Trikone-Chicago Board 2024 - 2025
The board members of Trikone Chicago play a crucial role in guiding and supporting the organization’s mission to serve the South Asian LGBTQ+ community. They oversee the strategic direction, ensure financial stability, help advocate for inclusivity and diversity, and work closely with the leadership team to develop programs and events that support the community. Board members are also responsible for fundraising, building partnerships, and ensuring the organization’s activities align with its values and goals.
Meet Our Board Members
Our board members are passionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and bring diverse skills and experiences to Trikone Chicago. They work together to make a meaningful impact, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Meet the inspiring individuals leading our organization and contributing to our mission!
SAL SALAM
Saleha Salam has been a Trikone Chicago board member since 2015. She first began attending Trikone events in the hope of connecting with queer Desi community and considers herself fortunate to have found some of her best friends through these events. She joined the board to make the community safer and more welcoming for trans and gender-non-conforming individuals and to collaborate more consistently and mindfully with local queer POC organizations.
Saleha lives in Chicago and writes and speaks about cinema and pop culture. She has worked across the field of education and in trans healthcare. She may also be found performing at Jai Ho and various queer events in the city.
RAM
Ram sees himself in many newcomers to the city or country, those seeking friends and resources as they navigate a new environment. Trikone helped him find his chosen family, offering a sense of belonging and community support. He hopes to extend the same support to others, helping them build meaningful connections and a sense of home. He has been a member since 2016 and joined the board in 2024.
ANKIT KHADGI
Ankit Khadgi wears many hats—literally and figuratively. Born and raised in Nepal, his diverse experiences have shaped his ideas, practice, and activism. As a writer, journalist, and communications professional, Ankit is deeply committed to queer liberation. His extensive work in art, public spaces, and curatorial projects in Nepal highlighted the importance of community building and organizing, which ultimately led him to join Trikone.
Now, as a board member of Trikone, Ankit focuses on archiving the South Asian queer history of Chicago, strengthening knowledge of queer identities, and fostering vibrant, revolutionary spaces for community and self-expression.
GAURAV SINHA
Gaurav, originally from Mumbai, moved to Chicago in 2023 with the hope of finding a supportive and safe community. His search led him to Trikone Chicago, where he quickly found not only a safe space but also lifelong friendships, allowing him to truly be himself. In 2024, Gaurav took his commitment to fostering inclusivity to the next level by joining the board of Trikone Chicago. With a passion for creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ South Asian community, he is dedicated to supporting and empowering others in their journey toward self-expression and acceptance.
MASALA SAPPHIRE
Masala Sapphire is the host of Jai Ho and a Trikone board member. Her first experience with Trikone was a Jai Ho in 2009. At that time it was hosted by LaWhore Vagistan. It wasn't until 2014 that Masala had her first experience performing on the Jai Ho stage. Soon after she became the host and has been so ever since.