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Crown The Brown: Brown Girl Kim
Crown The Brown: Brown Girl Kim. Kim Bansi is a 25-year-old British-Asian woman. She has been working in content creation for around five years. Kim is currently working at a student app, where she is responsible for their social channels and their content. Her work enabled her to produce her first ever documentary. The documentary included the taboo surrounding female body hair and other video content.
Kim recently started a blog on topics. Topics such as feminism, mental health, book reviews and interviews from inspiring people of colour. Kim is also part of a feminist dance company called Diva Dance Slay. We were so inspired by her work that we just had to find out more! Here is what Kim shared with us.
How would you describe yourself and your blog?
I am a content creator, which means I flit between writing blogs, creating videos and making things tailored for social media. My blog ‘browngirlkim’ is a way of bringing all these different elements together. I mainly write and talk about feminist issues, and especially what that means being an Asian woman.
What inspired you to start ‘Brown girl Kim’, what is the message behind it?
There are so many things that are unique to being an Indian woman, being a South Asian woman living in the UK and being a brown feminist. But there aren’t many places where you can hear these diverse voices, especially in the mainstream. Although there are so many great publications, like this one, that are starting to talk about the experiences of people like us, I believe there can never be too many voices in this space.
I had been writing and making videos for a while, and people who have read and watched what I have made have always encouraged me to carry on and keep speaking out about these topics. So, it just made sense to collate all my thoughts in one place.
I hope that this platform will allow women, Asian women in particular, to feel represented and heard. Through this, I hope many people will be inspired to share their story and feel empowered enough to go and be the most authentic them in the world without fear.
You have interviewed many amazing brown activists and public figures, what do you enjoy most about meeting these phenomenal individuals?
Meeting people who have done phenomenal things is always a surreal experience. Interviewing someone like Harnaam Kaur, the body positive activist, was really quite special. At the time, I was making my own documentary about female body hair and was on my own journey to acceptance.
Seeing someone who had been so brave inspired me to not hold back anymore. Whether its an influencer, musician or entrepreneur the main thing I enjoy is trying to take something from them that has helped them become so successful and applying it to parts of my life.
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How has blogging impacted on your life and what more do you hope to achieve through the blog?
Every time I receive a comment or a message about how something I’ve written has impacted someone, I know it’s been worth it. A lot of the time I’m trying to tell an honest story or message about things which aren’t often discussed openly like periods, mental health or the difficulties of adulting. So, if it means that it makes someone brave enough to talk about a certain issue, I’ve achieved more than I could hope.
Blogging has been a great outlet for me to be able to express my experiences as an Asian woman and also great for my mental health. It helps me to express thoughts that are often hard to articulate in other ways.
Why do you think South Asian recognition is important in our society and how does your blog contribute towards recognition?
Over the years there has not been anywhere near enough representation of South Asians on TV and film. Especially in the western world where I grew up and live. In fact, I could count on one hand the amount of times I felt represented on screen, in books, ads or anywhere in the mainstream.
It is hard growing up in an environment where you don’t see yourself represented. It can often be hard to find your identity when this is the case. The aim of my blog is to share not only my story, but other people I find inspiring, so that people can feel that their point of view is being recognized.’
What do you think are some of the challenges you face as a South Asian female?
One of the hardest things I find is being stuck between trying to be a progressive feminist woman whilst also navigating South Asian culture. Which can be, at times, in complete contrast to my beliefs. For instance, it can be hard to tell my true point of view and experience when I feel that some of the people closest to me might not agree or that something I do will not be received well.
But, I know that many South Asian women are in this predicament too. So I know that’s why it’s even more important I tell a true and authentic story. After all, I’ve been inspired by all those South Asian women who have broken barriers before me.
How can we as a community break down south Asian barriers and stereotypes that still exist today?
I think it can be done in small ways like calling people out when they make assumptions about South Asians. It can often feel uncomfortable, but if you take the time to educate people to not make sweeping statements. It could make all the difference. I would also say don’t be afraid to share your experiences.
Wishing I’d have started blogging way sooner. I convinced myself my voice wasn’t one worth hearing from. But from all the people who have been affected by something I’ve made, I’m so glad I did it!
What are some of your short-term or long-term goals for the blog?
For the short-term, I’m just going to keep posting and writing about what matters to me. However, for the long-term I hope that I can create a platform where people can contribute their advice, opinions and experiences.
I’d love to create an active community. Hopefully getting to share beyond the South Asian community, to help with our representation.
You are such an inspiration to many young girls out there. What advice do you have for others wanting to start blogging?
I would say just do it! As mentioned, I left it way too long to start a website, to start my Instagram page and start writing. I convinced myself I wouldn’t be good enough.
But, if you feel like you have something to say, you should say it! Because there’s someone out there that is probably thinking or feeling the same and is dying to hear from a voice like yours.
Kim Bansi has surely created such a difference in our community. She has touched on topics that many people are afraid to talk about within our brown community! Kim created a platform worth sharing experiences and ensuring an open conversation about numerous topics! Be sure to follow her journey on Instagram @browngirlkim !
Check out her website: https://www.browngirlkim.com/
CROWN THE BROWN
