Sahoo {{!}} WAHStory |url=https://www.wahstory.com/story/mr-gay-world-india-tedx-speaker-anwesh-sahoo |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=WAHStory.com |language=en}}
- Rising Talent Award (2024){{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8OrEwQvD-U/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}
- Awarded by the Jagran Influencer & Creator Awards.
- Krakow Film Festival (2024)
- Recognition for the film poster design of "Amma's Pride."
See also
References
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Category:Artists from Bhubaneswar