Trikone-Chicago Volunteer Board 2024 - 2025
The board members of Trikone Chicago are dedicated volunteers who play a crucial role in guiding and supporting the organization’s mission to serve the South Asian LGBTQ+ community. As volunteers, they generously contribute their time and expertise to oversee the strategic direction, ensure financial stability, advocate for inclusivity and diversity, and collaborate with the leadership team to develop impactful programs and events.
Board members also take on key responsibilities such as fundraising, building partnerships, and ensuring that the organization’s activities align with its values and goals—all on a volunteer basis. Their commitment and passion drive Trikone Chicago forward, helping to create a more supportive and inclusive community.
Meet Our Volunteer Board Members
Our board members are passionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, bringing diverse skills and experiences to Trikone Chicago. As volunteers, they work together to make a meaningful impact, fostering a welcoming and empowering 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.
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.