“I was born and brought up in Dubai and lived there for almost 13 years and later shifted to India and did latter part of my schooling from Vadodara and currently doing my graduation in Ahmedabad. I was around eight years old when I was bit aware about my alternate sexuality and knew that I’m different than others and didn’t fit in the societal norms, but at the same time I wasn’t fully sure as to what exactly it was. It was only when I was thirteen that I realized that I’m asexual. I am pretty sure that majority of your readers won’t be aware of the word asexuality. Asexuality is defined as “Lack of sexual attraction to anyone, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. Instead of being sexually attracted to men or women, asexual people are sexually attracted to no one.” There was always a fear of being misunderstood by the society and thinking about the tough life ahead once I spoke about who I was so I never came out with this secret for a long time. All these years I’ve been judged a lot by society. People have thought of me as something different on the basis of my behavior, talking and walking style. They have thought of me as gay and in return I could never explain my side to them.

But a few years back I broke my silence and told my family and few close friends about my identity, that I’m asexual. I’m not interested sexuallly in any gender and at first my family called it a hormonal change of my teenage years and that I am normal otherwise. But I’d explain them that no this is me and you have to accept me as I am. They weren’t ready to accept me and were in deep shock but as time passed they have come to terms with it. Do you know what? Our society refuses to acknowledge my personal space and refuses to accept my identity. The society we live in isn’t ready to accept and live with the idea of alternate sexualities. Even a small conversation on asexuality would make them angry. Forget about accepting they can’t even tolerate discussing it. Our society simply lacks such information and that has made them very closed minded when it comes to discussing such topics. Our LGBTQ community has been of a huge help when it comes to understanding and relating to my problems. I want our community to get recognised by the society. Once recognised no one will question us or our identity.

Through your page I want to share my untold story to other people like me. I was fortunate enough to understand who I am and had the courage to open up about my identity. I believe there are many people out there like me living with doubt and hiding their identity. I want them to come out and open up about it.

Any Message? My whole story is a message, but I would end it by saying that just be kind to everyone. ”

Story By – Pray Bavishi | Humans Of Amdavad