Interview with Minna Nizam: New York goth scene, the occult and Wicca

Part of what we like to do at WEIRDO is get to know the people following our work here. We interviewed Minna Nizam (they/them) about the New York goth scene, their interest in the occult, tarot reading and balancing their Muslim upbringing with their Wiccan practices.

Our paths crossed after we both spoke on an episode of Goth Topic Podcast and I was really excited to get learn more about them through this interview!

“Most other people of color I see at these events are Black or Hispanic. I always am the only South Asian there. It’s truly upsetting because I would love to see other South Asians in this subculture!”

1. What is the goth scene like in New York? Is there a sense of community? Have you been able to meet other South Asian people on the scene?

The goth scene in New York is incredibly diverse! There’s so many different sub cultures and goth themed nights at various clubs. I’m more familiar with the Brooklyn scene, with such places like the Knitting Factory, which is a popular club that features many different dance nights. One of my favourites were the goth themed, emo themed events. There would be local DJs, dress up encouraged and lots of black! Usually, dress requirements are to only wear black.  

I also have some experience with the witch community in Brooklyn too. I was part of the New York Wiccan Temple—we were always encouraged to dress in black and to come in our best goth wear. Wicca and Goth culture has always been tied together—in fact, modern witchcraft was birthed because of the new goth/alt subculture that emerged in the 1960s.

I have not been able to meet any other South Asians tied into the goth or witch subcultures. Most other people of color I see at these events are Black or Hispanic. I always am the only South Asian there. It’s truly upsetting because I would love to see other South Asians in this subculture! I know NYC and the Brooklyn side of things pretty well, and even living in Brooklyn—there aren’t many South Asians that were into the alt community. Most are immigrants, either located in parts of Queens, or non-gentrified areas of Brooklyn. Again, there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, it’s probably easier for these immigrant communities—especially South Asian immigrants—to live in areas populated by their own people. However, because of cultural, and religious barriers (I was raised a Muslim), goths and other types of alt communities were looked down on. I experienced this myself as a teenager—my own mother would often try to understand why I love the color black so much—EVEN STILL to this day! I am lucky that, she, as a strict Muslim, has learned to accept me for who I am. When I was a teenager, there were a lot of fights about my choice of outfits (lots of fishnets, fingerless gloves, band wrist bands, band t-shirts, Ed Hardy style clothes….so on and so forth).

2. What originally drew you to this subculture?

Originally, I grew attached to this subculture when I was around 14 years old. I stopped at a local FYE shop, which was a chain of CD/DVD shops around the US, and picked up my first CD, which happened to be Green Day’s American Idiot album. Although this isn’t goth per se, the ties to goth culture, emerged because of my introduction to punk rock. I started dressing in black, painting my nails black, and wearing a lot more black. I was lucky in that I got to see Green Day live in 2005 during their American Idiot tour, which was the height of their resurgence in popularity. Through them, I got into a whole new world of goth rock, heavy metal, pop punk, and much more! It was my love for the Dresden Dolls, which cemented my love of goth culture. I bought their first album, The Dresden Dolls in 2006 and then went to see them live in Sayreville NJ, at Starland Ballroom. That night changed my life! Although Amanda Palmer tried to step away from goth subculture, there’s no denying her impact—especially considering her marriage to Neil Gaiman, who is our generation’s Edgar Allan Poe through his terrifying stories. Speaking of which! Neil and Amanda have a huge impact on NYC goth culture—Neil used to work at Bard College as a Professor, they both recently attended the Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn!

As I grew older, I got more into goth fashion after I left undergrad in Madison New Jersey, at Drew University. Once I was back in Brooklyn, I got all my piercings, worked with my tattoo artist to transform myself, and hung out with a bunch of alternative people. I joined the NYC Wiccan Temple, wore black more often, and attended a ton of concerts on my own! The last two I went to, was to see Within Temptation and Epica live! Both very epic shows, that influenced me into the realm of goth metal. Ah do I miss those mosh pit days.

3. How did you get into studying history and learning about the occult? And what role does this play in your daily life?

I love History, and I love studying it. I always wanted to teach historical subjects and do conduct historical research. I focus my attention on South Asian narratives, immigration, and women’s history. All the while, looking into the occult in my own practices. I actually have gotten back in touch with my roots in India! As we all know, South Asia at one point, including Pakistan, was mostly just India. I started focusing on pagan deities through this lens. I worship the Green Tara, whose mantra is “Om tare tuttare tore swaha”. She is my favorite of all the South Asian deities, because her energy is motherly and focused on healing. Wiccan practices normally take from pagan roots. Whether it be Eastern, or Western practices, is completely up to the practitioner. In fact, one of the witches I know, has a giant book of shadows he created from scratch, and in that book, is the Green Tara’s mantra.

My historical study, truly ties into my religious practice. I love my heritage. I love where I come from. I love our pagan roots. I keep to that as often as I can, and am proud to be part of such a diverse legacy.

4. You also practice tarot reading. Where did your practise begin and how has this developed over time?

My practice of tarot, began with a local witch shop in Brooklyn, called Catland. They offer tarot classes. I did not attend their classes, but instead was guided into tarot through one of the shop keeps. He offered me many tips and tricks in reading. Then, I self-studied tarot for an entire year. Now I consider myself to be an expert. I can read and interpret these cards without much thought. I am usually pretty good at picking up the energy of others through cards as well! I participated in a Tarot-thon for a Covid-relief charity recently last year! I took a break from reading of late, to focus on other endeavours, but am always down to read for loved ones/new customers.

5. As someone who was brought up Muslim but is also a witch, have you experienced any internal or external conflict regarding these identities and cultures? If you have experienced conflict, is there any advice you’d give to someone going through something similar? 

Oh yes 100%. My mother is a strict Muslim, and she is starting to accept that I am “different.” I am queer, I am very public about my Wiccan practices, and I even did some readings in front of her for clients. She was on video call with me as I got tattooed. Though all these things shocked her in the past, now, she is more accepting! I’m not religious when it comes to my Muslim identity. I consider myself to be a secular Muslim. I practice some of the holidays, and still celebrate Ramadan/Eid. I try to follow some principals in giving zakat and being charitable. However, overall, I just do what I wish and keep moving forward.

My advice to fellow Muslim born South Asians who want to be part of the alt community: just do as you want! Don’t let anyone hold you back. Wear the clothes you want, and get as many tattoos/piercings as your heart desires!