Shivani Dave

United Kingdom

Presenter at Virgin Radio UK

Presenter and Producer at The Guardian

Articles

There is no way to happiness, Happiness is the way

1 week ago | shivanidave0.medium.com | Shivani Dave

A book review of Unposted Letters by Mahatria RaLetters have long been associated with love stories — tales of lovers pouring their hearts onto paper during times of separation. But drumroll, this book is not about a romantic longing between two people. Instead, it’s about a love that many forget to nurture — the love for oneself. This book beautifully captures the essence of human interaction in all its forms and shows how deeply it connects with self-awareness and self-respect.
Gay’s the Word: the power of LGBTQ+ books for trans people-free workshop

1 month ago | eventbrite.com | Shivani Dave

Come and discover the untold story of what happened when government officers raided a queer bookshop in 1984 — and how the community fought back against censorship. This workshop will be tailored to the trans community, and it includes the story of the raid, group discussion about the importance of queer books, and the chance to make an artistic response to the story and themes. We're also running the workshop on April 17th, tailored to queer disabled people.
Gay’s the Word: the power of LGBTQ+ books for disabled people-free workshop

1 month ago | eventbrite.com | Shivani Dave

Come and discover the untold story of what happened when government officers raided a queer bookshop in 1984 — and how the community fought back against censorship. This workshop will be tailored to the trans community, and it includes the story of the raid, group discussion about the importance of queer books, and the chance to make an artistic response to the story and themes. We're also running the workshop on April 15th, tailored to trans people.
Natalee B Fitness's women-only gym isn't transphobic

2 months ago | metro.co.uk | Shivani Dave

When I saw Natalee B Fitness's Instagram post about her new women-only gym in London, called The Girls Spot, I couldn't help but smile. We've all heard stories and seen gym interactions between men and women that have left the latter uncomfortable, and The Girls Spot seemed like a brilliant initiative designed to prioritise women's safety in a traditionally male dominated space. But then I saw something I didn't expect: that The Girls Spot would be 'a single sex gym for those biologically female'.
The People vs Homophobia

Jan 30, 2025 | blog.peoplevsbig.tech | Shivani Dave

I used to post about LGBTQ+ Rights on TikTok. But after receiving so much transphobic, homophobic, and racist hate I‚Äôve pretty much stopped using the app. I know countless others who have done the same. It seems Instagram is heading in the same direction. Updates to the community standards on Meta platforms clearly state what is and is not allowed on their platforms. Spoiler: it isn‚Äôt good for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and even worse for trans people.
Gay’s the Word: the power of LGBTQ+ books - free workshop

Jan 25, 2025 | eventbrite.com | Shivani Dave

In this workshop during LGBTQ+ History Month, come and discover the untold story of what happened when government officers raided a queer bookshop in 1984 — and how the community fought back against censorship. Please bring any LGBTQ+ book that has significance to you for this workshop. If you are unable to bring a book the facilitators will provide the materials for you.
Buffalo is Black but the milk is white

Jan 20, 2025 | shivanidave0.medium.com | Shivani Dave

Shivani Dave·Follow1 min read·--Book review of “ Common yet Uncommon” by Sudha MurtyImagine sitting on your comfiest sofa or your favorite spot in your home, basking in the joy and cozy feeling it provides. From the title, you might have guessed that this book addresses social issues, and to some extent, you’re right. However, this book stands apart by offering a uniquely homely and heartwarming experience that draws you in.
I wanted breast cancer so I could feel comfortable in my body

Dec 16, 2024 | metro.co.uk | Shivani Dave

When I was a teenager I wished I had breast cancer. I know it isn't something to be taken lightly - I watched my aunt fight the illness for years as cancer infected her other organs until she died, slowly, painfully. But I still thought it was the only solution to the discomfort I felt from my developing chest. That's how desperate I was. I needed someone else to see that my body was not how it is supposed to be.
Regrets Lead to Repercussions

Nov 12, 2024 | shivanidave0.medium.com | Shivani Dave

Shivani Dave·Follow2 min read·--A book review of “ The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. Often we come across a point in our lives where we question our existence, where we regret our life decisions and it takes something very poignant or impactful to happen which makes us realize why everything happened the way it did. The book Midnight Library is about a girl who regrets the decisions she took, questions her present life, and ends up overdosing herself to die.
Enthu Cutlet

Nov 12, 2024 | shivanidave0.medium.com | Shivani Dave

Shivani Dave·Follow2 min read·--A book review of “How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-founded a Million Dollar Company” by Varun AgarwalBrave, the first thing that comes to one’s mind after looking at this adjective is somebody who has won wars on battlefields, is full of valor, and so on, but seldom do we forget that even living a normal life is no less than a battlefield which is full of battles of different kinds.