Trigger warning: Sexual Abuse
“My journey as an LGBTQIA+ activist began with a personal struggle. I suffered sexual abuse as a child and struggled to find the courage to share my story with anyone back then. Society’s stereotypes and my parents’ refusal initially to listen to my feelings made it harder for me to speak out.
Night after night, painful memories of the abuse I suffered for years came back, feeling like sharp blows. It started when I was just a six year old child, at the hands of a family member – my older cousin. I didn’t understand what was happening, but I knew it was wrong. This was just the beginning of a series of sexual assaults that continued into my adolescence. I wondered if there was something wrong with me, something that made me a target for this abuse. Even a kiss on the cheek from a family member would leave me feeling disgusted.
I tried to share my horrific experiences with my parents, but they kept dismissing my stories, refusing to listen. I was sent away to a residential school, where the nightmare continued. In sixth grade, my math teacher sexually assaulted me, humiliating me in class when I tried to resist. He even beat me brutally once, and when I gathered the courage to tell my father, he accused me of lying to get attention and come back home. I felt trapped and silenced. I never considered reporting the abuse to the school authorities, knowing that they would likely cover it up. The school’s corporate culture didn’t create a safe space for students to share their problems or concerns. I felt utterly alone and unheard.
Later, moving to a school near home didn’t guarantee any safety for me. I was assaulted sexually by my Biology teacher there as well. My experiences have taught me that abuse has no gender bias and that every child is vulnerable.
Amidst all these, I came out as a Cis ‘Gay’ man when I was pursuing my higher education with my parents which I identify myself. There was resistance initially but I eventually received support from my mother who has even participated in Pride walks along with me.
My mother’s acceptance gives me strength to live life with dignity. In order to address these extremely sensitive issues faced by LGBTQ + community, I founded the Vizag Queer Athmabhiman Yatra and as part of that, administered the First Pride walk held in the Visakhapatnam City, Andhra Pradesh organized through Vizag – Nestham Welfare Society with support of Liberty Rebellion Organization NGO.
I actively participate in discussions, debates , conferences and Pride walks across the country, including support for PWD Queer individuals. I am also part of several NGOs that work closely for the welfare of LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently serving as a Consultant with various Organisations that work for empowerment of stigmatised communities.
Through my work, I aim to create a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse and support the LGBTQ+ community. I hope to bring about a mindset change and encourage open conversations about sexual abuse and LGBTQ issues. It’s taken me years to muster the courage to share my story, but I feel a sense of hope now that society is slowly acknowledging that sexual abuse isn’t limited to girls and women. Boys can be victims too. I wish society, especially parents would understand that every child is vulnerable, regardless of gender. As a boy, I thought I was supposed to be strong and capable of protecting myself, but the truth is, I couldn’t. I needed protection, support, and a safe space to speak out. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to do the same and help create a safer and more supportive environment for all survivors.”
Boyapati Vishnu Teja, LGBTQIA+ Activist