"Shine with Pride"—it sounds so simple, but what if your earliest lessons taught you to hide? How do you reconcile who you are with a world that tells you it's "wrong"? That was my silent battle, starting in a childhood shaped by traditional beliefs. I was raised by my deeply religious grandmother, and her views profoundly shaped my earliest understanding of love. As Wipro celebrates Pride Month, I'm sharing the deeply personal journey that taught me to embrace my authentic self.
Ironically, despite my upbringing, my own path to understanding began long before I had the language for it. When I was in the second year of high school, my very first significant romantic relationship was with a person of the same gender. Surrounded by a community that offered little to no understanding or visibility of such relationships, I remember feeling a sense of confusion. I genuinely thought I was “abnormal”. We simply enjoyed each other's company, a connection that felt undeniably real. I recall sitting together, talking for hours, feeling a profound comfort in her presence. My heart knew what it felt, yet my mind screamed, "This isn't allowed. This isn't normal." The most difficult emotion I grappled with was the fear of being judged, especially given my role as a school leader and my reputation as the top of the class. It was a crippling burden, knowing that such a connection could jeopardize everything I had worked for. Despite that fear and the pervasive feeling of being "wrong," I silently resisted the urge to pull away. I fiercely held onto that connection because, underneath all the confusion, it felt right for me. It was a private battle between what I was taught and what my heart deeply desired, and in that struggle, I felt a strange, fierce pride in holding onto something, even when the world offered no space for it. For a long time, I wrestled with my identity, gradually realizing my heart was open to both genders.
Years later, something began to shift my world and offered clarity: I discovered the Thai BL (Boys' Love) series. I was aimlessly scrolling on TikTok when a clip caught my eye, showcasing same-gender love conquering societal judgment. What started as curiosity, a dive into captivating storytelling, quickly evolved into something far more profound. With each episode, each story, I wasn’t just watching characters on a screen; I was witnessing love in its purest, most raw, and most beautiful forms. I saw tenderness, unwavering support, profound joy, and heartbreaking challenges. It was through these narratives that my mind and heart began to open to what love truly is: a powerful, human connection not bound by gender, orientation, or any societal norms. The feeling of “abnormality” I once felt began to dissolve, replaced by a liberating understanding that my bisexuality was a natural and beautiful part of the wide spectrum of human experience.
This realization shattered old beliefs, replacing them with empathy and a clear understanding that the essence of love—the shared laughter and comforting presence—is a universal truth, no matter who you choose to love.
My experience taught me the power of acceptance and the need to create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and celebrated for their authentic selves. This personal journey, which encompasses my own identity, fuels my commitment to our Wipro community. Our core values of respect and inclusivity aren't just words on a page; they are living principles that resonate deeply with my convictions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and an ally, I strive to foster an environment where every colleague feels respected and where prejudice finds no ground. I want the warmth and understanding I found to mirror in our daily interactions, making Wipro a true embodiment of inclusivity.
My hope in sharing my story is to inspire all of us, whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally, to reflect on your own understanding, challenge any preconceptions, and open your hearts to love's beautiful spectrum. Let's continue to build a Wipro where every individual can freely "Shine with Pride," knowing they are seen and supported. Together, we can ensure our workplace is a place where love, in all its forms, is celebrated and championed.
