One of Them
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One of Them
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One of Them
A stunning, heart-breaking yet defiant memoir by activist, model and social media sensation Shaneel Lal.
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.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
One of Them by Shaneel Lal is a compelling memoir praised for its raw honesty and powerful storytelling. Reviewers highlight Lal's courageous exploration of identity, activism, and resilience, noting the book's impact in shedding light on important social issues. The narrative offers a deeply personal insight into the author's journey, resonating with readers for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781991006288
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 11 July 2023
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: A&U New Zealand
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 12.0mm
Width: 155.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Shaneel Lal is the founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group, the group that led the movement to ban conversion therapy in Aotearoa.
They founded the Conversion Therapy Action Group after giving their speech to ban conversion therapy at Youth Parliament in 2019. They have sat on the Minister of Education's Youth Advisory Group and Amnesty International's Global Youth Taskforce.
Shaneel was a Global Youth Leader for Open Government Partnership and was selected into the role of Youth Justice Leader by New York University Center on International Cooperation.
Shaneel is currently studying Law and Psychology at the University of Auckland.
Shaneel is a finalist for the Young New Zealander of the Year 2023.
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