What an honor I received from the Canada Tamil Sangam from Toronto, after my participation in the Global conference on LGBT human rights and inclusive development which happened in Vancouver, I was invited by the Canada Tamil Sangam and it’s founder Valli kannan to speak about my journey as an activist, artist and and my work for the LGBT community in India. Vallikaanan anna and his wife Parvathy are long time friends of mine. Back in 2012, he invited me to Toronto but I couldn’t make it. This time it was just perfect for a visit and an action of change.
They landed in Toronto I had a warm reception by Valllikannan who drove me directly to his home to meet his wife and two lovely daughters. So long and sweet I immediately became a part of the family.
The next day the Canada Tamil sangam had arranged for a tribute program for Dr. Kalaignar where I read a poetry of mine praising Dr. Kalaignar’s amazing contribution towards social justice in Tamilnadu. I met many great personalities in the tribute program, became acquainted and learned a lot about Kalaignar through their speeches.
The third day my special address, screening of my Vasu poetry films and exhibition of some of Sahodari Foundation TRANS/HEARTS artworks. The reception was great and I spoke for almost an hour. The audience bear hundred percent attentive and didn’t even get up for a moment for more than an hour. What I spoke in my special address was more than about my journey. It was about how human courage can transform lives, it was about how family acceptance and love can transform a child’s life into greatness and excellence, it was a calling for human understanding and respect for everyone in spite of their gender and sexuality.
