Oh, Sundeep...
Being Black, Indigenous or a Person Of Color and Queer is quite the ordeal sometimes. Mostly because both ethnicity and race play part of both the coming out process and the actual identity the person decides fits them better. I have never met anybody who is Sikh, but I have met many POC and their journey is most times very similar to Sundeep's:
So I’m a product of two parents that were married before and have a child each from their first marriage. But fast-forward, my dad actually ended up leaving my mom when I was seven, eight years old. During the time of working at the World Trade Center Health program, I had an opportunity to tell my father about my true identity, and unfortunately, the interaction didn’t go as well. It became a little violent.
It was that interaction that made me understand that, hey, if this happened to me and I’m queer and I’m Sikh, there must be hundreds and thousands of other queer Sikhs out there that are also going through something very similar, but no one is talking about it. That’s when I was like, I’m going to utilize social media as a way to create visibility and awareness.
The thing is that he decided to use his work to promote visibility and conversations. Of course, they got hatred (duh, it's the age of social media) but the awareness they raised definitely offset that. He's a very accomplished person, always looking to improve his life and that of those around him. That's a really valuable person, if you'd ask me.
XOXO
Oh, LGBTQ folks in those communities have it even tougher, I think, than the Black guys. It always helps to know you aren't alone. Bravo to him. XOXO
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteBecause coming from marginalized communities imposes a heavy load on Queer folks. It's a struggle.
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteWow, his is quite a story. As you said, he is so accomplished despite the roadblocks setup in the culture. It’s always the machismo that is the biggest hurdle to overcome. He’s a shining light of what can be achieved given the drive and opportunities.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
Interesting video. Surprisingly, I deal with Sikhs on occasion, and most stay safe in what seems like rigid masculinity.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes.
DeleteGender roles are very strict and limited for them. When a cosmology and an ethnicity are so tightly intertwined, it's very difficult to break from the 'norm'.
XOXO
Yes, what an admirable young man he is! So well-spoken, dedicated to the community, and confident in his Sikh and queer identities.
ReplyDeleteLoved his view of the world.
DeleteAlso, articulate and handsome? Points. And serving the community should be something we all strive to do.
XOXO
Where the collar doesn’t match the cuff s
ReplyDeleteI love it
Yes!
DeleteAbsolutely.
XOXO
What insight and empathy to know that others needed help and made it happen. We really need more folks like Sundeep out there helping us making the world a little kinder and better. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's the cue to being able to relate.
DeleteThe way he thinks about others is something we all should strive to do. Really.
XOXO
Good on him...and being brave to live his life in a new way for this ethnicity. And he's right. he is sure to not be the only one. So handsome I may add too.
ReplyDeleteOh, very brave.
DeleteI applaud people like him. Making sure that others know they are not ALONE should be our goal. Always make room and pave the way for those who come after us.
XOXO