One of Them

One of Them by Shaneel Lal is a powerful memoir that plunges readers into the heart-wrenching journey of self-discovery and resilience. The narrative begins in a small, traditional village in Fiji, where a young Shaneel navigates an idyllic childhood. Playing dress-ups in saris with their sister and engaging in imaginative games with dolls under a neighbour's house, Shaneel embraces a simple yet joyful life. However, this serene existence takes a dark turn as Shaneel enters school and faces growing condemnation from their family and community.

In their early years, Shaneel is subjected to 'therapy' by conservative village elders who seek to 'free' them from what they perceive as evil spirits responsible for Shaneel's queerness. Shaneel endures brutal attempts to alter their identity, being isolated from both boys and girls to prevent the spread of their femininity. This so-called therapy escalates to physical beatings and torture, scarring a once-peaceful childhood with fear and pain.

Escaping the oppressive environment of Fiji, Shaneel relocates to New Zealand as a teenager, where the challenges of hiding their sexuality and gender identity persist. Initially attempting to keep their true self concealed, Shaneel gradually finds the courage to embrace their identity. A pivotal moment occurs when a church leader at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital offers to 'pray the gay away,' echoing the traumatic practices Shaneel thought they'd left behind in Fiji. This encounter ignites Shaneel's determination to change the narrative around conversion therapy.

Galvanized by their personal experiences, Shaneel founds the Conversion Therapy Action Group in New Zealand. This grassroots movement seeks to ban the harmful practices that had once marked their own life. Shaneel, along with a cohort of dedicated activists, embarks on a tireless campaign advocating for the rights and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their perseverance culminates in a remarkable triumph in 2022, when New Zealand formally bans conversion therapy, a historic victory ensuring that others will not endure the suffering Shaneel faced.

One of Them is more than a memoir; it's a potent testament to the unyielding human spirit and the fight for dignity and acceptance. Shaneel Lal’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of advocacy and the profound impact of personal courage. This is the story of one person's battle to live authentically and their extraordinary efforts to secure a safer, more inclusive future for young New Zealanders. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and understanding of the continuous fight for equality and justice.