“I was born and raised in a humble village near Salem, where life was simple and the days seemed to blend into one another. My father worked as a driver, and my mother was a weaver. Growing up, I had the support of my two elder brothers, who were my pillars of strength.

After completing my mechanical engineering degree in Karaikudi, I found my calling as a professor in the same field. I thrived in my work, teaching and inspiring young minds. Little did I know that life had a turning point in store for me, a revelation that would change everything.

It was during my participation in various clubhouse groups that I started engaging in conversations that challenged societal norms. It was there that I met like-minded individuals who educated me on the complexities of gender and helped me understand my own identity. I discovered that I am not defined by the traditional concepts of male or female; I am a queer, non-binary trans person who doesn’t neatly fit into the boxes society proudly showcases.

Although I had always felt a disconnect from the binary gender system, it was at the age of 25, just a couple of years ago, that I found the courage to come out and speak my truth. It was a daunting step, one that required immense self-reflection and acceptance. But I knew it was necessary for my own happiness and authenticity.

Leaving behind my entire family was heart-wrenching, but I understood that my journey to self-discovery couldn’t be compromised.

Despite the challenges that came with embracing my non-binary gender, I poured my heart and soul into my passion for writing and reading. Since the fifth grade, I had been a poet, weaving emotions and thoughts into words.

I wrote a book, a collection of poems that delved into the depths of queer love, life, and the myriad of emotions experienced by individuals like me. It was my way of shedding light on our stories, hopes, and struggles. I longed for a future where these poems would be cherished, not as relics of the past, but as testaments to the progress made in accepting and embracing diverse gender identities.

While I am continuing my journey as a teacher in a private school in Chennai, I am grateful to have found a workplace where my gender identity was not met with hostility or discrimination. However, I knew that wider acceptance was a long and arduous road.

I remain optimistic, understanding that every change takes time. That’s why I poured my thoughts onto paper, creating a written treasure that would serve as a time capsule for future generations.

I yearned for a world where the divisions of caste, economic status, religion, and language would no longer hinder our progress. And if we couldn’t achieve that harmony, how could we expect society to casually accept and acknowledge the existence of diversity in gender?

We, the queer community, are prepared to educate and empower society. Also, we ask that our existence and our feelings not be disregarded or disrespected.

So, I write. And in doing so, I hope that the power of my words will ignite change, enabling the next generation to see beyond the confines of gender and embrace the beautiful mosaic of human existence.”