My Journey of Coming out

One of the most turning point of my life, when I came out for the first time in front of 600 people at tape a tale storytelling event.

Swastika Rajput performing her coming out special "Keh Hi Diya Usko" on Tape a Tale stage.
Swastika Rajput performing her coming out special "Keh Hi Diya Usko" on Tape a Tale stage.

On the evening of July 2, 2022, I stepped onto the stage at Ghalib Auditorium for the Tape A Tale "Kahaniyaan Showcase". The room was filled with 600 people, and I could feel the weight of their anticipation pressing down on me. This was the moment I had been preparing for, yet my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and fear.

As I began my performance, I shared the story of my first love—a beautiful, tender experience with a girl who had changed my life. My voice wavered, but I pushed through, driven by a need to share my truth. Each word was a release, a piece of myself I had kept hidden for so long.

A girl who belongs to a lower middle-class family with an average look, an average student, and an average employee left her profession to pursue her passion, knowing that she is just average in everything—neither a good writer nor an amazing performer. She bombed on stage, fumbled many times, and stood against her love—just to listen to her heart. Finally, that day has come when she did her story, put her heart out in front of 600 people, and received her first standing ovation on stage.

In that moment, I felt a profound sense of freedom and validation. Sharing my story wasn’t just about coming out; it was about embracing who I am and being embraced in return. That night, I found my voice, and it was heard.

Though I Know - "Coming out is not a one time story"

Swastika Rajput
Swastika Rajput

Coming out is often framed as a single, monumental event, but in reality, it’s a continuous journey filled with evolving self-discovery and acceptance. My struggle with labelling my sexual identity has been complex and ongoing. For me, it’s not just about attaching a label; it’s about understanding and embracing who I am every day. Labels can be both empowering and limiting. While they provide a sense of belonging and identity for many, I’ve often found them restrictive. My journey has been marked by daily evolution, navigating the fluid nature of my gender and sexual identity. I don’t believe in confining myself to one label when my understanding of myself is constantly growing and changing.

When I decided to cut my hair, it was a significant step in exploring and expressing my inner self. However, this decision was met with backlash on social media. Also, my family questioned my choices, may be they're not ready yet. Despite this, I stood firm. This was my journey, my way of understanding who I am beyond societal expectations.

Through these challenges, I’ve reached a place where I can share my story without fear of judgment. I am touring with my new storytelling special, "Jab Pyaar Kiya Toh Gender Kya," which delves into my experiences with love and identity. This tour is not just a performance; it’s a declaration of my freedom to be unapologetically myself.

Swastika Rajput
Swastika Rajput