“Standing for my truth and my beliefs – a gift from Rubaroo.”

As a queer-intersectional feminist, entrepreneur, and student, my path intersected with Rubaroo’s at a pivotal moment. At 17, I was eager to volunteer for social causes and contribute to society. That’s when Rubaroo’s ELP fellowship caught my eye, as conversations about gender, sexuality, and religion aren’t common. 

My understanding of gender and sexuality came from a queer perspective. However, my time with Rubaroo familiarized me with power dynamics and intersectionality, which I was aware of but had yet to explore in depth. And that’s where the essence of my journey began.

Unfolding a New Chapter of Agency:

I still remember my excitement and apprehension as I hit “send” on my application. I questioned myself if I would ever find a space where my views are embraced. And that’s when Rubaroo’s response was a resounding – Yes. The place valued dialogue, learning, and, above all, empathy.

So, it’s the ELP orientation workshop – an adventure unlike any other. From brainstorming four social action projects to implementing the gender curriculum in school over six months, I discovered the power of agency – a value that Rubaroo advocates.  

It was a great experience, and I didn’t think I would pull it off – but I did. For me, it wasn’t about doing this or that; it was that laughter over chai and samosas, the deep conversations that stayed long after the sessions ended and the bonds formed.

The Gift of Growth and What Next:

Since then, I’ve grown, volunteered for social causes, wrote newsletters, and pursued my academic passion. All this while, Rubaroo was the constant source of inspiration and the value of agency. The ability to speak my truth and stand for what I believe in is the gift Rubaroo has given me. 

My one suggestion to Rubaroo would be to be a bit more queer-affirmative, as so many of us find the organization a safe hub and associate ourselves with it. And I know – it’s only been a year for me, but I can see the impact of 10 years and wish for many more impact stories 20-30 years down the line.

Lastly, every young person should strive hard to achieve their goals, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the support of their community – their peers. And that’s where I extend my profound gratitude to Rubaroo for its sheer impact on my life. Here’s to the next chapter of our shared journey.

About The Author

Faiz Jiwani

Living by the principles of humanity, striving for pluralism, orating a story of millions of dreams, transcending thoughts into writing, and a budding researcher willing to unearth the mysteries of consciousness! That defines me the best! I’m a passionate Content Writer cum Storyteller, a Facilitator working on interfaith, gender, and youth development, and a Co-Founder of The Dialogue Project. You’ll find me engrossed in deep conversations, listening to music, watching great films, and always up for a chat!

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