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Ryan Lanji and Sheerah Ravindren are both prominent figures within London’s queer community; both are working towards making the city become a more inclusive space for queer people of colour.

Multi-hyphenate is a word that can truly be applied to Lanji, who founded the South Asian collective and queer Bollywood club night Hungama. Aside from this, he works as a TV personality, an art and fashion curator, and founded NDY (Not Dead Yet) – an initiative that's turning queer club nights into fitness classes. Furthermore, he’s the winner of Netflix's reality series 

Sheerah Ravindren is a model and force to be reckoned with. A vocal and respected activist and advocate for the South Asian Tamil community, Ravindren consistently uses their platform to speak up against systems of oppression. Last year, they graced the cover of 

Together, Lanji and Ravindren have teamed up for a list of spots to hit up in east London. “Sheerah and I believe that all spaces should be for queer people and queer South Asian people,” Lanji said. “As two queer South Asian-identifying people we wanted to support independent and alternative places that embrace us and allow us to not feel our skin colour.” Scroll down for their list of independent spots, and head 

 to listen to an accompanying Buy Music Club playlist, entitled The People's Places.

Independent coffee shops are where you should be spending your time and your money. The eponymous cafe is a place of eclectic trinkets, amazing coffee and a hub for the east London cool cats who actually have something to say and contribute.

Waste is a radically independent punk/lifestyle store collaborating with artists and most importantly upcycling garments. The store itself is a visceral mosaic of subculture references, amazing finds and, as Sheerah mentions, a manifestation of what lives in her head rent free.

Aurum recently opened in Netil Markets community and is a women-owned and run shop providing people with pure gold piercing. The shop itself is stunning and Karly is such a dream. Aurum buys your gold, resells pure gold and its beautiful aesthetic of vintage gold is stun.

Across of Aurum is one of the market's most well-curated designer vintage shops. An industrial display of fashion house finds and rave culture mixed with some of the most important artefacts from culture is second to none. Also hang out for a bit to get to know the owner; she lives and loves her items as much as we love culture.

When in doubt, always stop for oysters. Fin & Flounder is a family-run fishmonger and they are so sweet to keep our oyster addiction at bay. Get it... oyster bay?!

Okko is a Broadway Markets iconic sushi and Japanese restaurant whose chile margaritas are like that spicy nice taste of summer. If you are there for a short while grab some tacos, but if you have some time try the incredible rolls and fusion treats.

Sheerah has been meaning to stop by here for ages and it’s a treasure trove of belts, buckles and S&M NRG. We raided the place and got ourselves bespoke belts made on the spot and fell in love with the owners and staff.

This new hot spot on Well Street in E9 was recommended by our mate Shimmy. Irish and Punjabi is a combo I never thought I’d hear, but it’s a taste you’ll forever crave. They had Irish oyster remixed Panjabi MC-style and the cauliflower cheese paratha was heaven in a mouthful. You must try it!

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Exploring East London’s Independent Spots With Ryan Lanji and Sheerah Ravindren

Okko

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