Q: Tell us about your experiences last year, when you realized you were bisexual but had yet to come out publicly.

A: Every day, I would have struggles with myself, trying to decide whether to come out and tell people. My older sister was the first person I told and she was completely supportive of me. It was very awkward for me when, at the end of last year, I developed a crush on a girl I know. I tried to tell myself that my crush would go away after a few months and eventually it did.

Q: How did your parents react when you told them you were bisexual?

A: They were raised as conservative Hindus and they had joked about me getting an arranged marriage. But my parents also said they would support me no matter what, because I’m still their daughter. 

Q: What made you decide to post a coming out video on Facebook?

A: I was tired of having to stay silent. Also, when the SGA sponsored the Day of Silence to support gay and bisexual rights, it inspired me

Q: What sort of reaction have you received since you posted the video?

A: I expected to be bullied in the hallways but that hasn’t happened at all. I got a lot of really nice comments on my video and I actually teared up when I was reading them. My friends have been treating me the same as always.

Q: Have other gay or bisexual students reached out to you since you came out?

A: Yes, I’ve gotten a few Facebook messages from girls who are also bisexual and going through the same thing as I am. It’s been nice to have support from all my straight friends, but there’s nothing like talking to people who can identify with me. My hope is that anybody at Langley who is struggling with their sexuality and trying to decide whether to come out will come to me so I can support them and give advice. Coming out is not an easy decision. People shouldn’t just come out on a whim; they should give it serious thought first.

Q: You took your video down four days after you posted it.

A: My parents wanted me to take it down. They thought that people who don’t know me have no right to see it. However, I do want to put it back at some point- maybe in a year.

Q: Now that you have come out, what do you see for yourself in terms of dating?

A: Even before they knew I was bisexual, my parents said they didn’t want me to date until college. So I think I will respect that, because I don’t want to go against what my parents say.

Q: What advice would you like to share, from your experiences?

A: I want people to know that no matter who they are, they are not alone, and that being different does not make one a lesser person.