Sam Brannon
This interview is with Sam Brannon, who is the pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elgin, Texas. Sam discusses the fresh perspective he brings to the church. After three years of serving as their pastor, Sam has developed close relationships with the congregation, hearing their concerns and navigating their grievances with them. In this interview, Sam shares his own story, the inclusivity he preaches, and the new challenges of preaching during the pandemic.
Qusay Hussein
This interview is with Qusay Hussein, an Iraqi former refugee who fled his native country to Jordan after losing his vision after a bomb blast detonation in Baghdad. After working with Doctors Without Borders in Jordan, Hussein moved to Austin, Texas in 2012. Hussein credits groups like Interfaith Action of Central Texas for supporting him through his transition. He now studies at the University of Texas at Austin and hopes to uplift those in need of help as a psychologist and motivational speaker.
Roshnara Mustafa
This interview is with Roshnara Mustafa, an Indian Muslim who lives in Austin, Texas. Roshnara shares her story of growing up in Kerala, India and her exposure to different sects of Islam, including Sufism. Roshnara discusses her own path in strengthening her faith and religious identity and advocates for accepting pluralism within Islam.
Lee Ann Bryce
This interview is with Lee Ann Bryce, who speaks to the liberating experience of coming out as lesbian and getting to live freely. Lee Ann attended seminary at Iliff School of Theology and became the youth director in an Episcopal Church in Boulder, Colorado before Lee Ann was effectively fired due to her sexual orientation. Lee Ann is known for preaching progressive theology and ensuring that safe spaces exist for people from all walks of life. Currently the Pastor at UCC in Fort Worth, Lee Ann is navigating being a religious leader during COVID, hosting most meetings through Zoom, and hoping that Zoom communications will continue after the pandemic.
Khadeeja Moosa
This interview is with Khadeeja Moosa, a young Pakistani-American Muslim woman. Khadeeja describes growing up as a hijabi in North Texas and her experiences of othering and prejudice. She talks about how 9/11 was memorialized and taught in her public school and the ways in which this presentation impacted her. She discusses the misrepresentation of Islam in media and public education as a legacy that remains alive long after the events of 9/11.
Saagar Shaikh
This interview is with Saagar Shaikh, an actor living in Los Angeles, CA. Saagar talks about growing up as a Pakistani Muslim in Alief and San Antonio and describes the differences between those communities during his childhood. He describes his career path, including his decision to become an actor and the ups and downs of finding his place in the industry. Saagar goes on to talk about his recent role as Aamir Khan in Disney’s Ms. Marvel series. He shares about a day in the life, favorite scenes and memories, and what the role means to him.
Venancio Quinto
This interview is with Venancio Quinto, a Filipino immigrant living in San Antonio, TX. Venancio describes his childhood in the Philippines, his immigration, and early experiences in the States. He talks about living in DC, California, and Texas, and the jobs and relationships he had in each. He describes fatherhood and his relationship with his daughter. Venancio also shares his perspectives on immigration and offers advice to future immigrants to the US.
Muna Hussaini
This interview is with Muna Hussaini, an Indian-American Muslim and tech professional in Austin, TX. Muna describes her childhood in an expat community in Saudi Arabia and the transition to moving back to the US. She discusses the impact of gender roles on her and how her relationship with hijab changed over time. Muna shares her experiences of hate crimes and harassment as a hijabi woman post-9/11. She talks about how the kindness of others helped her through those times, and how she strives for kindness in her daily life and work with Muslim Space.