photo by Simrin Dhillon

In Canada’s Cambridge, Ontario, Abiha Syed was approached by a local YWCA to facilitate a session where Muslim women could share their experiences of sexism and Islamophobia and offer ideas on how to make the community safer, more inclusive and more tolerant. During the planning phase, an idea arose to use photography as a medium to build bridges and help people confront negative stereotypes, and Syed coordinated the resulting (UN)Covered exhibit. It is a collection of colorful, serious and playful photographs by Simrin Dhillon, celebrating women and family groups from Muslim and Sikh communities who wear head coverings.

Syed shared her inspiration in an interview with the Asian American Writers’ Workshop: “The idea was that I just want to open conversations. I find that our communities are very segregated, depending on your color or how you dress.” She added in a Cambridge Times interview, “Any time anybody asks questions and I answer them, I can see them relaxing, like, OK, Islam is not a bad thing, like the media says. I want to keep this communication… keep that conversation going… I think the fear comes with any community that’s unknown.” Hoda, one of the subjects and models, adds: “Behind every Hijab, there is a story.”

Curated by The Circle’s Creative Director & Editor, Lara Herscovitch (Cohort 10). To reach Lara directly: thecircle@clpnewhaven.org or Lara@LaraHerscovitch.com

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