CiTR

RABIN (he/him) is the author of the novel 'I Only Make Love In Montreal'. This stunning debut collection of stories draws heavily on the author’s memories of growing up in Trinidad and explores themes of family, faith, race, child abuse, sexuality, and otherness. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, funny yet wise, these stories are infused with the warmth and vibrancy of the Caribbean sun and the insight of a young man who was trying to find love amidst the violence of his childhood.
Rabin was born in Trinidad to a large Hindu, Roman Catholic family of both Indian and African ancestry.

He immigrated with his family to Toronto, Canada, when he was a pre-teen. Geography has left an indelible stamp on Rabin’s writing, as he has lived in Trinidad, Ottawa, Guelph, Vancouver, his beloved Montreal and now Arthur, Ontario.

Rabin has worked as a health educator for Men that have Sex with Men (MSM) at the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention. He is a visual artist and a landscape and botanical photographer. For more information visit www.ionlymakeloveinmontreal.com
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LAYKE:

Growing up in conservative environment in Dallas, our next guest LAYKE (she/them) frequently felt like an outsider, but sought solace in self-expression through dance, musical theater, and writing which she incorporates in her latest project.



Layke recently released the single "No One Can Stop Us," off their new EP “Frequency”, a 90s infused dance-pop track that speaks to embracing the moment you're in, feeling everything and everyone and not letting it stop you. On the EP, she not only spotlights the enigmatic LGBTQIA+ community as well as her own bi/pansexuality, but she also touches on the normalization around discussing mental health. Unapologetically living her truth, Layke is ready to speak openly to help others find their voice with her new music— and for the universe to take note.


To date, Layke has garnered 2 million+ global streams following the release of two eclectic EPs as well as a collaboration with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg on an unparalleled version of Bastille and Marshmello’s “Happier” and has received support from Entertainment Tonight, Billboard, GLAAD, Wonderland, Ones To Watch, and Spindle Magazine among others. You can find Layke and her music on youtube/layke and on the socials at @laykeofficial