Yash (They/He)

Just because there’s connection doesn’t mean it needs to be sexual. Deep friendship is real love, too. My childhood self would never believe I’m a trans man. But somewhere deep down, I always knew something was off. I never fit into the roles forced on girls — the friendships, the expectations, the uniform. None of it felt mine. At 16, when I first felt desire, I needed a name for it. Why was I only drawn to women? Studying in an all-girls school felt like being trapped in the wrong script....

This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a statement. A reminder that the rights given to us by the Constitution must be used and asserted. I met Avani at the Tapish Foundation, where she was a volunteer. Over time, she developed a crush on me, but I didn’t realize it then. When she finally expressed her feelings, I said no—maybe because memories of a past relationship still haunted me, a relationship that ended due to societal pressure. But Avani was different. She didn’t let go of my hand—instead,...

It wasn’t legal, but it was our way to celebrate us, surrounded by those who’ve supported us. Born and raised in Bombay, I lived a quiet,...