Coming Out Stories
Here are some coming out stories from LGBT people in India, many from the MP group associated with Orinam. As you read the essays linked below, remember that the coming out process is likely to vary tremendously depending on your age, gender, family circumstances and economic independence, environment and experiences as an immigrant, second-generation (or later) member of the diaspora, or as a resident in your country of origin
.Further, (i) for some – but not all – people who are queer/trans, non-conforming gender expression gives them away as queer/trans – they don’t have the luxury of hiding their queerness because the gender expression itself attracts hostility and violence. For such people, not being visible is not an option. (ii) While it is true that coming out helps in greater visibility and in reducing stereotypes about queer/trans people, it is not a universal solution. Self-preservation and safety should take precedence. There can be unhealthy peer pressure to come out which must be tackled.
We hope that the following accounts inspire you in your journey towards coming out to yourself and consider carefully the possibilities of coming out to others. We encourage you to send in your experiences to us. Experiences of coming out post-377 are especially welcome.
The biggest exam of my life: Bubbly comes out to family in Chennai
Dear Pappa, Mamma and Keerti, my sis, Never had I ever thought in my dear life that I would be in such a position. All I ever want is happiness for all.…
‘The smartphone freed me’: a journey of dating as a transwoman
Nadika, Second Life It was a Saturday morning. I shut the door to my room on some pretext, went into the bathroom, and began reading out…
Coming Out Late, Coming Clean
To my parents, wife, brother, close relatives and friends: This may be a shocking letter to anyone who thinks they know me well. I think it is better to reveal…
Gender fluidity: my experiences and ideas
Image source: Eanil.com This article is only a personal reflection on some of my life experiences. I do not claim to be a philosopher…
Sex Change in the Time of Saffron Politics
I know I have said this before, but coming out IS a continuous, never ending process. Every day, you’re coming out to someone, and to something. Sometimes, you’re just coming…
South Asian, Married, and Queer? Seeking submissions
Background: Orinam is a Chennai-based collective that works in the LGBTQI and ally space. As its members and volunteers, our views of marriage as an institution are diverse and wide-ranging.…
Coming out to my dad
So, some people know my story. I came out publicly in December 2013, and I’ve often mentioned several times that I came out to my dad even before I came…
Video: Dealing With Family – குடும்பத்தினரை சமாளிப்பது எப்படி?
Hope you enjoyed watching our previous hangout video Growing up Gay and Tamil, where our members talked about realizing their sexuality and coming out. In this hangout, some of Orinam’s…
Curtains: short film by Nakshatra, 2013
Nakshatra In this short film, Nakshatra uses curtains as a metaphor for the insecurity and fear many young LGBT people remain shrouded in, and suggests that…
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