The Common Press is proud to be hosting an evening with Raga D'Silva author of ‘Untold Lies’ on 29th August from 7 pm - 9pm, hosted by Seyan Sarvan. The book is a collection of stories and poems that were the key to creating a complete person. Some broken, some healed, some in the process of healing.
The book is an account of Raga, who has lived an unconventional life, so of course when she decided to write a book she created her own unconventional format 'Storyoems' - stories that segue seamlessly into poems. Emotional and poignant, Untold Lies is about a little girl's journey to the truth that not only saves her but gives the reader hope. Don't we all have a little girl in us, confined by the labels given to us by others? This relatable and courageous book is for anyone who has experienced the fear of being judged or of being unloved for being themselves.
This was a beautiful and heartfelt combination of stories and poems. Written in third person and often from the little girl's point of view as if somehow this felt safer for the author, as if she was witnessing her life. Grew up in the slums of India, married at 25 but finally came out as gay when she was 50. Stopped living her untold lies and found the courage to be who she is. - Madeleine Black (Author)
- Doors open at 7 pm
- Discussion from 7:30 pm
- The bookshop is wheelchair accessible.
Untold Lies is about living my truth without the fear of being judged,- Raga D'Silva
About Raga
Raga D’silva is an author, TEDx speaker, columnist, entrepreneur, and LGBT+ rights activist. With a career spanning 30 years across India, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, and Singapore in media, entertainment, and advertising, she made headlines by coming out as a lesbian at 50 through her debut book ‘Untold Lies’. A vocal LGBTQ+ advocate, her journey has been featured on BBC, ITV, Sky News, and Channel 5. She was a finalist for the ‘Woman of the Year’ at the Asian Achievers Awards 2022 and shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2023. Raga champions the visibility and care of older LGBTQ+ individuals and fights for marriage equality in India. She founded OUTspoken Speakers, the UK's first speaker agency for LGBTQ+ Queer women and non-binary people. Raga writes for several publications, including Diva Magazine, and speaks on intersectionality, diversity, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. She received the Woman of Courage award at the UK House of Parliament.
About Seyan
Seyan Sarvan began acting at 16, performing as O'Brien in an adaptation of "1984" at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. She continued to act in prominent London theatres and appeared in Channel 4’s short film "R.I.P." After earning a BA in Acting from LCM, Sarvan wrote the play "The Grid" to raise awareness of children's mental health. She has since starred in films like "Spin State" and "51 States" and received acclaim for her role in "It's a Sin." Sarvan is dedicated to representing underrepresented voices and believes in integrating unheard stories on stage and screen.