Mathusha Senthil on Self-Love and Healing
Image: TamilCulture
Our Founder, Mathusha Senthil, was featured on the inaugural episode of MyTamilDate’s new podcast “Dating While Tamil,” hosted by Ari Soorya. The podcast, produced in partnership with TamilCulture, aims to explore the intricacies of maneuvering the dating scene within the Tamil community. In this episode, titled “Love and Sexuality”, Mathusha emphasizes the importance of conversation and the role it plays in self-liberation, self-love and trauma healing. Speaking on the inspiration for Thaen Pot and Thaen X, Mathusha elaborates on the power of reclaiming narratives and unpacking generations of trauma.
The full episode is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Youtube.
See below for a compilation of key takeaways from this conversation*:
Mathusha on the reason behind Thaen Pot and Thaen X:
"These conversations were so frequent but yet they weren't being had publicly. And as progressive and as forward-moving as our community says they are or we like to think we are, it was interesting that we weren't having these public conversations...especially because we are seeing a much younger generation who is a lot more vocal about their sexuality and sexual well-being. But at the same time they're also a lot younger so they're not being given this guidance that they should probably have in regards to their sexual health and wellness. That goes for older people as well. So the original idea was this platform for people to share their stories."
Mathusha on the significance of the e-commerce shop as the primary source of funding for Thaen X:
"There is still this expectation of free labour [within community organizations]. So I needed to figure out 1) how do we address that and 2) how do we make sure that it can sustain itself in the long run. The sex shop idea came around right, and it tied together really well."
A shout-out to the young people on Tamil Twitter for being unapologetically themselves every day of the week:
“I always say that I give almost all the credit to the younger generation. I'm not sure if you're a part of Tamil Twitter, but that is a thing. [..] They're very progressive. [...] you guys are 19-year-old Tamil kids who grew up, I'm sure with just the same amount of conservative upbringing that most of us probably grew up with, but have that "I don't give a damn" attitude. Which I think is great because it has to do with themselves, it has to do with their autonomy. The fact that it's so normalized to them is inspiring. It's because people like them exist that I think that even us, the older generation, are able to do the things we do.”- Mathusha Senthil
Mathusha on the mobility of shame attached to dating, sex and intimacy within the Tamil community:
“We carry the shame when it's involved around our culture in our community. Yet, we're okay with it when we are able to step out of it, which is unfortunate. But it [shows] how we carry shame when it comes to our identities and how we view sex and dating and intimacy within that bubble."
And finally, Mathusha Senthil on why educating young people is crucial for sexual health and wellness:
“The best thing you can do is make sure that they get the right information.”
*Edited for clarity.
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