I have tried to come up with a hearty “happy new year” post for many days now. But suffering from a debilitating affliction which strikes the best of us – Writer’s Block – I was unable to write one sufficiently creative or celebratory. But this video has shaken me out of my stupor.
I am sure all of you are familiar with the “It Gets Better” project by Dan Savage. This provides some context to this video. As an editor at Gaysi, I have read and edited many many coming out stories. Some serious, some humorous, some awkward but all very heart-felt and soul-stirring. It is indisputable that the process of self-discovery and eventually coming out is hard for all of us no matter if we are L, G, B, C, D, E or from any of the fastly growing queer alphabets. But this is further compounded for those of us who are desis and then some more for those who come from conservative religions. This video is moving as the speaker shares his journey in which he has to contend not just with homophobia but racism and parental opposition and several other obstacles. His story is also hopeful and inspirational as he reassures us that there is light at the end of the proverbial dark tunnel.
And because we’re so special (actually I pestered him a bit), NYScholartist spoke to Gaysi about why he decided to make this video:
I made this video to answer some of the hard questions that queer South Asians face in the United States and to provide a message of love, hope, and acceptance. If we can understand where we belong in this society, and what we can do to fight injustice, racism, and homophobia, then we’ll truly be able to enjoy the pursuit of happiness.
He also wishes he had more desi lesbian friends. You know what that means: Go watch the video, show some lesbian love and spread the word.
As promised by Broom, we want to feature more voices from Desis across the globe. So here’s to new beginnings and many happy endings! 
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That is awesome. Broom. Really enjoyed the video. Hope to see more of those. Thanks for finding this. Happy new yr to all
Hi desigirl,
I am glad you liked it. As much as I love Broom endlessly I am afraid I must take credit for finding and posting this one. I am sure Broom won’t mind.
The truth is I get credit for about 80% of what The Cathartist does. I don’t mind!
I appreciate the great job you’ve done The Cathartist for finding this out.
Thanks for especially getting NYscholartist to say some exclusive words for us. He seems like a great guy. Do you think you could convince him to write a little for gaysi
Hello Rainbow (has a nice ring to it),
I did ask if he would be able to write a full fledged post. But it appears he’s busy at this time. However, I will surely let him know his video was much appreciated and that any day he can spare some time, we’d be grateful for a post from him. You can also leave comments on his video and let him know Gaysi sent you.
Very inspiring! We need more voices like this. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
@TheCathartist: Thanks for this post. Love it!
love love love. i definitely needed this today.
hi! are you guys aware that the video is unavailable (at least here in the UK) … it says private when you click on it … also the NYScholartist channel doesn’t seem to exist… is there any other way I can access the video? these kinds of videos are so tough to come by. thanks!