In the Shadows, I Rise

My roots are from the  land of mustard fields and songs, where the dhol echoes loud, and the spirit stands strong.

But my truth’s got no place in this rigid mold,

A Punjabi son with a story untold.

In the eyes of my people, I’m supposed to be bold, but I’m battling storms, staying silent, controlled.

Draped in a history that don’t recognize,

That a man can be born, hidden in disguise.

I’m walking these streets with a face that don’t fit, dodging the stares, dodging the spit.

My words get twisted, my voice gets lost,

Being true to myself, man, comes at a cost.

Grew up in a house where prayers were said, but who do you pray to when you're misread?

Gurbani in my heart, but the world’s got lies,'Cause they don’t see the pain behind my eyes.

Gave up the dupatta for a turbaned crown, but they try to drag me back, pull me down.

“Kaun hai yeh? Is that your son or your daughter?"

But I walk with pride, I’m my own author.

I see the boys, laughing, playing in the street, Wonder if one day, I’ll feel complete. 'Cause my body’s a battle, a war zone in flesh, But my spirit’s a warrior, I won’t let it rest.

I got love for my roots, but my roots suffocate, In a culture that’s rich, but refuses to relate.

I’m the son that never was, the daughter they fear, but I ain’t no ghost, I’m standing right here.

To my brothers and sisters, living in chains,

break free from the silence, break free from the chains.

We’re more than the labels, more than the shame, We’re stories unwritten, we’re more than just names.

So I’ll fight for my truth in this land of my birth, where acceptance is rare, but I know my worth.

I’m a Punjabi transgender man on a quest, And I’ll carve my own path, won’t settle for less.