Vivek Shraya
A multidisciplinary artist who uses music, literature, and film to explore themes of gender, race, and queer identity with raw vulnerability.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Musical artist·Birthday: February 15·Millennials
Biography
Vivek Shraya operates as a one-woman creative army, seamlessly moving between mediums to tell urgent, personal stories. Born in Alberta to Indian immigrant parents, her early work in music established a foundation of lyrical introspection. She soon expanded her palette, authoring books like the graphic novel 'Death Threat' and the poetry collection 'even this page is white,' which confront racism and homophobia with unflinching clarity. As a visual artist and filmmaker, her projects, such as the short film 'How to Fail as a Popstar,' further dissect the complexities of belonging and artistic ambition. Shraya's work, often rooted in her experiences as a trans woman of color, challenges audiences while building bridges of empathy. Now a professor and mentor, she continues to produce art that is both a mirror to society and a guide for those navigating similar paths.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Vivek was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Vivek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Vivek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Authored the bestselling book 'I'm Afraid of Men,' a cultural critique of masculinity that was championed by Emma Watson.
- Released multiple albums, including 'Part-Time Woman' and 'With You,' blending indie pop with thematic depth.
- Directed and starred in the short film 'How to Fail as a Popstar,' which was adapted into a stage play and a book.
- Was named one of CBC's 'Great Canadian Filmmakers of the Future.'
Did You Know?
She is a seven-time finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards.
She is an assistant professor of creative writing at the University of Calgary.
Her art has been exhibited at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
She is a founding member of the music group Too Attached with her brother, Shamik.
“I think my work is about trying to make the invisible visible.”
