Mr. Nisar Niami (Broadening Narratives)

Description

Nisar Naimi, 41, is an event planner in Chicago’s South Asian and LGBTQ communities. Born and raised in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Nisar grew up in a large family and deeply values his parents’ sacrifices and community-building efforts. His father, a mechanical engineer from India (with Turkish roots), and his mother, a preschool and first-grade teacher from Bangalore, instilled in him a respect for education, culture, and service. In the interview, Nisar discusses his upbringing in the northwest suburbs, attending public schools, and participating in both South Asian and mainstream American circles. He recalls his parents’ role in founding and supporting local South Asian institutions, including the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs. He also describes navigating the challenges of coming out as a gay man within a conservative cultural and religious context. Nisar details the initial rejection from his father and twin brother, his deep bond with his mother, and the eventual acceptance he found with his family and community. Other topics discussed include: working at the Indo American Center, launching his event planning business (which focuses primarily on South Asian weddings), his observations of generational shifts in cultural identity, and his efforts to give back to the community through education and charitable work.