I was first introduced to my identity as a gay man while serving in the French Merchant Marines. At the time, I feared that if I returned to India, I would not be accepted for who I was. This led me to make the life-changing decision to move to Canada in search of freedom and authenticity.
While I found that freedom here, my experience in corporate Canada was not without challenges. I encountered anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments and often felt the need to hide parts of myself. Eventually, the strain of not being my true self became too much, and I made the courageous decision to come out openly as a gay man.
I later joined an organization called Out & Out, where I connected with other queer individuals who shared a love of the outdoors. Through this community, I became a leader in backcountry canoeing and kayaking, hiking trips, which allowed me to explore Canada’s vast crown lands while building meaningful connections.
My journey also led me to become involved in advocacy and social issues affecting the 2SLGBTQ+ community—particularly the question of aging and social isolation. I began to notice how connections within the community often become sparse as people grow older. In response, I partnered with students from OCAD University and the University of Toronto to help develop the blueprint for Canada’s first 2SLGBTQ+ cohousing network, Rainbow Hearth.
My journey as a gay man has taught me that when you allow yourself to live authentically and engage with your community, you give yourself the opportunity to experience the happiness you truly deserve.
When you allow yourself to live authentically and engage with your community, you give yourself the opportunity to experience the happiness you truly deserve.