Alok
Writer and Performance Artist
Alok (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed gender non-conforming writer, performer, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition
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Full Bio
Alok (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed gender non-conforming writer, performer, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition. They are the author of Femme in Public (2017) and Beyond the Gender Binary (2020). They are the creator of #DeGenderFashion: a movement to degender fashion and beauty industries and have been honored as one of HuffPo’s “Culture Shifters,” NBC’s “Pride 50,” and Business Insider’s “Doers.”
Whether ALOK is selling out an international performance tour, publishing essays and books advocating for LGBTQ equality, or speaking at some of the most prestigious universities and companies outlining a 21st century approach to gender inclusion – their distinctive mix of charisma, poetry, and intellect has made them one of the most dynamic artists and public speakers of our times. Over the past decade they have presented at more than 500 venues in over 40 countries.
As a mixed-media artist ALOK uses poetry, comedy, lecture, performance, fashion, and visual art to explore themes of gender, race, trauma, belonging, and the human condition. Their work as a leading figure in the movement for gender fluidity takes them from starring in HBO’s The Trans List (2016) and Random Acts of Flyness (2018), to designing three gender-neutral fashion collections, to gracing the stages of venues such as the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Times Global Assembly, and SXSW to speak about self-acceptance and overcoming marginalization.
In 2017, they released their critically-acclaimed poetry collection Femme In Public, a meditation on anti-trans discrimination. 2017 also saw ALOK being selected as the youngest recipient of the Live Works Performance Act Award, granted to ten performance artists across the world. In 2019, ALOK was invited to close the “Business of Fashion Voices” Conference launching the #DeGenderFashion movement with a keynote speech calling for the degendering of fashion and beauty industries. In 2020, they published Beyond the Gender Binary, a treatise on how moving beyond gender norms creates a better and more just world for everyone. For their profound work as an artist-advocate, ALOK has been recognized as a national LGBTQ changemaker by NBC, a “Trans Writer You Should Know” by Vogue, a “Doer” by Business Insider, and on HuffPo’s Culture Shifters ’21 List.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation with ALOK
Videos
Artist Alok Vaid-Menon on Learning to Love Who They Are | Seen | NowThis
News
Testimonials
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