One day, on my way to class, I saw my parents outside the principal's office. Shocked, I continued to my class but was soon called to the principal's office. The principal told my parents, "Aapki beti lesbian hai, hum isse apne school mei ni rakh sakte".
Despite my parents' tearful pleas to let me finish the year, the principal refused, citing it as unlawful.
I was in shock and couldn't comprehend what was happening. My girlfriend's parents had reported me after discovering our relationship through our chats. This wasn't the first time; I'd been reported before for dating my teacher's daughter. When the principal asked if I was a lesbian, I openly explained everything to her.
I attended a top girls-only school in Lucknow, always happy to be surrounded by girls, though I couldn't express my attraction to them. After being reported, I tried explaining my situation to the principal. She understood but ultimately said, "We can't keep you in school."
Despite the uncertainty, I stayed calm and hoped for a better future. My real struggle began when my parents threatened to disown me once I turned 18, saying, "Hum ko nahi chahiye aisa baccha jo jagah jagah humara naam katwaaye."
They didn't disown me, but things got worse. I enrolled in an open school. My father became abusive, and my mother cut all ties, even refusing to be in photos with me.
Feeling alone and abandoned, I knew I had to move forward. I started taking tutor gigs, earning a few hundred bucks to survive. Through hard work and dedication, I worked day and night alongside my studies, gradually building a better life for myself.
Meanwhile, I discovered the story of a trans man, Jeffery Rubel, online, and the idea of transitioning thrilled me. It felt like what I had wanted my whole life. I researched the LGBTQIA+ community extensively, connected with many trans men, and learned every detail about transitioning.
Leaving my parents was never an option, so I took it upon myself to help them understand me. After three years, they finally did. By 20, I had bought my first piece of land and a vehicle. My parents were proud of what I had achieved despite the hardships.
The road to acceptance was tough for my family, but they eventually came around. I joined college, found an inclusive space, and came out to my supportive dean. After completing my degree, I joined Wipro in Delhi.
It's been a year since I moved to Delhi.
"Ab mai jab bhi ghar jata hu mere papa sabko batate hai mera beta aa gaya." I surprised my mother on her birthday with my beard and my changed voice. My mother took several pictures with me and uploaded them to every social media platform. I'm glad I never gave up on my parents.
My only message to my fellow trans men would be to focus on financial independence, stay hopeful for the future, and don't give up. You might suffer initially, but you will succeed, and you'll be the version of yourself you've always dreamed of.
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