On the evening of Tuesday 21 April 2026, the Salaam Institute welcomed the community to Bankstown for a conversation that approached a serious topic in a different way — through humour.
Laughing Through It: Using Humour to Navigate Identity, Culture and Pressure brought together professionals, students, and community members for a candid and engaging discussion with Ramis Ansari.
Known for his work as both a comedian and entrepreneur, Ramis offered a perspective that felt familiar to many in the room.
The conversation explored the realities of navigating identity as a Muslim in Australia — the expectations, the pressures, and the everyday moments that often go unspoken. Through humour, Ramis unpacked these experiences in a way that made them more accessible, without diminishing their weight.
More than entertainment
What made the evening stand out was not just the laughter, but what sat behind it.
Humour became a way to process complex experiences — from cultural expectations to the challenges of being visibly Muslim in professional and social environments.
It created space for reflection, allowing difficult topics to be approached with honesty, while still maintaining a sense of ease.
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that humour can do more than entertain. It can challenge assumptions, shift perspectives, and open conversations that might otherwise feel uncomfortable.
Shared experiences, different paths
The audience reflected a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but there was a common thread throughout the night — recognition.
Many of the stories shared resonated deeply, highlighting the shared realities of navigating identity across different spaces.
At the same time, the conversation acknowledged that these experiences are not uniform. Each individual carries their own story, shaped by their environment, profession, and personal journey.
Events like this create an opportunity to bring those experiences together — not to define them, but to understand them more openly.
A space for honest conversation
The evening was grounded in something simple but important: creating a space where people feel comfortable engaging with topics that matter.
Rather than offering answers, the discussion encouraged reflection. It allowed the audience to think about their own experiences, how they respond to pressure, and how they navigate identity in their own lives.
This is where the role of platforms like Salaam Institute becomes clear.
By bringing together voices from different fields — whether in business, culture, or public life — these events help facilitate conversations that extend beyond the room.
Continuing the conversation
As the evening came to a close, the energy in the room remained. Conversations continued, connections were formed, and the themes of the night carried beyond the event itself.
Because sometimes, the most impactful discussions are not the ones that provide clear conclusions, but the ones that stay with you — prompting reflection long after the event ends.
And in this case, it started with something simple: laughter.
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