My story starts in India’s smallest state, Goa. Being raised in a small religious, conservative community, I was taught to shun anything out of the ordinary, especially anyone identifying as anything but straight and cisgender.
Growing up in such an environment, I was the only person in my high school who openly identified as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This subjected me to its own set of challenges: being outed by my friends, facing homophobic bullying, and being treated differently by my teachers and peers. It was during this period that I learned the power of being unapologetically authentic. This chapter of my life allowed me to build my core values and find strength in standing firm in my identity and sexuality as a bisexual woman.
Fast forward to 2019, I moved to Toronto to pursue my Bachelor’s in Public Relations at Centennial College and was welcomed into its inclusive spaces with open arms. From the stifling environment of my hometown to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of Toronto, I was finally able to embrace my identity fully and find people just like me—people I could bond with over overcoming our unique challenges and bravely accepting who we are today, regardless of what the world thinks about the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Presently, I can confidently say that this is only the start of my story, and my work has just begun. I want to create a world where people from the 2SLGBTQ+ community feel safe expressing their most authentic selves, unapologetically. I strive to use my voice and platform to advocate for inclusive policies, create supportive communities, and raise awareness about 2SLGBTQ+ issues.