Dear Mehfil Friends,
Lately I’ve been thinking about what it means to come home to yourself — not a country, not a place, but to the parts of you that maybe never fully fit anywhere.
Growing up between cultures, we’re always shifting — trying to make sense of our identity in spaces that don’t always get it. But every now and then, something clicks. A trip, a conversation, a creative spark… and suddenly the “in-between” doesn’t feel like a gap — it feels like a place of its own. Somewhere in the middle, is magical.
This edition of our newsletter features a story from Alishbah Masood, which is an example of exactly that. She shares how reconnecting with her roots unlocked something in her art, her confidence, and her sense of self. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to pick a side. We get to exist in both.
As always, I’m so grateful you’re here. Whether you’re holding it all together or just hanging on, I hope you find something in this issue that feels like it was made for you. Because in so many ways — it was.
With love,
Armish
P.S. Hint about our next event: ☀️🧺👭🏽⛱️
🖼️ A Call for Submissions 🖼️
Father's Day is soon! We'll be doing a community post across our social platforms (just like we did for Mother's Day, hehe). Would love to see your adorable childhood photos with your father figures! To contribute, DM us or email itsourmehfil@gmail.com. 💕
✨ Mehfil Digest ✨
Mehfil Digest is a digital series where I (Armish 👋🏽) bring you a deep dive into the rich world of South Asian culture and history, in about a minute.
Last rant? The Tale of 2000s Desi Remixes & How They got Lost in Time?
🧡 Neither Here Nor There 🧡
Mehfil exists due to our very personal experience of feeling too South Asian for some people and spaces and not South Asian enough for others. All of us in the diaspora feel this. This section of our newsletter will focus on our experiences around this notion. We hope within these stories, you will find a safe space.
Between Two Worlds
Personal reflections by Alishbah Masood — artist, designer, storyteller, and third-culture woman based in ON
As a Pakistani-Canadian, growing up in the West shaped how I saw myself. I spent years trying to belong in spaces that I knew weren’t made for me, which left a gap in my sense of identity—something always felt like it was missing. Last year, I traveled to Pakistan for the first time in over a decade. I thought it would be a family visit, maybe a bit of culture shock. Instead, it became a turning point—reshaping my identity, how I expressed my creativity, and shifting my sense of belonging.
At the time, I had just stepped into post-grad life, carrying the pressure to make the most of every opportunity. As the daughter of immigrants, I felt the weight of their sacrifices and the need to make it all “worth it.” But landing in Pakistan felt like time slowed down. The pressure melted away. Each day, I witnessed the resilience, hard work, and gratitude of people making the most of what they had. Despite their struggles, there was a sense of presence, love, and hospitality that deeply changed how I viewed life and humanity.
My identity as an artist & graphic designer also always felt incomplete, I found myself searching for connection in different mediums but never felt like myself. A month long trip visiting historical museums, landmarks and creative spaces in Islamabad & Lahore unlocked an area in my creativity. This inspired me to start incorporating Urdu typography, block print and other traditional art practices into my work.
Sharing that work online completely shifted me towards working with South Asian owned businesses and creatives. I went to Pakistan not having direction and came back to a new passion to represent my culture in the creative industry.
Beyond creativity, I began to find a sense of community where I could show up as my whole self. I embraced my love for fusion fashion and storytelling, and through that, met people who shared that passion. Where I once felt I had to hide parts of who I was to fit in, I now find myself surrounded by friends who proudly represent themselves.
Now, I carry both parts of me into everything I do. Sometimes, being between two worlds can feel like being not enough of either. But I’ve learned it’s a privilege—to belong to both, to create from both, and to tell stories that live in-between.
By sharing community-based stories, we hope they will make you feel be seen and find a home amongst them. We surely do.
Want to share a story with us? Please email us at itsourmehfil@gmail.com or submit via form below 🧡
⭐ Heritage Highlights: Community Observances ⭐
Pride Month (June) – Queer South Asians have always been part of our story. This month, we celebrate them louder — in their joy, their resistance, and their truth.
Graduation Season (June) – This time of year brings endings, beginnings, and everything in between. To those graduating — and those who supported them along the way — congratulations. You did it!
Eid al-Adha (June 6-7) – Many from our community gather for Eid al-Adha will gather this month, to honour the spirit of qurbani — of giving, sharing, and coming together over meals and meaning.
Father’s Day (June 15) – A day to honour the quiet strength, steady guidance, and deep care that so many South Asian fathers carry — often silently, and always with intention. Through action more than words, they’ve shaped our roots and our resilience.
🪷 Fun Things Happening in the Toronto Diaspora! 🪷
Looking for something fun to do? We got you! Please get in touch with each organization/individual separately for more information. There is so much happening!
🥊 Gloves & Glow: A Private Boxing Affair, Her Wellness Collective (June 1)
This intimate event invites women to tap into their strength with a 1-hour private boxing session, followed by a luxury refresh and recharge bar to refuel post-sweat. Come punch, sip, and socialize — and leave feeling strong, recharged, and inspired.
🎺 Yaar Dost & Habibis: That sounds familiar, Virasat (June 6)
Growing up in Pakistan in the 90s and 2000s we were used to musical influence from the Arab world. Our pop artists borrowed heavily from Arab musicians and even the bollywood movies we watched used a lot of the same tunes. So we thought why not try to mesh the two?
🪩 Tama Sumo + Pursuit Grooves (Do West Special), UnTold Stories (June 6)
Tama Sumo is a standout German DJ and producer known for her eclectic style and sharp mixing skills across house, techno, and beyond. She kicked off her career in the '90s, playing small Berlin clubs, and has since carved out a solid reputation in the global underground scene. XLR8R called her “one of the best house and techno DJs in the world,” adding that her rise is all about her skills behind the decks. Join us on June for a night of quality underground house!
🎵 Flow State + Luminato Festival at Harbourfront, Tawoos Initiative (June 13 & 15)
A vibrant celebration of South Asian culture, a confluence of traditional and contemporary expression on Toronto's waterfront. Featuring Faris Shafi, Talal Qureshi & more!
🚶🏽♀️Hike Trip with Sisters in Toronto (June 21)
This full-day experience includes an 11km guided hike through breathtaking escarpment views, forest reflections, a self-worth & affirmation booklet activity, and time to connect with other Muslim women in nature.
At Mehfil, our goal is to tell our stories. Curate our spaces. For the new age South Asian diaspora, as we are!
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